About Us
Meet Our Team
Sophie
Founder
Head Counsellor
Clinical Lead
A Bit About Me And My Story
I'm Sophie,
Founder, Head Counsellor & Clinical Lead of Transformed Therapy New Zealand
Eating disorder recovery isn’t just my work - it’s personal.
My lived experience shaped the direction of my career and fuels my belief that full recovery is possible. I understand how complex, consuming, and isolating eating disorders can be — and I also know that healing requires more than willpower or insight alone.
I trained across counselling (registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors), eating disorder recovery coaching, nutrition, and personal training (fitness) because recovery isn’t just psychological. It’s behavioural. Physical. Emotional. Relational. Identity based. It requires whole person support.
I specialise in whole process eating disorder recovery - from stabilisation and behavioural change through to deeper psychological healing and identity rebuilding.
My approach combines therapy with practical food support, body image and exercise rehabilitation, trauma-informed care, and identity reconstruction.
Eating disorders impact every part of life. Recovery should too.
Full recovery is possible - and you don’t have to do it alone.
Education
University Curriculum Contributions
As a counselling student, I identified a gap in the Manukau Institute of Technology counselling curriculum around eating disorder treatment and developed a presentation and resources which are now integrated into the Counselling Theory and Practice B curriculum (2024–present).
Since graduating, I continue to contribute to counsellor training with resources and guest lecturing each semester around eating disorder treatment and co-occurring mental health conditions, blending evidence based approaches with clinical experience (2025–present).
Daisy
Eating Disorder Recovery Coach
A Bit About Me And My Story
I’m Daisy, an eating disorder recovery coach with lived experience, and I’m deeply passionate about helping others navigate their healing journey.
My own path through an eating disorder and into full recovery has shaped the way I support my clients—offering not just professional guidance, but genuine understanding from someone who has been there.
Recovery can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even impossible at times. I remember those feelings well.
But I also know that with the right support, compassionate accountability, and practical tools, lasting freedom is possible.
My approach is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and helping you rediscover your identity beyond the eating disorder.
Together, we’ll work towards creating a life that feels fulfilling, balanced, and truly yours.
You don’t have to do this alone—let’s take the next step forward together.
Education
Lena
Eating Disorder Recovery Coach
A Bit About Me And My Story
I’m Lena, an eating disorder recovery coach dedicated to guiding people toward long-term healing.
My journey through my eating disorder—and the challenges of reclaiming my life afterward—fuels my passion for this work.
I understand the struggles, setbacks, and victories that come with recovery, and I know that real healing isn’t just about food—it’s about rebuilding self-trust, confidence, and a meaningful life beyond the eating disorder.
My coaching is personalised, compassionate, and rooted in a holistic approach.
I help clients develop practical strategies for recovery while also addressing the emotional and identity shifts that come with it.
Whether you’re in the early stages of healing or working to sustain your progress, I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s create a path forward, together.
Education
Our Philosophy
At Transformed Therapy New Zealand, we believe in a holistic approach to healing, that for someone to become whole again they must heal their mind. body and soul.
We understand that there is no “one size fits all” way to recover. This is why we work with you to come up with an individual plan that aligns with your needs, beliefs and values and create a plan that helps you to progress in your recovery journey at your own pace.
Our Therapy Philosophy
We know that everyone's background and journey is unique.
We believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship with our clients, knowing that building that foundation is the first step to true recovery, feeling like they are in a safe space and talking with someone that they trust.
That is why we tailor therapy sessions to your unique needs and going at your pace. There is always choice in everything that you do within sessions.
Our Nutrition Philosophy
We believe in eating all food groups and the 80/20 guideline of eating mostly nutrient dense foods, but also including some of your favourite "soul" foods daily.
We also believe that meal plans can be a great starting point for people if they need or want them which can be for a variety of different reasons.
