Helen Dean

I am an accredited practising dietitian and registered counsellor with over 25 years of experience and have also had a lived experience with an eating disorder.

I specialise in working with children and adolescents with eating disorders, in particular, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa; Avoidant Restrictive Eating Disorders (ARFID) & Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (ANN); neurodiversity (ASD&, ADHD) mood disorders; depression and anxiety.

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I have a strong interest in working with children and adolescents with autism (age 5 and above) and their parents on developing a more positive relationship with food; to challenge rigidity around food rules and increase acceptance of new foods so as to improve overall nutritional status.

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I recently worked at St Vincents Health in the Body Image and Eating Disorder Program where I was involved in running day program groups for adults with an eating disorder.

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I am a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and PACFA and provide counselling to children, adolescents and adults of all ages.

I am extremely passionate about working with parents and provide counselling to assist them to work through and help navigate the complexities of living with a young person with an eating disorder.

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My counselling style is warm and gentle- I like to work closely with the whole family to to provide a safe and supportive space.

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I use a variety of evidence-based treatments including

family therapy;

individual therapy;

motivational interviewing;

adolescent-parent therapy and

emotion-focused therapy.

schema therapy