Hi, I'm Vanessa

I help women reject what the world has demanded of them and find radical self-acceptance; free from BS quick fixes, toxic positivity or superficial affirmations

Whether you’ve found my page on purpose or stumbled across it unintentionally, I’m glad you’re here.

I'm a relatable therapist here in Melbourne, Australia.  I grew up in Kentucky, USA but have lived in Melbourne for the past 13 years. I love the people, the coffee and love being near the water or in the bush! 

For the past 15 years, I have worked in the mental health sector, supporting people with trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief/loss.

Over the years, I have observed the connection between trauma, eating disorders and body image distress and became passionate about helping people navigate this complex healing process. 

I have combined my clinical expertise and my own lived experience to create my body and food peace programs.

I truly love my clients, my groups and I consider it a privilege to witness  each person's vulnerabilities, heartaches and wins.

I believe that TRUE BODY IMAGE HEALING happens when we allow ourselves to be seen, connect with others in a safe environment, and learn from other people’s lived experience…

Something that happens in the group programs in such a beautiful way! 

I invite you to have a look around at the programs I’m offering and let's get started together! If you’re not quite ready to dive in, please feel free to download one of my freebies as a start.

Podcasting

Listen as I teach you how to make peace with your NOW body and with food! We talk all things self-compassion, mental health, body image and finding a flexible approach with eating that works for you.

Courses

Whether you want to work on body image or your relationship with food, I have an assortment of courses, programs and webinars. Check out my services here.

My Qualifications

Master of Clinical Social Work- Mental Health Concentration (University of Kentucky, 2010)

Bachelor Degree in Family Consumer Sciences (University of Kentucky, 2007)

Certificate IV in Nutrition Counselling (Vast Fitness Academy, Australia, 2020)

Therapeutic training in: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centred Psychotherapy, Mindfulness techniques, Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBTe)

Full Registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers

What I help with

1. Reducing body image struggles using body neutrality and body respect

2. Creating peace with food using a flexible and person-centered intuitive eating approach (without diet culture and food rules)

3. Helping you reconnect with your true self and your body using self-compassion and trauma-informed techniques

What I Don't Help With

1. Weight loss support

2. Meal plans 

3. Parenting advice for children's food behaviour or body image

4. Medical advice

Fun facts about me...

  • I love to travel and immerse myself into other cultures. My fav places I've visited so far are Vietnam, Spain and Fiji.

  • I LOVE 90s RnB, hip hop and dancing!

  •  I used to hate coffee but moving to Melbourne's cafe culture turned me into a coffee snob.

  • My favourite animal is an echidna.

  • I've seen Bridesmaids (the movie) like 47 times.