What to Expect When You Work With The Eat Clinic

Starting eating disorder or disordered eating support can feel daunting — especially if you’ve had unhelpful, rushed, or invalidating experiences in the past. This page is here to clearly explain what working with The Eat Clinic actually looks like, so you know what you’re walking into.

No surprises. No judgement. No vague promises.

Before Your First Session

Before we meet, you’ll complete an intake form that helps me understand:

• Your eating history and current concerns

• Medical background (including weight history, medications, and blood work if available)

• Where you’re at with recovery — physically, mentally, and emotionally

This means we don’t waste your first session gathering basic information. We start with what matters.

Your First Session

The first session is about assessment and understanding, not “fixing” everything immediately.

We will usually cover:

• Your eating patterns and nutrition intake

• Signs of malnutrition or under-fueling (even if weight appears “normal”)

• How food restriction is affecting your brain, mood, digestion, and body

• Your recovery goals — and any fears about change

You won’t be pushed, shamed, or told to “just eat more” without explanation. Education matters, especially in eating disorder recovery.

Ongoing Sessions: What We Actually Do

Sessions are structured but flexible. Depending on what you need, this may include:

• Nutrition rehabilitation planningClear, practical guidance on eating regularly and adequately — tailored to you.

• Explaining the scienceHow malnutrition affects the brain, gut, hormones, emotions, and decision-making — so recovery makes sense, not just feels scary.

• Problem-solving real life barriersWork, family, finances, food access, sensory issues, diabetes, gut symptoms, or fear foods.

• Reviewing progress safelyWe look at what’s improving, what’s stuck, and why — without blame.

• Written session summariesMany clients receive a summary after sessions to help consolidate learning and reduce overwhelm.

This is not passive therapy. It’s active, collaborative work.

What This Is (and Isn’t)

This is:

• Evidence-based eating disorder nutrition care

• Recovery-oriented, not weight-loss focused

• Direct, honest, and medically informed

This isn’t:

• Meal plans with no explanation

• Moralising food or bodies

• A focus on willpower or “compliance”

• Diet culture disguised as health

If something isn’t helping, we talk about it.

Medical Safety and Scope

I work within a strong medical framework. If there are signs of medical instability or risk, I will:

• Encourage GP involvement

• Communicate clearly about risk

• Support escalation of care when needed

This is about keeping you safe — not taking control away from you.

How Long Do People Work With The Eat Clinic?

There’s no fixed timeline.

Some clients work with me short-term to:

• Restore regular eating

• Stabilise medically

• Understand what’s happening to their body

Others stay longer for:

• Full nutrition rehabilitation

• Relapse prevention

• Complex eating disorders, ARFID, or co-existing conditions

We review this together — you’re not locked in.

A Final Word

Recovery is not about being “good enough” to deserve care.

If eating feels hard, confusing, or frightening — that’s enough reason to get support.

You don’t need to be at rock bottom. You don’t need to prove you’re sick. You don’t need to do this alone.

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FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be underweight to see an eating disorder dietitian?

No. Eating disorders and malnutrition can occur at any weight. Nutrition rehabilitation is based on health, not appearance.

Is this weight loss or diet coaching?

No. The Eat Clinic provides recovery-focused nutrition care, not weight loss or dieting.

Will you give me a meal plan?

Sometimes structure is used, but always with explanation and flexibility. Education and collaboration matter.

Do I need a GP referral in New Zealand?

No referral is required, but GP involvement is encouraged when medical monitoring is needed.

Do you work with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID?

Yes. Support is tailored to the specific eating disorder and individual needs.