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Mental Health Nutrition

Many mental health conditions can impact our appetite and daily functioning.​ Discover how a Dietitian can improve your mental well-being through dietary support.

How I will support you

As a Dietitian, I understand the connection between what we eat and how we feel. Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to coping with stress and managing specific mental health conditions. 

Challenging food-related mental health barriers
I will work with you to identify and address any distorted thoughts or behaviours related to food. This includes helping you develop a healthier relationship with eating, addressing food-related anxieties, and creating a sustainable and positive approach to nourishment.

Support for Co-Existing Conditions
If your mental health is impacted by conditions like depression, anxiety, or disordered eating, I can provide targeted support. This might include managing specific dietary needs or helping regulate appetite changes associated with mental health conditions.

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Common Questions & Eating Disorders 

Getting help early for an eating disorder is essential to reduce the risk of long-term physical and mental health complications. As a specialised eating disorder Dietitian I am here to guide you through understanding your condition and provide the most effective support for a healthier recovery. Together, we can help you overcome challenges and work towards feeling better, both physically and mentally.

  • How can a Dietition help with eating disorder recovery?
    Working with a Dietitian who specialises in eating disorders can be a key part of your healing journey. I am here to support you in building a healthier, more balanced relationship with food. With training in the complexities of eating disorders, I can help you navigate the challenges and guide you toward long-term recovery. One of my roles is to help you identify unhelpful thoughts and beliefs around food and body image. Together, we’ll explore practical tools and strategies to support a healthier mindset and develop more positive coping mechanisms. Nutrition support also plays an important role in managing the physical effects of disordered eating. I will closely monitor your health, helping you address nutritional gaps and offering guidance if any medical concerns arise. Each session is personalised to your needs and goals. I will take time to understand your habits and experiences so we can work together as a team toward sustainable progress. Regular follow-ups are designed to keep you supported and motivated along the way. If you’re ready to take that first step, head over to my consultation page and book a session
  • How many sessions will I need?
    The number of sessions varies depending on your unique situation and goals. We begin with an initial consultation to assess where you’re currently at in your recovery journey. From there, I will work with you to set realistic goals and recommend a plan that’s tailored to your needs, whether that means weekly sessions, a structured package, or another approach that works for you.
  • Do you offer payment plans?
    Yes, I offer monthly instalment options to make sessions more accessible. For added convenience and privacy, all sessions are online via video, so you can get the support you need from the comfort of home. Reach out to learn more about how I can help.
  • What causes eating disorders?
    Eating disorders can stem from a mix of genetic, emotional, psychological, and environmental factors. It’s not about willpower or personal choice. Things like trauma, perfectionism, family dynamics, social pressures, and the impact of media can all contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviours.
  • What happens if an eating disorder goes untreated?
    Leaving an eating disorder untreated can lead to serious physical and emotional health issues. These may include nutrient deficiencies, heart complications, osteoporosis, and digestive problems, along with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Getting support from a qualified professional can make a huge difference. Dietitians trained in eating disorders can help you restore nutritional balance, create supportive meal plans, and rebuild your relationship with food, improving both physical health and emotional well-being over time.
  • Do I need a diagnosis to get started?
    Not at all. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from working with an eating disorder Dietitian. If you’re struggling with food, body image, or disordered eating patterns, I am here to help. No labels required.
  • Can I claim through insurance?
    Many private health insurance providers will reimburse part of your fees, typically between 20–75%. I am a registered member of HCPC, BDA, and CORU. Be sure to check with your insurer for your specific coverage.
  • Can I claim tax relief for these services?
    You might be eligible to claim tax relief on health-related expenses, including dietetic services. Please consult with your local tax authority or accountant to see what options are available to you.
  • Anorexia Nervosa
    This condition involves trying to maintain an extremely low body weight by eating very little or engaging in excessive exercise. It is characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, often leading to severe weight loss and malnutrition.
  • Bulimia
    Episodes of losing control over food intake, resulting in eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, followed by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
  • Binge Eating Disorder
    This involves consuming large quantities of food in a short time without engaging in compensatory behaviors, which can lead to weight gain.
  • Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
    This includes individuals who do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for other eating disorders but experience significant symptoms and challenges related to disordered eating.
  • Pregnancy-related eating disorders and fertility
    Support for those planning a family with an eating disorder, as well as individuals who are currently pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or transitioning from breastfeeding.
  • Disordered Eating
    Regular engagement in abnormal or unhealthy eating behaviors or patterns.
  • Emotional Eating/Comfort Eating
    Using food as a way to cope with emotions such as boredom, stress, or anxiety, rather than eating due to physical hunger.
  • Improving Your Relationship with Food
    Learning to use food to nourish and support your body while enjoying the experience of eating. Developing an intuitive approach by listening to hunger and fullness cues to guide when and how much to eat.
  • Intuitive Eating
    Recognising and responding to physical hunger and stopping when a sense of fullness is reached.
  • Orthorexia
    An obsession with eating only “clean” or “healthy” foods, accompanied by feelings of guilt or distress when consuming foods perceived as “unhealthy.”
  • Bigorexia
    A fixation on feeling as though muscle mass is insufficient, leading to excessive exercise or overuse of supplements aimed at building muscle.
  • Anxiety
    Anxiety can be a powerful trigger for eating disorders, as it fuels a cycle of distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms. When individuals experience chronic anxiety, they often seek ways to regain a sense of control, and for some, this manifests through disordered eating behaviours such as restriction, binge eating, or purging. The heightened stress response associated with anxiety can lead to appetite suppression or, conversely, compulsive eating as a means of temporary emotional relief. Over time, these behaviours become ingrained as coping strategies, reinforcing the cycle of anxiety and disordered eating.

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