As a coach, my role is to specifically support and guide clients as they navigate the day-to-day challenges of recovery. Recovery coaching focuses on the how rather than the why. I don’t work with the underlying psychological contributors to an ED.

My coaching includes texting in between sessions, which can be a powerful tool when someone is trying to make changes and needs a little extra support. I offer support and planning with things that need to occur in daily life like meals, ordering food, tips for clothes shopping, closet clean-outs, body image in daily life, compassionate accountability for tough moments, practical strategies to face fears, etc.

I am a trained social worker and understand the interconnection between eating disorders and trauma which is why I bring a trauma-informed approach to my coaching. But as a coach I do not provide interventions for trauma or delve into trauma. I point clients to therapy for the deeper wounds in need of processing and healing.

Coaching can be a wonderful addition to therapy. Therapists often use coaching in their practice, but coaches have a much narrower scope of practice than therapists. Coaching is meant to be an adjunct to working with a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist and/or doctor.

Coaching can be beneficial for anyone trying to make changes either (1) towards recovery or (2) in an effort to reduce harm and improve their quality of life while living with an eating disorder.

Some examples of things we might do in coaching include:

• Making plans for following through on goals. Think about all the things that need to happen for someone to reach their goal: meal planning, buying the food, planning distractions, etc. Intentions are often not enough; people often need help with the logistics and practicalities to be successful.

• Developing personalized strategies for how to follow through with goals even when the urge to avoid making a change is high in the moment.

  • For example, how will someone eat lunch even when they are afraid and their mind is coming up with every reason not to have lunch.

• Coping in the moment with urges to engage in compensatory and harmful behaviors

• Anticipating barriers/obstacles and developing ways to overcome them.

• Staying committed to recovery even when motivation is low because it’s normal motivation for recovery to be inconsistent.

I believe full recovery from an eating disorder is a possibility while also acknowledging and respecting that we are complex humans living in a complex world. Not everyone is in a place where recovery is their priority and not everyone wants to recover. The idea that we are obligated to recover creates a sense of morality which perpetuates feelings of shame and disempowerment. I believe someone is always worthy of care, support, and building a life that feels safer for them regardless if that is with an eating disorder or trying to recover from one. I believe full recovery is possible—and in many ways it is a privilege because in order to recover we need to feel safe enough to do so.

You can read more about my perspective HERE.

I consider the role of trauma at an individual, collective, and historical level and the connection with eating disorders while taking universal precautions to reduce the risk of retraumatization and further harm.

I incorporate the trauma-informed principles when working with clients: Safety; Trust and Transparency; Peer Support; Collaboration and Mutuality, Empowerment, Voice and Choice; Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

"Trauma-Informed Care understands and considers the pervasive nature of trauma and promotes environments of healing and recovery rather than practices and services that may inadvertently re-traumatize."
-University at Buffalo Social Work

Citations

• Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care. (n.d). What is Trauma-Informed Care? University at Buffalo.https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/social-research/institutes-centers/institute-on-trauma-and-trauma-informed-care/what-is-trauma-informed-care.html

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf

I incorporate harm reduction into my coaching to reduce the negative effects of eating disorders. Harm reduction always has a place during the process. I have learned so much in this area from the amazing Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride.

Each person faces a unique set of contributing factors to their eating disorder and obstacles in their life influenced by the systems and environment we exist within and interact with. Not everyone is in a place where recovery is their priority; not everyone wants to recover.

The idea that we are obligated to recover creates a sense of morality which perpetuates feelings of shame and disempowerment. I believe someone is always worthy of care, support, and building a life that feels safer for them regardless if that is with an eating disorder or trying to recover from one.

This depends and is individualized based on someone’s needs. On average, I see clients once per week, but I meet with clients more frequently if support & meals are needed more often. I can meet with someone less frequently if they are further along in their recovery and in need of less support. 

Please note that texting is only included if meeting weekly. If meeting less frequently I do offer text support for a supplemental fee based on needs.

During the consultation call and first coaching session, I collaborate with clients to determine the best schedule for their needs and what they hope to get out of coaching.

I offer a free 30 minute consultation call to give someone the chance to meet me, ask questions, and see if working together feels like the right fit. I believe finding supports that someone feels comfortable with is so important.

If it’s a good fit, then we schedule our first session, and I send over a few forms to fill out and sign beforehand.

Ideally we work together consistently because change takes time, but I understand financial resources can make frequent coaching not feasible for some. Or maybe you are at a stable place in recovery but need a bit of a boost or guidance every few months! For these situations I offer 90-minute recovery support calls.

In a support call, we will collaboratively create an outline of your recovery goals and obstacles you have been experiencing. Together, we will develop specific ways to support yourself and take steps towards the direction you want to be moving in.

You are always welcome to book another single support call if you feel you need another!

60-minute coaching session with texting support in between - $120

I offer a certain amount of sliding scale and pro-bono coaching spots. Please inquire if this is needed.

Unfortunately coaching is currently not covered by most insurances at this point in time but that could change in the future. I encourage you to contact your insurance company & inquire if there are any reimbursement avenues available for coaching services.