Eating disorders lead to serious health problems, and can eventually become life threatening.

It is estimated that three to five per cent of the female population of Calgary — or, as many as 15,000 women—have experienced eating disorders. Since implementing the Eating Disorders program in 1995, Calgary Counselling Centre has provided specialized counselling to thousands of clients, both male and female, with eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, disordered eating, and preoccupation with weight. There is no single cause of eating disorders and the process for recovery requires counselling at many different levels.

The program is designed to accommodate the needs of the individual. Calgary Counselling Centre has developed a multifaceted approach to the treatment of eating disorders in which the primary counsellor consults with a multi-disciplinary team, including the family physician, group facilitators and nutritionists. Families and friends are also encouraged to be a part of the recovery process.

Calgary Counselling Centre offers the only comprehensive, outpatient eating disorder program available to adults in Calgary. The Centre works closely with the Calgary Board of Education and the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Eating Disorders programs are open to women, men and youth who are experiencing an eating disorder.

Eating Disorders: A Workshop for Family and Friends

A three-hour evening seminar for friends and family who want to understand eating disorders and offer support to a friend or family member who suffers from the condition. more...

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

This one evening seminar helps to determine if you, or someone you know has an eating disorder.

Psycho Educational Group

A seven week program that discusses a range of issues such as society's influence on body, emotions and self worth, and nutritional counselling.

Psychotherapy Group

A 14-week counselling group program that focuses on assisting individuals in changing their perceptions and behaviours around eating disorders.

Back to top

• binge eating behaviours
• erratic eating patterns
• restricting behaviours
• purging behaviours (laxative abuse and vomiting)
• using food as a reward or punishment
• excessive exercise
• belief that being thin is more important than being healthy
• low self esteem
• severely under or over a healthy weight
• depression and anxiety

Back to top

• assist recovery from an eating disorder
• work on issues and concerns related to the onset
  of the eating disorder and its effects on the mind and body
• discuss issues such as the cultural drive for thinness, falsehoods
  within the diet industry, obesity and dieting
• explore the effects of body image and self-esteem
• help individuals increase their self-esteem and live a healthy lifestyle
• explore the meaning and value of food

Back to top

All clients must participate in individual counselling prior to beginning the group program. Accepptance in the group is not automatic and is at the discretion of the counsellor.

Please fill out our online Intake form or call 403.691.5991 to request an initial evaluation session.
Programs are offered on a regular basis throughout the year.

Fees for the Centre’s programs (with the exception of the Marriage Preparation Program) are based on a sliding fee scale, according to the client’s total gross family income. Your fee will be established during the initial telephone call with our Intake Office. However, fees can be discussed with your counsellor during the first session.

Fees are payable each session by cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Interac.

Your assigned counsellor will be responsible for all your counselling needs in the Eating Disorders Program. The counsellor will be in consultation with your family physician, the dietician, and other professionals as required for the program.

Back to top