Support for Individuals
The Path To Recovery
At Alberta Wellness Center we understand that eating disorders are not a choice. These are complex psychological illnesses that carry a high rate of morbidity and often come with a range of co-occurring conditions. We recognize that each individual’s journey is unique, and we are committed to providing a compassionate and supportive environment to aid in recovery and healing.
Our approach is centered around empathy and respect. We understand that our clients are doing the best they can with the resources they have. That’s why we offer a safe and nurturing space where you can progress at your own pace. We don’t believe in pushing or forcing individuals into processes they’re not ready for. Instead, we listen to your needs and work with you to navigate your path to wellness.
At Alberta Wellness Center, we are truly in your corner. Our goal is to provide understanding and support every step of the way, empowering you to take the necessary steps towards recovery. With us, you’ll find a team dedicated to your well-being and a commitment to making your healing journey as comfortable and effective as possible.
Holistic Support Services for Individuals
Meet & Greet
Our Meet and Greet services offer a free, 15-minute phone or video call, giving you the opportunity to assess whether a specific therapist is the right fit for you or your loved one before committing to a full session. This is a no-pressure chance to ask questions about the clinician’s experience, treatment modalities, availability, and more, helping you make an informed decision about your care or the care of your loved one.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your partner, or a family member, a Meet and Greet is a great way to start. Reach out today to schedule your call and take the first step towards finding the right therapist for your needs.
Psychological Counselling
Discover a supportive, non-judgmental space where your unique experiences are understood. Our compassionate psychological counseling uses evidence-based methods like DBT and CBT to help you address the roots of your eating disorder and foster lasting recovery.
Nutritional Counselling
Transform your relationship with food through personalized nutritional guidance. Our experts provide practical strategies and support to help you navigate eating challenges, embrace intuitive eating, and build a healthier approach to nourishment.
Groups
Connect with others who understand your journey in our supportive group settings. Our therapeutic groups offer a sense of community, shared experiences, and collective strength, helping you feel less alone in your recovery process.
Meal Support
Receive hands-on, empathetic meal support tailored to your needs. Our meal support services help you build confidence around eating, manage anxiety, and develop healthier mealtime habits in a safe, supportive environment.
Occupational Therapy
Overcome physical barriers to eating with our specialized occupational therapy. We assess and address sensory sensitivities, and develop personalized strategies to improve your eating experience and overall well-being.
Medical Monitoring
Stay on track with your health through comprehensive medical monitoring. Regular assessments help us keep a close eye on your physical well-being, ensuring a safe and effective path to recovery while addressing any medical concerns.
Recovery Rack
Explore our curated Recovery Rack, featuring tools and resources designed to support your healing journey. From educational materials to practical aids, this collection is here to assist you in achieving and maintaining your recovery goals.
Psychological Counselling
Our psychological counseling services offer a compassionate, individualized approach to healing, centered around emotion-focused therapy. We recognize that each person’s journey with an eating disorder is unique, and our therapy is tailored to your specific needs and experiences.
We provide a collaborative and non-judgmental space for you to explore the emotional roots of your eating disorder. Our goal is to uncover the underlying psychological factors and work with you to develop effective coping strategies and behavioral changes. Our methods include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to manage intense emotions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for practical coping skills, all aimed at supporting lasting recovery.
Our trauma-informed and holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to consider your overall well-being—mind, body, and spirit. We use techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address past traumas and compassion-focused therapy to foster a healing mindset. Understanding that eating disorders often involve complex relationship dynamics, we also incorporate attachment-based therapy to explore how your connections with others may impact your experiences. Our commitment is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can make meaningful progress on your path to recovery.
Nutritional Counselling
Our weight-inclusive dietitians offer a safe, compassionate and respectful space for clients to heal their relationship with food. Our dietitians see that every client has their own story, and the care offered will honour their unique experience.
Through our work together, we help our clients tune in to their inner wisdom, challenge food rules, disconnect from diet culture and discover what health means to them.
We support our clients in learning to nourish and trust their bodies in a way that is gentle, kind and aligned with the life they want to live.
Group Information
Our groups provide a unique healing experience, allowing you to recognize that you are not alone in your struggles, which can be immensely empowering. Hearing from others with both similar and diverse experiences can spark new coping strategies and broaden your perspective. In this safe, supportive, and informative environment, you’ll have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that can enhance your recovery journey.
Decisions about whether groups will run are made four days prior to the start date. If you are interested in joining a group, please register as early as possible to ensure it takes place.
Groups for Teens
Biology and the Eating Disorder for Adolescents
Description: This 8 week group takes an age appropriate approach to learning the specific impacts of Eating Disorders on body systems (Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Urinary, Hormones, Stress & Electrolytes).
When: Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-5:30pm
Next session: September 11th through October 30th, 2024
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom.
Duration: 1 hour x 8 weeks
Cost: $140
Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 8 per group
Who can attend: Open to adolescents 13 -17 years old, struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating.
