Eating Disorders

Eating Disorder Counselling Ottawa

Eating disorders are common illnesses that are very serious and can be fatal. These disorders refer to changes in the eating and exercise behaviours of individuals as well as thoughts or emotions surrounding eating. Some possible signs of an eating disorder are preoccupations with body weight, body shape, and food. 


Common eating disorders include: 

  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Binge-eating disorder
  • Orthorexia nervosa


Eating disorders are most commonly diagnosed during adolescence and young adulthood, but also have the potential to develop both earlier in childhood and later in life. There are many factors that may contribute to the onset of an eating disorder, including social or cultural factors, genetics, biology, etc.


Due to the increased risk of suicide or medical complications, it is essential for individuals with eating disorders to receive intensive treatment as soon as possible. It is common for individuals with eating disorders to also experience other difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use. 


Treatment for eating disorders varies for each individual, but may include a combination of the following: 

  • Individual, group, and/or family psychotherapy
  • Medical care and monitoring
  • Nutritional counselling
  • Medications


Psychologists can help challenge unhealthy beliefs about food consumption and foster increased positive body and self-image. Psychologists can also help to manage any anxiety or depression symptoms that contribute to, or result from the eating disorder.

Gilmour Psychologists with Expertise in Eating Disorders

Contact Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa to schedule a consultation with a psychologist who has an expertise in eating disorder counselling.

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Dr. Karen Davies, C. Psych.

September 17, 2022
Dr. Davies provides psychological services to individual adults, couples, children, and their families. She has had her own private practice since 1989, and for seven years prior to that worked as a supervised associate in private practice.
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Dr. Deanna Drahovzal, C.Psych.

September 9, 2022
Dr. Drahovzal provides psychotherapy and assessment services to children, adults, couples, and families at Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa.
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Danielle Baldwin

By Kristi Rudolph • July 23, 2021
Danielle Baldwin, M.A., provides individual psychotherapy and couples counselling to adults experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, difficulties with emotion regulation, interpersonal challenges, and the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences. She has a particular interest in helping clients better understand themselves and their relationships, develop greater emotional awareness and self-compassion, and work toward meaningful and lasting change. Danielle takes a warm, collaborative, and individualized approach to psychotherapy. She views the therapeutic relationship as an important part of the treatment process and works collaboratively with clients to understand their unique experiences, identify their goals, and develop a treatment approach that fits their needs. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing primarily from psychodynamic, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioural , dialectical behaviour therapy , compassion-focused, and attachment-based approaches. She thoughtfully integrates strategies from these modalities based on each client’s concerns, goals, and individual circumstances. Danielle is currently completing her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa while working as a therapist at Gilmour Psychological Services® under the supervision of Dr. Deanna Drahovzal, C.Psych . Her clinical training has included placements at the Royal Ottawa Hospital’s Community Mental Health Program, the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Psychological Services and Research, the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, Gilmour Psychological Services®, and the Ottawa Hospital’s Ontario Workers Network. Alongside her clinical training, Danielle conducts research in group psychotherapy at the University of Ottawa, with a focus on therapeutic relationships in group psychotherapy develop and impact treatment outcomes. She has presented her research at academic conferences and has co-authored publications on topics including shyness, shame, and group psychotherapy.