Eating Disorder Therapy in Calgary | NU Psychology

Finding Healing Beyond Food and Body Struggles

Living with an eating disorder often means fighting battles that others can’t see. Food, body image, and control can take up so much space in your day that little energy is left for anything else. It can feel isolating, exhausting, and overwhelming.

At NU Psychology in Calgary, we see you as more than your eating disorder. With compassionate support, evidence-based strategies, and a strength-based approach, healing is possible.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders involve ongoing difficulties with eating habits, body image, and self-worth. They are mental health conditions that affect physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships.

The most common eating disorders include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa — severe restriction of food, intense fear of weight gain

  • Bulimia Nervosa — cycles of binge eating followed by purging or overexercising

  • Binge Eating Disorder — recurrent overeating episodes without purging

  • Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) — avoidance or restriction not tied to weight concerns

  • Rumination Disorder — repeated regurgitation of food

  • Pica — eating non-food substances

  • OSFED — other specified feeding or eating disorders that don’t fit one category

Eating disorders often occur alongside anxiety, depression, OCD, or trauma. Every journey is unique—and recovery is possible.

Why Therapy Helps

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and shame. Therapy creates space to:

  • Understand the underlying emotions and beliefs driving eating struggles

  • Break free from cycles of restriction, bingeing, or purging

  • Reconnect with your body’s cues and needs

  • Strengthen self-worth beyond weight or appearance

  • Involve family and loved ones in healing, when helpful

  • Build long-term recovery skills and resilience

Our Calgary-Based Approach to Eating Disorder Therapy

At NU Psychology, we provide specialized therapy for teens and adults facing eating disorders in Calgary and across Alberta (via online therapy).

We use evidence-based approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)—reshaping thoughts and behaviours around food and body

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)—building distress tolerance and emotional regulation

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)—living with values instead of fighting thoughts

  • Narrative & Positive Psychology—separating the eating disorder from identity and building strengths

Our Core Principles

  • Strength-Based & Developmental—Treatment tailored to age, life stage, and strengths

  • Health at Every Size (HAES)—Moving away from weight as the sole measure of health

  • Mind-Body Connection—Relearning how to listen to hunger, fullness, and emotional cues

  • Family Involvement—Therapy that includes loved ones when appropriate

  • Holistic Care—Healing the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and environment

Why Choose NU Psychology for Eating Disorder Therapy

  • Specialized Psychologists trained in eating disorder treatment and evidence-based care

  • Calgary-Based with in-person and online therapy options across Alberta

  • Compassionate, Non-Judgmental Space where your story is heard and respected

  • Individualized Plans — no “one-size-fits-all” approach; your recovery journey is unique

Change takes a team. We’ll walk alongside you with tools, insight, and hope—so recovery feels possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Eating disorders are complex. They can involve genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, trauma, or cultural pressures. They are not a choice or lifestyle.

  • Yes. Eating disorders affect people of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds. Weight is not the only indicator of illness.

  • No. People of all genders experience eating disorders, though stigma can make it harder for men and non-binary people to seek help.

  • Yes. Many people benefit from outpatient therapy. For severe cases, we coordinate care with medical professionals and dietitians.

  • If food, eating, or body image feels overwhelming, stressful, or isolating, it’s time to reach out. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

  • Contact NU Psychology, and we’ll connect you with a psychologist specializing in eating disorder treatment.