Longer term, we help our clients through nutrition coaching, where we help you to get in touch with your body's natural hunger and fullness cues and to be able to feel confident in trusting your body's intuition around food choices.
Our ultimate goal for clients is that when they finish working with us is that they have achieved food freedom
Our Fitness Philosophy
We believe that exercise should be for health and enjoyment
People of all ages, body sizes and abilities can find something that they enjoy doing
(though always seek guidance from your GP before starting a new exercise routine for medical clearance)
We believe in listening to your body and doing what feels right for you in the moment
This could look like you stopping halfway through a workout, doing something different from the workout you had already planned and sometimes it could even mean occasionally taking the day off to rest when you already had exercise planned.
Our Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching Philosophy
We believe wholeheartedly that anyone can fully recover from their eating disorder
We believe that to treat an eating disorder while there are the "tried and true" methods, we also acknowledge that they will not work for everyone so treatment is individualised
In our work with clients, we look at the person holistically, work with them to heal their relationship with food, their body, and/or exercise
Full recovery is possible and we support our clients to get there
Our Values
What we value and stand by
Compassion and Empathy
We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
We recognise that healing happens in spaces where individuals can express themselves openly without fear of criticism or shame.
By fostering an atmosphere of compassion, respect, and genuine connection, we empower our clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with confidence.
Our goal is to create a space where every individual feels valued, accepted, and encouraged to embark on their journey toward healing and personal growth.
Holistic Approach
Considering and treating the whole person:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Relationship and family health
- Spiritual health
- Connection to land and places of significance
How all these areas are interconnected and need to be equally strong for optimal overall health and wellbeing (Te Whare Tapa Whā Model)
We also acknowledge how biological, social, cultural, psychological, educational, economic, spiritual, and environmental influences on each person's life and how they can impact a person.
Trust and Integrity
We believe that the foundation of meaningful healing and personal growth lies in the establishment of positive, trusting relationships.
This trust is built through open, honest, and transparent communication, where individuals feel safe to express themselves without fear of being judged or dismissed.
We are committed to fostering an environment where mutual respect is at the core of every interaction, ensuring that each person is valued, heard, and understood.
By treating one another with kindness, empathy, and nonjudgmental support, we create a space that encourages vulnerability, connection, and the confidence to embark on a transformative journey toward well-being.
Empowerment
Helping clients identify their strengths and abilities, providing encouragement to reach their goals, and highlighting that every client is free to make their own decisions and choices.
We also believe that knowledge and education are powerful tools for creating positive change, fostering independence, and cultivating a sense of empowerment
Professional Excellence
We are deeply committed to providing high-quality, competent, and effective mental health therapy services that prioritise the well-being and unique needs of each individual we support.
Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, continuous professional development, and a dedication to delivering therapeutic interventions that foster meaningful and lasting change.
We uphold the highest standards of professionalism by maintaining strict confidentiality, ensuring that all client information is protected with the utmost care and respect.
Additionally, we adhere to the ethical guidelines and professional standards set forth by the New Zealand Association of Counsellors, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability, and ethical responsibility in every aspect of our practice.
Our goal is to create a safe, trustworthy, and compassionate space where individuals feel empowered to engage in their healing journey with confidence and security
Evidence-Based Practice
We are committed to using the most current, evidence-based approaches to support clients through life’s challenges.
By staying informed on the latest research across mental health, wellbeing, and behavioural science, we ensure our therapeutic work is grounded in best practices and proven strategies.
Our aim is to help individuals strengthen their emotional resilience, deepen self-understanding, and improve overall wellbeing—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Through compassionate, tailored support, we empower clients to create meaningful, sustainable change in their lives.
Client-Centered Care
We are committed to tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring steady progress without compromising their mental, emotional, or physical well-being.
Our approach prioritises the overall health of every individual, recognising that true healing requires balance, sustainability, and personalised care.
By fostering a supportive and compassionate environment, we empower clients to work toward their goals at a pace that feels safe and manageable, always prioritising their long-term well-being over short-term outcomes.
