Eating disorders involve a range of challenges related to disturbances in eating pattern and distorted perceptions of food and body image. Individuals may struggle with their relationship with food in various ways, such as experiencing intense preoccupation with food and eating habits, using food to cope with emotions, maintaining strict rules around food, feelings of intense shame and guilt around food and eating, and preoccupation with body shape and weight. An individual may experience behaviours around food and their body including restriction, binging, purging, and/or over exercising. Symptoms around food and body may overlap and fluctuate over time and can lead to significant physical and emotional distress.

You may be experiencing disordered eating if your relationship with food interferes with your daily life and keeps you from fully enjoying life or moving forward. Our therapeutic approach goes beyond addressing just the symptoms to explore the underlying factors and roots that lead to the development and maintenance of an eating disorder. We provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can examine the whole picture, including emotional, psychological, and social factors, of what may be influencing their relationship with food. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to seek treatment - if the way you eat and/or think about food is affecting your quality of life and ability to function, you deserve support. We believe that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible and are dedicated to helping individuals heal by addressing the root causes of their disordered eating, build healthier coping strategies by finding new ways to fulfill unmet needs and regulate emotions, improve self-esteem, foster a sense of freedom and balance with food and themselves, and reconnect to their true authentic selves. Our goal is to guide you toward rebuilding a healthy relationship with food and your body, ultimately promoting long-term well-being and a more fulfilling life.

Body image concerns can involve persistent negative thoughts and feelings about one's appearance which may lead to low self-esteem, disordered eating, behaviours to try to change or hide one’s body or appearance, and an unhealthy relationship with one's body. Negative body image can also lead to an interference with one’s ability to function and fully enjoy life, contributing to social isolation, low mood, anxiety, and feelings of shame. Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the deeper roots of body image concerns, which may stem from societal pressures, trauma, family and peer group influences, cultural factors, and/or personal experiences. Our therapists use an integrative and holistic approach, incorporating techniques from various evidence based approaches to help clients learn to understand the origins of harmful about one’s body, build self-compassion, develop a sense of body acceptance, and build an overall healthier relationship with one’s body. Our clinic specializes in addressing body image concerns by helping individuals heal the underlying issues, separating one’s sense of self and value from the physical body to foster an internal sense of self-worth.

Self-worth and self-esteem refer to how individuals perceive their own value and abilities. Self-worth is the fundamental belief in one's inherent value as a person, while self-esteem involves how much we appreciate and accept ourselves, often influenced by external factors such as accomplishments, relationships, and feedback from others. When individuals struggle with low self-worth or self-esteem, they may feel inadequate, unworthy, or overly critical of themselves, which can impact their mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

At Restorative Roots Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to helping individuals address these challenges. We work to uncover the deeper emotional, psychological, societal, and sometimes physical factors contributing to feelings of low self-worth or self-esteem. Through therapy, clients are supported in challenging negative self-perceptions, developing self-compassion and self-acceptance, and building a more positive and resilient sense of self. By addressing both the underlying roots and external influences on self-worth, we empower individuals to reconnect with their inherent value and foster lasting self-confidence and emotional well-being.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can interfere with daily life. People may experience symptoms like excessive worry, rumination, restlessness, a sense of panic or impending doom, or difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing anxiety you may also experience difficulty sleeping, challenges in social situations, gastrointestinal issues, and/or avoidance behaviors around anxiety triggers. Therapy offers a supportive space to explore the root causes of anxiety, examine underlying ingrained beliefs that may be contributing to anxiety, learn ways to connect to the present moment, and develop new ways of coping with distress. Through a holistic lens, our therapists use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients learn to identify, reframe, and challenge anxious thoughts, reduce physical symptoms, heal underlying wounds that may be impacting anxiety, and regain control over their lives. Our clinic specializes in helping individuals find relief from anxiety and build resilience for long-term well-being.

Sports performance challenges can impact athletes at all levels, affecting one’s confidence, focus, and overall performance. Issues such as performance anxiety, lack of motivation, or difficulty managing setbacks can hinder an athlete's ability to reach their full potential. Our clinic offers a supportive environment where individuals can address these concerns with therapists who have their own experiences in high-level sports. This unique perspective allows us to better understand and relate to the specific challenges athletes face. We work with clients to explore the mental and emotional aspects of their sport, develop strategies for enhancing focus and resilience, and overcome barriers to peak performance. We work with athletes to help foster a positive mindset and effective coping techniques, which can help them improve performance and work toward their goals with greater confidence and skill.

Additionally, addressing mental health is crucial for both current and former athletes, as these individuals often face unique pressures and transitions related to their sports careers. From managing the intense demands of competition to navigating injuries and life after retirement, athletes may experience a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and identity struggles. Our clinic provides targeted support to address these mental health concerns, helping athletes build resilience, adapt to changes, and maintain a healthy balance between their athletic and personal lives. We are committed to supporting athletes through every stage of their journey, promoting overall well-being and a positive, sustainable relationship with their sport.