MEAL and Snack Support

It doesn’t matter how many hours you spend in therapy talking about the food.  You aren’t going to get better unless you actually eat the food and sit with the feelings that arise when you do.  I know that may sound scary.  Meal and snack time can be a challenge for anyone with an eating disorder or in early recovery.  

Recovery is unique to each individual. While the ultimate goal is for food and eating to be an enjoyable experience, this can take time.  Sometimes, we simply start by aiming to make eating more bearable.  I meet clients where they are at, especially when it comes to meal sessions. This might look like: making food together at home, ordering takeout, going to a new restaurant, having a picnic, or trying a favorite food from before the eating disorder.  Some clients like to play games or music while eating with me to distract from eating disorder thoughts and urges. 

I offer both virtual and in-person meal and snack support sessions where I eat with clients.

Mindful movement

Does your relationship to exercise feel out of balance?  Many people with eating disorders struggle with some degree of exercise compulsion or resistance.  Exercise doesn’t have to be a compensatory behavior or a means to manipulate one’s body shape or size.  It can be a grounding experience, a way to honor and celebrate having a physically functioning body. With an extensive background in dance and teaching, I’m extremely passionate about working with clients to find this balance. I’ve helped clients find joyful movement through dance, yoga, walking, hiking, resistance training, and more!

LIve-in Coaching

Do you need 24-hour support?  I am equipped to come into a client’s home for a specified length of time to jump-start recovery, or aid in the transition from a higher level of care.  Live-in support looks different for every client.  The goal is to bring the support of treatment to a real-life setting.  Some clients may work or go to school during a live-in, while others may take time off to focus on recovery.  If the client has a treatment team, I work collaboratively with those members to create clear goals and continuity.  If the client doesn’t have a treatment team, I help set one up, so that recovery continues after the live-in is over

Cooking and Meal prep

Ultimately, the goal is to be a conscious eater, free with food, spontaneous, and fully recovered.  However, one must learn to crawl before learning to run.  If you need help preparing meals and snacks in advance, you are not alone!  

In the beginning, recovery can require structure and planning when it comes to the food.  I have lots of experience collaborating with dietitians and helping clients execute their meal plans.  I’m enthusiastic about cooking, baking, and trying new recipes with clients.  I can also help clients with portioning food, be it measuring or learning how to eyeball

Grocery Shopping

Does the thought of going to the grocery store make you feel overwhelmed and anxious?  I completely understand, which is why I often accompany clients to the grocery store.  Having the support of a recovery coach helps create new, positive experiences shopping for food.

Initially, I work with clients to create a grocery list before we shop together.  If a client has a specific meal plan from their dietitian, we take that into account as we make the list.  If there is something that feels particularly challenging about the grocery store (buying a specific item, going down a certain aisle, staying within a budget, shopping alone, etc.), that is something we can confront in our work together. 

text support

Does your eating disorder get louder outside of sessions?  Eating disorder thoughts, urges, and behaviors often intensify when no one is around.  I’m available to clients between sessions for text support and check-ins so that they can reach out to me instead of their eating disorder.  

Having a support system is paramount when it comes to recovery.  Some clients are reluctant to reach out to friends or family when they are struggling because they are afraid or embarrassed.  As a certified recovery coach and someone who is recovered herself, I am privy to all the nuances of recovery that loved ones may not be.  Most clients feel more comfortable reaching out to me in make or break moments, knowing I was once in their shoes.