Registration: Sign up on-line or by calling 780-977-7062
Adolescent Healthy Minds and Bodies
This group aims to support young females in developing healthy body image and positive self-esteem. This group will also cover other critical topics for young girls such as social media literacy, body consent, mindfulness and healthy relationships. It is open to anyone 11-15 years old who identifies as female and is struggling with eating and/or body image related issues.
When: Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-5:30pm
Next session: November 6th to December 11th, 2024
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom.
Duration: 1 hour x 6 weeks
Cost: $105
Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 8 per group
Who can attend: Open to youth between the ages of 11 and 15 years old, who identify as female, and are struggling with body image, self esteem, unhealthy relationships, and negative social media consumption.
Registration: Sign up online or by calling 780-977-7062.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Group
Description: This 6 week group focuses on learning the specific impacts of Eating Disorders on body systems (Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Urinary, Skin), Electrolytes, Sleep, Stress and Refeeding.
When: Tuesdays 6:00-7:30pm
March 4th through April 8th, 2025.
Where: Live virtual via Zoom
Duration: 1.5 hours (6:00-7:30pm MST)
Cost: $160 (covers 6 weeks)
Size: Min 4 people, Max 8 people
Who can attend: Open to individuals struggling with an Eating Disorder, supporting an individual with an Eating Disorder or anyone wanting to learn the biological impacts of eating disorders on the body.
Sign up online or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group for Adolescents
Description: This group focuses on learning and practicing DBT skills to effectively cope with intense emotions, relationship struggles, Eating Disorder behaviors and self-harm. The group will focus on the skills of Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Validation. The group is specifically geared towards the needs of adolescents.
Next Offering: Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:30pm
September 11th through October 30th, 2024
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $140
Size: Max 8 per group
Who can attend: Open to adolescents 13-17 years of age, struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating.
Sign up online or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.
Groups for Adults
Biology and the Eating Disorder Group for Adults
Description: This 8 week group takes an age appropriate approach to learning the specific impacts of Eating Disorders on body systems (Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Urinary, Hormones, Stress & Electrolytes).
Next Offering: November 6th to December 18th, 2024
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom
Duration: 1 hour (4:30pm – 5:30pm MST)
Cost: $140 (covers 7 weeks)
Size: Min 4, Max 8 per group
Who can attend: Open to adolescents 13-17 years of age, struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating.
Sign up online or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group for Adults
Description: This 6-week group focuses on learning skills to effectively cope with intense emotions, addictive behaviours and/or struggles with relationships. The group covers the skills of Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness. These skills can help you learn more adaptive ways to cope with emotions.
When: Tuesday evenings, 6:00-7:30 PM
Next Offerings: October 22nd through November 26th, 2024
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom
Duration: 1.5 hours * 6 weeks
Cost: $160
Size: Min 4 people, Max 8 people
Who can attend:
Open to individuals over 18 years of age struggling with eating disorders or disordered eating.
Sign up online or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.
Support Group for Adults with Binge Eating Disorder
Description: This is a six week group for anyone 18+ who struggles with binge eating. This could mean a clinical eating disorder such as binge eating disorder but can also include someone struggling with episodes of binge eating. The group will offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
When: Monday evenings, 8:00-9:00 PM
Next Session Starts:
October 21st through December 2nd, 2024 (no group Nov 11th, 2024)
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom
Duration: 1 hour, 6 weeks
Cost: $105
Size: Min 4, Max 10 per group
Who can attend: Anyone 18+ with binge-eating struggles.
Sign up online or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.
In Home Meal Support Services
In Home Meal Support can be helpful for individuals who are struggling before, during or after meals. For clients who have just left residential, or day programs/IOP or hospital, it can be helpful to have a professional attend the meals for a period of time. It can also be helpful to have ~3 meals with youth to help educate the parents/support person on meal support or in situations of transitioning back to work or school
Each client will need to have an assessment (1 hour) with the Registered Nurse to review things like goals, meal plans, number of meals needed, length of appointments, education for parents, etc. This can be done in home or virtually. Then the nurse will need to meet with the dietician involved in the treatment plan. This will be a 20 min consult to review meal plans and portion sizes. After this information has been gathered the Registered Nurse will be ready to provide in home meal support. In home support by a Registered Nurse, may be covered by your benefit plan.
Duration: 60 or 90 minute in home meal support options are available.
Where: Calgary NW, Calgary SW and Cochrane, AB
Cost: is variable depending on location and needs. Call for more information about this.
Meal Support Webinars and Workshops
Meal Support Workshop
Description: The Meal Support Workshop is a 1.5 hour, one time educational workshop. The facilitator, Chantelle Jensen, a Registered Nurse, will cover:
- What is meal support and why we need it
- Benefits of meal support
- Pre meal check in
- Behaviours at meals
- 4 C’s of meal support
- Distractions
- What to say/not to say at meals
- Validation
- Scenarios/practice
When: Monday evening from 6:00 – 7:30pm MST Offered once per month.
Next session: July 8th, 2024; August 5, 2024; September 9th, 2024.
Where: Live virtual, via Zoom.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: $40 for the first support person and $20 for each additional support person
Size: Maximum 8 families
Who can attend: Open to anyone who supports a friend or family member with an eating disorder during meals and would like to learn more about how to support and encourage.
