Kia ora, I’m Lena. I’m of Scottish descent and was born and grew up in Europe. I’ve lived in a number of different countries and cultures, but I’m most at home in Aotearoa New Zealand where I’ve settled in Wellington. I run Freedom with Food, where I offer people help in making changes in how they deal with food and how they feel about their bodies. This includes counselling for eating disorders and other eating and body image difficulties.

My training and experience

I have a Diploma in Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders, a Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (with distinction standard in the practical work), and an Accredited Diploma in Life Coaching (with distinction). I’ve added to this a number of other trainings in helping people to make changes in how they think and feel and what they do, and I’m continuing to add to my repetoire of tools for healing and transformation. I’ve been working in this way with people since 2003 supporting them in making changes on a wide range of issues, including among others: eating disorders, low self-esteem, stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, and healing of past experiences.

My work with eating and body image issues

I became particularly interested in working with eating and body image issues because of personal experience. Having overcome several eating disorders as well as having a specialist qualification gives me a deeper understanding both of the challenges involved and also of the solutions. Before coming to New Zealand I ran a busy fulltime practice in the UK which specialised in helping people overcome these kinds of difficulties. I now offer a similar service in New Zealand under the name of Freedom with Food, where I'm pioneering new ways of helping people make effective changes.

Membership of Professional Bodies

I’m a full member of NZAC (NZ Association of Counsellors) and an accredited member of BACP (the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

Other qualifications

Among my other qualifications I have an MA in English Linguistics, a TEFL qualification in teaching English, and a Goethe Institute certificate in German (I also speak French and some Turkish-- both a little rusty now!). Before I worked therapeutically I trained and worked for many years in community legal advice work and in management in the not-for-profit sector. I also used my teaching qualification to run my own business teaching English in Europe.

About my work

Working with people to help them find healing and make changes that enhance their lives is more than a job to me: it’s a vocation. And working with people on eating and body image issues is my passion. I aim to continually add to and improve on what I offer, and so I’m committed to the ongoing development of my skills and knowledge.

It’s important that you find the right person to support you in any changes you want to make, so I offer an initial meeting free of charge where you can meet me and find out more about what’s on offer and how it might help you.

When I’m not working...

I spend time enjoying the company of friends, being physically active, exploring the philosophies and practices of meditation, appreciating what Wellington and the surrounding landscape offers, and trying out things I've never done before. And wishing there were more than 24 hours in each day!

I’m very happy to answer any questions you may have, so you’re welcome to contact me

With warm wishes to you,

Lena