What to expect:
The first few sessions will be used as an assessment. (I know that may sound clinical, but all it really means is that I’ll be getting to know you and you’ll be getting to know me). We may not make any changes or goals in the first few sessions because we’ll be discussing your history, current patterns and getting clear on what you’d like to accomplish through working together.
Much of the work we’ll be doing involves unlearning. Unlearning the rules, beliefs and behaviors that diet culture instills that really keep us stuck. Through unlearning, you’ll learn how to take care of yourself in ways that are accessible, flexible, enjoyable, and meaningful to you. This will mostly entail relearning how to trust and listen to the signals your body is giving you. Hunger, fullness, energy, mood, digestion, satisfaction- these are just some of the signals you’ll learn to tune into.
I don’t have all the answers! Yes, I do have experience in what I do and some tips and tricks up my sleeves to help you, but at the end of the day, I view you as the expert. You know yourself the best and you know what’s best for you. I strive to empower you to harness the knowledge and wisdom that you inherently possess.
The occasional cameo appearance of my cat, Penny and sometimes my other very shy cat, Zoe. (As I only do virtual appointments from my home).
What not to expect:
We won’t be tracking what you eat. No calorie counting and no monitoring from me on what you’re eating or not eating. Sometimes a food journal may be used, but this is more so for your own observations to make any connections to how food makes your body feel.
99.9% of the time I won’t track your weight. It’s not relevant to the work we’ll be doing and I am often encouraging you to weigh yourself less or not at all because it’s most likely negatively affecting your relationship with food and your body image. In the .01 percent chance your weight is being monitored it may be for health and safety reasons to make sure your weight isn’t fluctuating at an unsafe rate. In this case your weight will most likely be monitored by your therapist or doctor.
No demonizing of foods. No foods will be off limits. Seriously. I promise to never judge or shame you for what you eat. And if you think I have judged you in some way, please know you can tell me and I will do better by you in the future.