Jessica is one of our wonderful team members who sees clients in our new North Raleigh Office on Millbrook Road. She specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and prenatal and postpartum nutrition. You can read about Jessica’s professional background in her bio.
We asked Jessica some questions to learn a bit more about her and her work as an eating disorders dietitian.
1. Describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who recognizes that their relationship with food, exercise, and/or their body is impeding their ability to live a full life; intuitively, they know that something is wrong but feel “stuck” and don’t know how to take the next step towards healing. It is an honor to partner with each client and help illuminate the path!
2. What three words best describe your therapeutic style with clients?
Collaborative, curious, and compassionate
3. What do you wish those struggling with eating disorders knew? Or what is one thing you wish your clients knew?
In my email signature, I have the following quote: “Living with an eating disorder takes extraordinary fortitude. And when that energy can be circumvented in a different way, incredible things happen.” I want my clients to know that this is absolutely true. Additionally, I want anyone struggling with an eating disorder to know that full recovery is possible. In the broader eating disorder community, there is, at times, an undertone, or quiet acceptance, that this (the eating disorder) is something you will struggle with for the remainder of your life. Of course, we know that recovery is rarely linear, but I believe that full recovery is absolutely achievable.
4. What does self care look like for you?
Self care looks like ordering my favorite coffee (brown sugar cinnamon latte from Black & White Coffee) before a full day of clients.
5. Outside of work you can find yourself doing___________________?
Outside of work, you are most likely to find me in my kitchen. Perhaps stereotypical for a dietitian, but I love finding new recipes, menu planning, and cooking. If I’m not in the kitchen, I’m probably at a thrift shop. I’ve turned my 3.5 year old into quite the thrifter!
6. What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is my mom’s white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.
7. If you could do another job just for a day, what would it be?
I’d love to be an ER doctor for a day!