As a qualified coach and experienced mentor, with lived experience of eating disorders as a parent, I work with parents / family members whose loved one has developed an eating disorder or has a problematic relationship with food. I help them to develop the skills necessary to support their relative, and themselves, during a very difficult time.

Nothing can prepare parents / family members for the shock of a loved one developing an eating disorder and its impact on that person, as well as on the parents and wider family’s physical and emotional well-being.

The impact on each person is individual and the ability to respond / react to the situation varies greatly. No two experiences are the same for parents / wider family members or their loved one nor does any one person have all the answers – and I include myself in that!

Helping You to Help Your Loved One

I work with parents / family members to help them develop the skills they need, using proven tools and techniques, to support their loved one.  I support them in identifying the strengths that they can bring to the recovery process. Developing these skills can help accelerate the recovery journey.

I also work with parents whose children have developed problematic eating or are suffering from eating distress. I am passionate about helping those parents foster (and role model) a healthy relationship with food, weight and body image for their kids. In addition, parents proactively looking after their own well-being highlights the importance of self-care to their loved one.

I work both 1:1 and also run online group programmes for parents.

Experience

My natural relating skills are backed up by over 20 years senior leadership experience in financial services and I am also an experienced mentor.

Qualifications

• I hold an Advanced Diploma in Personal, Leadership and Executive Coaching and a Level 6 QQI award in Professional Coaching Practice and Ethics.
• I am a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity (National Centre for Eating Disorders UK). I jointly run online programmes and groups for parents and families affected by Eating Disorders under the SupportED Families banner.
• I am an Associate Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor with Mental Health First Aid Ireland.
• I am a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.
• I am a graduate of University of Limerick – Bachelor of Business Studies.