Binge Eating Disorder Therapy Calgary

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder is defined by recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food—often quickly, and to the point of physical discomfort—while feeling a loss of control during the episode.

It’s usually followed by intense shame, guilt, or distress. And unlike bulimia, BED episodes are not followed by purging.

BED isn’t about food. It’s about emotional regulation—or more accurately, an attempt to regulate overwhelming emotions through food.

Common Signs and Symptoms

If you're wondering whether you or someone you care about may be struggling with BED, here are some indicators to look for:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in short periods, even when not physically hungry

• Feeling unable to stop eating, even when full or uncomfortable

• Eating in secret due to embarrassment

• Feeling numb, disconnected, or zoned out during a binge

• Intense guilt or shame after eating

• Repeated cycles of dieting, restriction, and bingeing

• Persistent feelings of failure, low self-worth, or loss of control around food
  
  

BED can lead to serious emotional, physical, and social consequences—and it often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions.

Why BED Is Not About Food

At ShiftGrit, we take a pattern-based approach to binge eating. Because in most cases, BED is not about food—it’s about emotional pain.

Many people who struggle with binge eating have internalized limiting beliefs like:

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “I have no control.”

• “I’m too much.”

• “I don’t deserve to feel good.”
  
  

These beliefs are often formed early in life, through non-nurturing environments—experiences like emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, bullying, shame-based parenting, or trauma.

Food becomes the coping mechanism. A way to soothe, numb, or escape. But it also becomes the battleground for self-worth.

Our goal is to change that.

The ShiftGrit Approach to Treating BED

Our approach is both trauma-informed and science-backed, combining structured protocol with compassionate care.

Here’s how it works:

🧠 Step 1: Understand the Pattern (Pattern Theory)

We identify the emotional loops driving the binge episodes—starting with the limiting beliefs and emotional triggers underneath them.

We help clients understand why these beliefs were formed and how they’re fueling the binge-restrict-shame cycle.

🔁 Step 2: Rewire the Response (Reconditioning)

Through a structured therapeutic process called reconditioning, we help the brain unlearn the emotional threats associated with food, failure, and self-worth.

This process doesn't rely on willpower. It creates actual emotional and neurological change—helping clients develop a calmer, more connected relationship with food and with themselves.

🧱 Step 3: Real-Life Application

We support clients as they apply this change in the real world: at mealtime, during emotionally triggering situations, and in everyday choices. The therapy is goal-driven, repeatable, and always focused on sustainable results.

Recovery Is Possible. And You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of bingeing, self-blame, and secrecy, please know: you are not broken—and you are not alone.

You deserve help that addresses the real causes, not just the symptoms.

Start with a Conversation

Our team of Calgary-based therapists offer in-person and virtual support for Binge Eating Disorder.

Whether this is your first time seeking help or you’ve tried before without success, ShiftGrit’s protocol is built to go deeper—and create lasting change.

Book a free 15-minute consultation with a Client Experience Specialist and find out if our BED treatment is right for you.

📍 Serving Calgary & Alberta