FAQs about eating psychology coaching

Some brief answers to three FAQs I hear:

1. What is an eating psychology coach?

Eating psychology effectively addresses weight concerns, binge eating, overeating, body image challenges, and various nutrition related health concerns. As an Eating Psychology Coach, my approach is positive and empowering. I don’t see your eating challenges merely as a sign that “something is wrong with you” – but as a place where we can more fully explore some of the personal dimensions in life that impact food, weight and health. Oftentimes, our eating challenges are connected to work, money, relationship, family, intimacy, life stress and so much more. My training in this area is through the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.

2. Is what I do counselling?

There are some elements of counselling techniques that I will use but I don't dwell on trying to fix your past. Yes it is important to identify if past or present emotional or psychological circumstances or experiences have played a role in your beliefs or behaviours that are influencing your weight or other health problems, but then the main focus is on actionable, doable strategies that will get you results.

3. If I say that weight loss and food issues are not about the food, does that mean food or diet won't be addressed?

When I say it is not about the diet or it is not about the food, what I believe is that the focus of most weight loss programs is on controlling dietary intake and creating 'rules' for you to live by. This can only be a temporary fix and creates a lot of stress and angst. Good wholesome nutrition is important and if your diet is unbalanced or I believe there is a connection between your current diet and your challenges then yes nutritional changes may be required. Equally important to sustainable success is looking at what else is holding your back from achieving your health goals.

So what is with the hibiscus logo

Two things that are really important to me are colour and nature. I love bright colours that uplift the spirit and energise space and people. Likewise the ability to experience, see, touch and smell nature is essential to my wellbeing. Growing up in Tropical North Queensland probably gave me that connection with the sun, hot humid weather, and being outside all the time. 

More recently I spent 9 weeks living in Ubud, Bali as a volunteer English teacher at a youth centre. The Balinese use flowers to decorate everything, particularly their sacred statues and places and as part of the offerings to the Gods. Hibiscus and frangipani are collected everyday and placed reverently on statues of Ganesha: remover of obstacles.

Flowers were also placed behind the ear of both males and females after making an offering at the temple. I loved this aspect of living with local families and sharing their daily rituals. Even the most mundane item was made more beautiful by the flowers. 

So in creating Happy Healthy Groovy I wanted a symbol of what I want reflected in my practice. 

I want you to embrace your divine beauty, to let your inner goddess glow, and to tap into your intuitive knowledge of how to look after your body and mind. 

The hibiscus also represents, to me, summertime - the time of heat and energy and growth.

And that is what's with the hibiscus.

Stay happy, healthy and groovy

The groovy goddess