EATING DISORDERS THERAPY IN VANCOUVER

When Every Meal Feels Like a Battleground

Understanding Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve an unhealthy relationship with food, eating habits, and body image. They often stem from emotional struggles, such as low self-esteem, trauma, or the need for control, and can lead to harmful behaviors like restricting food, overeating, or purging. These disorders affect both physical health and emotional well-being, making it essential to seek understanding and support for recovery.

Homa Papaei

Common Symptoms

Obsessive Thoughts About Food

Constant preoccupation with food, calorie counting, or dieting.

Distorted Body Image

Feeling dissatisfied with appearance or having an unrealistic perception of one's body.

Extreme Concern With Weight

Intense focus on weight gain or loss beyond normal health concerns.

Social Withdrawal

Avoidance of eating in public or withdrawing from social activities related to food.

Types of Eating Disorders

Explore common types of eating disorders, each with unique challenges and symptoms that impact physical and mental health:

Anorexia Nervosa

This disorder involves extreme restriction of food intake, leading to severe weight loss and a distorted body image. People with anorexia often struggle with an intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is marked by cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors like self-induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. This cycle can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and physical health issues over time.

Binge Eating Disorder

People with binge eating disorder frequently consume unusually large quantities of food in a short period, often feeling a loss of control during episodes. Unlike bulimia, they do not engage in purging, leading to potential weight gain and health concerns.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED includes a range of serious symptoms that don’t fit the exact criteria of other eating disorders but still impact a person's health and well-being. This category acknowledges that eating disorders can look different for everyone and still require support and treatment.

My Techniques for Eating Disorders Therapy

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a proven approach for treating eating disorders, especially by including family members in the recovery process. It helps families play an active role in supporting their loved one’s healing by improving emotional awareness and teaching ways to manage and process emotions. EFFT also equips caregivers with tools to provide both emotional and practical support during recovery.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy delves into the deeper, unconscious factors behind eating disorders, such as unresolved emotional conflicts, early life experiences, and relationship patterns. It focuses on fostering emotional insight and healing, making it especially helpful for those who want to understand the root causes of their struggles. While it often takes time to see results, this approach can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders, especially Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. It helps individuals recognize and change harmful thoughts and behaviors around food, body image, and self-esteem. CBT has strong evidence for reducing binge-eating and purging episodes while improving body image, often leading to lasting positive changes.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective approach for treating eating disorders, particularly Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, in individuals who struggle with emotional regulation. It helps manage intense emotions and build healthy coping strategies. By teaching skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, DBT has been shown to significantly reduce binge-eating and purging behaviors.

What’s on your mind?

How can therapy help me with my eating disorder?

Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore the emotions and thoughts behind your eating disorder. Together, we’ll work to understand the root causes, identify triggers, and develop healthier ways of coping with difficult feelings. The goal is to help you rebuild a positive relationship with food, your body, and yourself.

Do you have experience working with eating disorders like mine?

Yes, I have experience working with individuals who face a variety of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and other related challenges. Each person’s journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to fit your specific needs and goals.

If I want, will my family or loved ones be involved in the therapy process?

Yes, if you feel comfortable and it aligns with your goals, involving family or loved ones can be an important part of the healing process. Family involvement can help create a supportive environment and improve communication, but the level of their involvement is entirely up to you.

How effective is therapy for treating eating disorders?

Therapy is highly effective in treating eating disorders and can lead to meaningful, lasting improvements. It focuses on addressing the emotional roots of the disorder, building healthier coping strategies, and helping you create a balanced and positive relationship with food and your body.

I am Homa Papaei

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). I strive to be a wholehearted, centered, and compassionate counsellor, drawing from over fifteen years of experience supporting individuals to connect with themselves. I firmly believe that each person has the capacity to navigate through their negative thoughts or experiences and find meaning in their lives. My role as a counsellor is to collaboratively explore with my clients the various aspects of their lives and understand how these pieces interconnect.

Licensed by Province of British Columbia

I speak English, Farsi and Turkish

Graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Read reviews of those
who I helped

I met Homa in 2020 and have continued to work with her since. I met her when I was at a very low place in my life. She was very understanding, kind and empathetic. Homa worked with me and uncovered layers that I did not even know of. A lot of who I am is all thanks to Homa. She continues to help me achieve my goals after helping me get out of my lows. Her support has helped me achieve new heights in my career and personal life. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Her vast knowledge and experience is unbeatable!

Name is hidden, 36 years old

My therapist has been an incredible support, providing a sturdy foundation for my progress. Her flexibility in adopting a logical approach, tailored to my needs, has been essential in guiding my healing journey.

Name is hidden, 44 years old

Homa is exceptional. I have been to other counsellors & stopped due to sessions not really accomplishing my needs. Homa’s style and plans have greatly helped me reach my counselling goals.

Name is hidden, 28 years old

I went to Homa Papaei in one of the darkest times of my life. I felt like my health and my job were coming down on me. From the few session we had she helped me incredibly to stop blaming myself for everything and to love myself. To put myself first. Thank you Homa.

Name is hidden, 58 years old

Working with Homa has been an incredibly positive experience. Her kindness and understanding create a supportive environment where sessions flow smoothly. She has a remarkable ability to grasp what you're expressing and offers valuable insights and guidance that truly make a difference. I have gained so much personal growth through our sessions. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking effective therapy

Name is hidden, 31 years old

In three years of therapy with Homa, I've dealt with stress and relationships while also uncovering more about myself. Homa's support in a non-judgmental environment has really helped me grow personally. I'm very thankful for her commitment to my happiness.

Name is hidden, 61 years old

I faced severe depression last year for the first time in my life. ... Her guidance helped me to develop a deeper awareness of my mental state and gave me the tools to help myself in the future.

Name is hidden, 46 years old

Name is hidden, 44 years old