Registration: Sign up on-line or by calling 780-977-7062
Meal Support EmpowerED Workshop (In Person)
Description: Mealtimes are often very stressful when supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. Meal support is an essential component of eating disorder care. Recovery from an eating disorder involves nourishing the body with adequate food intake which is very difficult for someone living with an eating disorder. Meal support involves providing emotional support before, during and after meals. Having a support person or people can be very helpful in reducing the anxiety, discomfort and fear that are associated with food.
The Alberta Wellness Centre for Eating Disorders is offering a two-day workshop for caregivers, parents and loved ones who would like to learn more about and develop hands on skills for meal support.
Meal Support EmpowerED Workshop (In Person)
Day One
- Defining meal support – specifics of why it is so important and the parameters of this role.
- Preparing for, and implementing meal support.
- Emotion coaching and meal refusal.
- Practical approaches to meal support – the nuts and bolts.
Day Two
- Support after meals – symptom interruption.
- Physical and emotional changes – what to expect during nutrition rehabilitation.
- Special considerations for meal support – school lunches, sports, special events.
- Working through challenging emotions that may arise during the process of meal support.
- Questions and concerns – where do we go from here? Resources and future support.
When: TBA, Please call or email if you are interested in this group.
Duration: 10 hours, Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 2pm each day
Where: South Location, 2715 Ellwood Dr. SW Edmonton, AB
Cost: $350.00 Eligible to be submitted to benefits under psychology or dietitian services
Size: Maximum 8 families
Who can attend: Open to anyone who supports a friend or family member with an eating
disorder during meals and would like to learn more about how to support and encourage during meal times.
Meal Support Webinar
Description: This two hour workshop is focused on skills to assist individuals who currently or will be providing meal support for their loved one. Topics covered include validation, emotions
around meals, providing structure at meal times and benefits of meal support.
On October 8th, special consideration will be given to meal support around holidays and special occasions.
When: To Be Announced. Please call if you are interested.
Duration: 2 hours
Where: Live, virtual via Zoom
Cost: $50 for the first family member, $25 for each additional support person
Size: Maximum 8 families
Who can attend: Open to anyone who supports a friend or family member with an eating
disorder during meals and would like to learn more about how to support and encourage
during meal times.
Additional individualized meal plan support is available. Join the workshop or request
individual meal support through online booking or by calling Alberta Wellness Center for Eating Disorders.
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapy (OT) services are designed to support individuals struggling with various eating disorders and related challenges. Our skilled OT professionals conduct thorough sensory assessments to identify sensitivities and barriers that may affect eating behaviors. Whether dealing with ARFID, sensory-related binge eating or anorexia nervosa, our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and sensory exposure techniques to address these concerns. We work closely with clients to identify and overcome physical barriers, such as difficulties with chewing or swallowing, and develop personalized, step-by-step treatment plans to enhance eating habits and improve overall well-being. At Alberta Wellness Center, we provide compassionate, client-centered care to help you navigate and overcome the obstacles in your path to recovery.
For more details on how our Occupational Therapy services can support you, visit our OT services page to learn more and get started on your journey to recovery.
Medical Monitoring
Medical monitoring is a crucial part of eating disorder treatment, helping us keep track of both your physical and mental well-being. Eating disorders can affect almost every part of your body, so regular check-ups are essential to make sure everything is on track.
When you start treatment, we’ll begin with a thorough medical evaluation to get a clear picture of your health. From there, we’ll keep an eye on things with ongoing assessments to ensure we’re addressing all aspects of your recovery. This includes checking vital signs, running lab tests, and monitoring other health indicators.
Our goal is to provide you with the best care possible by spotting any potential issues early and adjusting your treatment plan as needed. Regular check-ins not only help us see how you’re progressing but also ensure we’re catching any problems before they become serious. We want to support you every step of the way on your journey to recovery. For more details about how our medical monitoring services can support your healing process, please visit our Medical Monitoring page.
Recovery Rack
What is a Recovery Rack?
One of the many challenging parts of eating disorder recovery is the cost of purchasing clothes to fit your changing body. It can also be a very scary and overwhelming process going into stores and trying on clothes, when you are not feeling comfortable with your body. Due to these challenges, many people in recovery are left wearing clothes that feel uncomfortable or not suited to their needs, which can hinder the recovery process.
The goal of the Recovery Rack is to offer an economical and safe space to find clothing that works with your changing body. We offer slightly used clothing, available for free, for those recovering from an Eating Disorder.
Where Can I See the Recovery Rack?
If you are meeting with a clinician at the Edmonton West Office, please ask your clinician if you can see and explore the Recovery Rack. If you are not meeting with a clinician, please call 780-977-7062 to make an appointment, to come to the Edmonton West office at 10470 Mayfield Road, and choose whatever clothing fits your body and style.
Our team is here to help you with any emotions that might come up and to ensure you have a safe and validating experience. All clothing size tags have been removed to help navigate this process. The goal is to find clothes that fit and feel comfortable.
How can I help?
If you have donations of clothing that you would like to share, please bring them in. We are looking for clothes that are gently used and in a variety of sizes and styles.