Through this holistic and client-centered approach, we strive to create lasting, meaningful change that supports both recovery and overall quality of life.
Our Foundations
At Transformed Therapy New Zealand, we hold deep respect for Māori as the tangata whenua (indigenous people) of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
We believe that these Māori principles and values can have health outcomes that are beneficial for all, and can help in creating an inclusive, culturally responsive approach to helping you heal, as well as in all areas of our education and support.
Healing The Whole Person: Te Whare Tapa Whā
Inspired by the Māori model of well-being, Te Whare Tapa Whā, we look at recovery through a holistic lens (addressing all areas of a person's life).
This framework encompasses:
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Taha wairua (spiritual health): Addressing your sense of purpose, values, inner strength and connection (this does not have to mean religion).
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Taha hinengaro (mental health): Supporting emotional and psychological resilience.
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Taha tinana (physical health): Promoting body respect and nourishment.
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Taha whānau (family/support system health): Recognising the pivotal role of relationships in recovery.
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Whenua (land/roots): Recognising places of significance for you and your relationship with that place.
By addressing these key areas, we strive to create a pathway that nurtures balance and long-term healing and wellbeing for people as well as support and educate for caregivers and professionals supporting those with eating disorders.
Manaakitanga: Fostering Dignity and Respect
We are guided by manaakitanga—the principle of care, hospitality, and respect.
This means valuing your unique journey, honouring you unique identity, and ensuring your voice is central in the healing process.
Our trauma-informed approach reflects these values, emphasising safety, dignity, and empowerment.
Rangatiratanga: Supporting Autonomy
We recognise the importance of rangatiratanga (self-determination) in recovery and healing as well as the importance of it when supporting someone in recovery.
We help to empower you to take ownership of your journey no matter what that looks like.
Through collaborative goal-setting and evidence-based tools, we encourage autonomy while providing unwavering support.
How Māori Healing Principles Can Benefit People Of All Backgrounds
While these healing principles are rooted in Māori culture, their application is not exclusive. Māori wisdom is universal, offering healing that transcends cultural backgrounds. Whether you are a person who is currently struggling with an eating disorder or mental health, a caregiver, or a professional working in the field, these principles can support a holistic, culturally sensitive approach to healing.
For Individuals
Māori healing values such as manaakitanga (care, hospitality, and kindness) and aroha (compassion) can support you in feeling valued, respected, and understood.
These practices create a safe space for you to explore and heal deeply on your journey, no matter what that may look like for you
For Caregivers
These Māori principles can offer you a framework to better understand and support your loved one.
Whanaungatanga (the sense of belonging and connection) promotes family/support system involvement in the healing process, which is crucial in healing from eating disorders and navigating life's challenges.
The idea of shared responsibility in healing can alleviate the emotional strain placed on you as their caregiver and strengthen relationship bonds.
For Professionals Working With People Who Have Eating Disorders
Whether you’re a therapist, counsellor, healthcare provider or other professional working with people who have eating disorders, understanding and incorporating Māori holistic healing practices can enrich your work with them.
Mauri ora (life force) and hauora (total well-being) can guide you in offering compassionate care while respecting the spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs of those you support.
Incorporating these values into your therapeutic practice encourages a more inclusive, trauma-informed, and effective approach.
Moving Beyond Cultural Boundaries
The beauty of these Māori principles lies in their universality.
The values of whānau (family/support system), aroha (love), manaakitanga (hospitality), and whanaungatanga (relationship building) can resonate with individuals from all walks of life.
By fostering connection, empathy, and respect, we can create spaces where recovery is not just about overcoming eating disorders and navigating life's challenges but about embracing a holistic, connected, and meaningful life.
Transformed Therapy New Zealand is proud to weave these principles into our programs for people with eating disorders, for people navigating life's challenges, caregivers, and professionals.