About

Seeking help often requires immense courage. In fact, being vulnerable before a health professional – usually someone you’ve never met – can feel rather daunting. You may be wondering: will I be heard, understood, or taken seriously? These are valid concerns, and they shape the way I practice.

With this in mind, I take time to get to know you, your struggles, and your goals. I strive to work in partnership with you, because you are the expert in your own life. Sure, I may offer fresh insights and perspectives for you to consider – but always in a way that affirms your dignity and expertise.

I weave compassion and joy into my conversations with clients. And I do so, nurturing the hope that you may one day experience that same joy as you nourish your body.

Although I am a non-diet dietitian, I am not against people who diet or people who desire to lose weight.

Instead, I approach nutrition therapy from a weight inclusive perspective. In other words, I don’t attribute value to your weight or shape. You are worthy just as you are.

I can help you explore ways of sustainably improving your health, without focusing so much on weight.

This approach is one way to release the guilt and judgement that today’s beauty standards and weight-centric health care can trigger.

Are you interested in exploring your relationship with food and your body? Connect with me today.

• My sessions are a judgement-free space. I recognise that everyone is worthy. For this reasons, it doesn’t matter what you eat or what you weigh; you will always be treated with kindness and respect.
• I don’t hand out diet plans. However, we can work collaboratively to write a meal plan if you think it’d help you achieve your health goals – although it won’t be restrictive or limiting. I understand that for some people eating mechanically or following a meal plan is a useful necessary stage in the journey towards healing.
• I offer food experiences, which are tailored to my clients’ needs and goals. This could involve having a meal or snack in session. At the same time, I aim to create a supportive space where you can practice connection with food and your body. This is important since social eating provides a unique opportunity to challenge food fears, practice mindful eating, and experience the joy of sharing food with others.
• A readiness to reflect and learn is one of my main strengths. I reflect honestly on my work and will acknowledge those times where I fall short of my own ideals. Furthermore, I consistently strive to learn from my clients and other professionals. This is an important means of improving my practice as a dietitian.

• I have worked as an eating disorder dietitian since 2007. It is my passion, particularly as I have my own lived experience of an eating disorder.
• My life is rich and full, with four wonderful children and a supportive husband. Being a mother has allowed me to genuinely explore what it means to guide children throughout their food journeys. Nothing tests your professional knowledge like the messiness of real life!
• To escape and unwind, I read. I love immersing myself in another time and place in history. Historical fiction is always a winner for me.
• Confession time: I don’t cream the butter! Yes, I know it’s a faux pas when baking. And I’m comfortable with sacrificing perfection for a “good enough” cookie or muffin.

My approach to nutrition therapy

It takes courage to be vulnerable before health professionals. Recognizing this helps Jessica engage people in an authentic, gentle, and compassionate way.

Nutrition counselling is an opportunity to become curious about your relationship with food and your body. As a result, Jessica takes time to genuinely understand your story and what you would like help with. Valuing your autonomy, Jessica will be guided by you regarding the pace of treatment and the goals that are set.

As an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC_D), Jessica takes a weight-neutral and trauma-informed approach to nutrition counselling. In addition, Jessica is resolutely client-centred and works collaboratively with a person’s treatment team (both health professionals and family members) to help them achieve their health goals.

The primary therapeutic frameworks that guide Jessica’s work include Health at Every Size (HAES)®, Intuitive Eating, Non-Dieting Principles, Mindful Eating, and Responsive Feeding Therapy. Jessica has also completed training in the following counselling modalities that enhance her provision of nutrition therapy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy.

Professional experience

Since beginning her career in 2007, Jessica has gained a wide variety of experience supporting people with eating disorders across a broad range of clinical settings. This includes individual nutrition counselling, day programs, group therapy (body image and nutrition education), and program development.

Jessica has previously been employed at the Body Image Eating Disorders Treatment and Recovery Service (BETRS) and The Melbourne Clinic, where she provided individual and group therapy. Her passion for the latter saw her facilitate groups on a variety of topics: support for parents with children who have an eating disorder; body image; nutrition education; mindful eating; food and mood; cooking and meal support groups. Jessica has also given many interactive talks on dieting and body image to high school students. In 2010, she commenced work in private practice. She has enjoyed working in this setting, as it has allowed her to provide long-term individualised nutrition support for people with eating disorders.

It takes courage to seek help. I’m ready to listen and walk with you on the path to healing and freedom.