Frequently Asked Questions

When I wake up in the morning, I am thinking about my day in a positive way. It’s a given that I will feed myself well, all day long. I don’t worry or obsess about food. My clothes fit, day after day, for years. My body has found its natural weight without me forcing it into an unnatural shape/size. I don’t weigh myself or count calories or diet. I eat all foods; nuts, ice cream, proteins, mayonnaise, cookies, veggies, fruits, etc. I enjoy my food and what it does for me. Most importantly, full recovery from my eating disorder means that I am mentally and emotionally available to myself and others. I am present which allows me to keep creating a satisfying and interesting life; intimate friendships, service, plenty of creativity and travel.

Carolyn Costin defines recovered in this way:
The person can accept his or her natural body size and shape and no longer has a self- destructive or unnatural relationship with food or exercise. When you are recovered, you do not use eating disorder behaviors to deal with, distract from, or cope with other problems. When recovered, you will not compromise your health or betray your soul to look a certain way, wear a certain size or reach a certain number on the scale.

Ambivalence is very common. Change is scary and the eating disorder can feel like a comfort, a friend. You don’t want to let go. It’s okay. I can help you strengthen the part of you that does want to recover. She is here, reading this now. As she gets stronger and learns to handle feelings and life situations, she won’t need to use eating disorder behaviors. The eating disorder part will transform into an asset. That’s exactly what happened to me. It’s awesome!

A coach compliments the work of therapists. Coaching focuses on the here and now. For instance, clients reach out to me in the moment when they need support to resist eating disorder urges or follow their meal plan. Underlying issues and the “why” of the eating disorder are perfect topics for trained therapists. Coaches help clients set and work on specific, measurable goals, provide accountability via text/phone and teach skills in real time. Therapists work with clients on deeper issues such as trauma and attachment wounds.

Eating disorder recovery is challenging and you deserve daily support to achieve your goals. Most therapists are only available between sessions when there is a crisis. I am available daily to keep you motivated and accountable to your goals.

Absolutely! Recovery often “takes a village”. Once I get a signed release from you, I will contact your team members to better understand your work with them thus far. I will also update them with a progress note after our weekly session.

First, let me say that I respect your education and experience! Coaching does not replace therapy but instead makes your job easier by providing clients with the support and accountability they need in the moment. Additionally as a coach I spend time with the client daily and am privy to their obstacles and wins in real time. I report these to you which gives you more context and information for your sessions. I am always happy to hear your concerns and ideas.

I am not a trained nutritionist/dietitian so I cannot give you dietary advice. I can educate you about general nutrition concepts and coach you to identify healthy meals. Most sufferers of eating disorders know A LOT about nutrition. My coaching helps you apply what you know in a healthy way to heal your relationship with food and fully nourish yourself. You’ll learn to utilize Carolyn Costin’s 10 Conscious Eating Guidelines.