Eating Disorders – A Client’s Personal Story

On June 24, 2014 / Individual Counselling /

The following is a personal story from someone with an eating disorder:

I can start off by saying that my story is probably not unlike many other stories of people who have suffered from an eating disorder.

I can say that I truly do not believe that anyone can understand what it’s really like to have an eating disorder unless you yourself have had one as well. Many people simply think that it is an issue with food and that the person can be cured if they would just eat.

That is so far from the truth and probably the smallest component of an eating disorder and is the easiest part to treat. Most treatment programs do focus on eating and food consumption because this is obviously important as the body needs food in order to sustain itself.

However, any good eating disorder treatment will need to focus on the inside, the psychological aspect of the disease in order to fully treat it and be successful. [Read more…]

Eating Disorders – Guidelines for Therapists

On June 23, 2014 / Individual Counselling /

Current family-based therapies recognize that although we do not necessarily know what causes eating disorders, there are many factors that contribute to their development.

The three main types of eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa: People with anorexia tend to have a distorted image of their bodies, believing that they are overweight even if they are dangerously thin. They refuse to eat, often count calories obsessively, and exercise excessively. Generally speaking, those with anorexia tend to be perfectionistic and often come from families where there are high expectations.

Bulimia nervosa: People with bulimia tend to eat excessive amounts of food and then purge the food from their bodies through the use of diuretics, laxatives, vomiting and exercise. There tends to be a great deal of guilt and shame attached to this disorder, therefore their activities are done secretively. People with bulimia often tend to be impulsive in nature.

Binge eating disorder: This is the same as bulimia to the extent that people tend to eat excessive amounts of food and often experience episodes of “ out of control” eating. However, they do not purge their bodies of food. Again, as there tends to be a great deal of guilt and shame, and their activities are often done in a secretive fashion. [Read more…]

Dialectic Behavioural Therapy

On January 29, 2014 / Individual Counselling /

The goal of any treatment is to help the patient in their effort to build a life that they feel is worth living and encourage their feeling of self-worth. The idea behind dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is to create a dynamic that promotes the two opposing goals of change and acceptance.

By helping the patient change and accept what has happened in their past, they can move forward with greater ease and accept their new “normal.” This also balances the patient’s desire to eliminate all painful experiences and accept life’s inevitable pain.

How DBT is used in addiction counselling

DBT has typically been used to treat patients who suffer from multiple severe psychosocial disorders and those who are chronically suicidal. DBT has been also designed to promote abstinence from drug and alcohol use and to reduce the length and impact of possible relapses. In addiction counselling, DBT teaches patients to envision, articulate, pursue and sustain the goals they have set in treatment. [Read more…]

S.C.A.R – The Emotional Stages of Separation and Divorce

On January 17, 2014 / Divorce Counselling /

When you’re going through divorce, you can expect to experience four distinct emotional stages: shock, crumbling, adjusting, and then relief (S.C.A.R.).

In the first infographic, you see the main feelings that accompany each stage. In the second infographic, you’ll see the types of things you may be thinking and feeling during each of these emotional stages of divorce.

In the final infographic, we offer several coping strategies for each stage.

If you’re going through a divorce, use these charts to better understand what you’re going through and help yourself heal.

Ages and Stages Through Divorce

On January 17, 2014 / Divorce Counselling /

Separation and divorce are big events in anyone’s life, no matter how old you are. Even though we are all unique, there are life stages that influence how we will react and handle changes. Here is how children, from infants through to teenagers, may experience divorce. [Read more…]

Top Three Ways to Fix your Child’s Sleep Problems

On December 19, 2013 / Family Counselling /

The importance of sleep for good health cannot be ignored. As human beings, we need to learn how to fall asleep and how to have a good night’s sleep so we wake up well rested and ready to tackle whatever comes our way throughout the day.

Sleep deprivation leads to many health and behavioural problems. Oftentimes children have difficulty knowing that they are tired or sleep deprived. It is up to the adults in their life to watch for the signs. [Read more…]

An Interview with Sue Cook

On December 19, 2013 / Counselling /

Sue Cook is the owner and operator of Family TLC – Family Therapy and Life Coaching Group. Sue started working in this profession in the early 1980’s and has had the opportunity and privilege of assisting thousands of people. Learn more about Sue in the following interview:

Q: Which three adjectives describe your success?

Intuition, growth and belief. I have great intuition and I have learned to listen to it. When I am doing what I am meant to do, following my intuition everything soars. Growth is always a focus for me, I am constantly asking myself how can we grow, how can I grow? This does not necessarily mean bigger but it always means better. Belief is something you must keep at the forefront, belief to me is a positive attitude combined with the trust that all will work out.

Q: What would you do with unlimited resources?

I would expand my team of experts, surround myself with people who know more than I do in their specialized area. With a well-paid diversified team I know we could build the Family TLC vision sooner. That way we can reach so many more Canadian Families and help so many more people. [Read more…]

Grief and the Ghosts of Christmas Past

On December 19, 2013 / Individual Counselling /

Coping with feelings of grief is difficult and complicated at any time, but during the Christmas season it is even harder. We think about those who have died, memories of previous celebrations surface, and our hearts ache. Our ghosts walk with us and make our steps heavy.

Over the years, Family TLC has helped many people turn their sorrow into a celebration and even into laughter. I invite you to read on and share in the stories of some of our ghosts of Christmas past. You may be surprised to find that they may help you celebrate with your own ghosts. The names of our clients have been changed to protect their privacy. [Read more…]

The M-SPOT – Is Money Affecting Your Marriage?

On November 25, 2013 / Marriage Counselling /

At Family TLC, we’ve noticed that conflict around finances is the largest contributing factor of separation. We believe that fighting about money or avoiding money discussions predict separation and divorce more than any other relationship problems. If couples can learn to talk constructively about money issues, many relationships could be saved.

Our clients have told us that discussions about debt, budgeting, money secrets, spending, financial emergencies and investing often turn into arguments. These arguments can then turn into full blown fights with damaging and angry words. While we can all agree that this is not an effective way to communicate with your partner, many couples are unable to change the course of this dialogue once it starts. [Read more…]

Painkiller Addiction

On October 17, 2013 / Individual Counselling /

People often assume that if a doctor prescribed a drug, it can’t possibly be harmful, yet many painkillers such as opiates are highly addictive. Without careful, extensive monitoring by a doctor, a user can easily get into trouble.

Most people who must take pain medication do not intend to become dependent. They do not use the drug to get high, but after a period of prolonged use they can become consumed by the drug until they cannot function without it.

Many of these issues arise when the user misinterprets or simply ignores the doctor’s instructions. A person may take more than the prescribed dosage and may also continue to take the painkiller for many months beyond what the doctor advised.
[Read more…]

The three main types of eating disorders

How DBT is used in addiction counselling

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