What Freedom with Food offers

Freedom with Food is a privately-run therapeutic practice specialising in eating and body image issues (sessions can also address other related issues or any issues that arise in the process).  I aim to supplement rather than overlap with what is offered by the DHB and other services and will always refer on where appropriate.  I offer sessions both to those who fit the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders and to those with less severe issues.   In all cases, the aim of the sessions is to explore and agree goals with the person seeking help, and then to facilitate their making changes to their body image and relationship with food in line with these goals.

Due to the somatic element of eating and body image issues, the type of counselling and psychotherapeutic help which offers the best results in these cases can differ in some important respects from other kinds.    Depending on the nature and severity of the issues, there may be potential or actual physical health risks for the person seeking help,  and the therapist must take account of these and work together with that person to minimise them.    Also, while I take very seriously the need for confidentiality and only disclose information or seek disclosure with consent,  research-based evidence shows that a collaborative approach between the counsellor/psychotherapist, carers and/or medical professionals may work best for the person seeking help, and I take account of this in my work. In some cases, a collaborative approach may be essential to ensure that person's safety, and therefore the only way to work ethically.   If so, I make this clear from the outset of the sessions.

I would be happy to discuss any of these issues or potential referrals, and to offer any information I can on services available in the Wellington area.  I can be contacted by email or by phone.

My training

Among other qualifications, I have a Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders.   The main modality on both these courses was in Integrative Counselling, a modality which is well-known in the UK (where I trained) and becoming increasingly widely used there, possibly because of the evidence-based rationale underpinning it.   This training enables me to work either in a process-oriented or goal-oriented way, whichever is appropriate at the different stages in the therapeutic process.  I also hold an accredited Diploma in Life Coaching; this training informs the goal-oriented aspect of my work.

I would be happy to give more information about my training and my approach on request.   You are welcome to contact me about these or other issues.