Speaking in Schools and Organisations
Sophie is a counsellor, eating disorder recovery coach, and qualified teacher who brings professional training, lived experience, and guest lecturing expertise to her talks. She delivers engaging, practical, and compassionate presentations that help schools and organisations build understanding, compassion, and practical strategies around mental health and eating disorder recovery.
Informed Care Starts Here
Sophie offers specialist talks and professional development for schools and organisations supporting people with eating disorders, disordered eating and body image concerns.
Each session is designed to build awareness, confidence, and compassionate care - from classrooms, family and whānau to clinical teams.
Why This Work Matters
Eating disorders and disordered eating can affect anyone, and early recognition and informed support save lives.
Whether you’re a teacher, caregiver, counsellor, clinician or friend, knowing how to talk about food, body image, and recovery makes all the difference.
Some Statistics
(References for these statistics below)
It is estimated over 103,000 New Zealanders struggle with an eating disorders and disordered eating. (1)
Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, behind opioid addiction. (2)
About 26% of people with eating disorders also attempt suicide. (3)
It is estimated 70% of people with eating disorders in New Zealand do not have access to the help they need through the public health system. (4)
Schools
Creating safer, more confident school communities around food, body image, and wellbeing.
Sophie offers a whole-school approach to eating disorder awareness and prevention - supporting staff, families, and students to recognise early signs, respond with care, and build a culture of wellbeing and inclusion.
Professional Development For Staff
Empower your teaching and counselling teams with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to eating concerns early.
These sessions cover key topics such as:
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Identifying early warning signs in school settings
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Having supportive conversations with students
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Understanding referral pathways and professional boundaries
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Promoting body acceptance and mental wellbeing in the classroom
Each session is evidence based, trauma informed, and tailored to your school’s needs.
Workshops and Talks for Families and Whānau
Support your family community with practical tools and compassionate guidance.
These sessions explore:
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How to talk about food, bodies, and self-esteem at home
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What to do if you’re worried about your child’s eating or exercise habits
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Building a body-positive, recovery-supportive family environment
Parents and caregivers leave with clarity, reassurance, and simple strategies to help their young people thrive.
Educational Sessions For Students
Age-appropriate workshops that foster body confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships with food and self-image.
These sessions can include:
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Understanding body image and media influence
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Building self-worth beyond appearance
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Supporting friends who might be struggling
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Promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect
Each session encourages open conversation, empathy, and self-reflection - helping students feel seen, understood, and empowered.
Organisations
Building professional confidence and compassion when working with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns.
Sophie provides training, supervision, and consultation for organisations and teams that support clients in a wide range of different settings.
Each session is tailored to your team’s experience level and professional context - offering practical tools grounded in evidence and empathy.
Professional Development and Training
Equip your team with the tools, frameworks, and understanding to work safely and effectively with eating disorders and related concerns.
Training topics can include:
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Understanding eating disorders and disordered eating in diverse populations
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Recognising warning signs and responding to disclosure
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Supporting clients while maintaining clear boundaries and referrals
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Integrating trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches
Sessions can be delivered in person or online and are tailored to your organisation’s context, experience level, and goals.
Supervision and Case Consultation
Specialist clinical supervision for counsellors, therapists, and practitioners working with eating disorders or disordered eating.
Supervision sessions offer:
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Clinical reflection and guidance on complex cases
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Support around boundaries, countertransference, and self-care
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Practical strategies for assessment, referral, and ongoing support
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Strengthen clinical confidence and self-care practices
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A safe, grounded space for professional growth and confidence
Available as individual or group supervision, online or in person.
Workshops for People with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating and Body Image Concerns
Empowering, recovery-focused workshops that combine therapeutic insight with practical tools for healing and self-understanding.
These sessions explore:
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Reconnecting with the body through self-compassion and curiosity
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Challenging unhelpful beliefs and perfectionism
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Building identity and meaning beyond food and appearance
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Supporting sustainable recovery and emotional wellbeing
Workshops can be hosted privately within your organisation or offered as part of a wider wellbeing or recovery program.
Meet Sophie
Your Presenter
Sophie is a counsellor, eating disorder recovery coach, and qualified teacher dedicated to changing the way we talk about mental health, eating disorders and recovery.
With both professional training and lived experience, she brings a message that is real, hopeful, and deeply relatable.
She works with people of all ages experiencing challenges such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma - helping them find balance, healing, and confidence.
Sophie also contributes to counsellor training in New Zealand as a guest lecturer at Manukau Institute of Technology, where her work on eating disorder treatment is now part of the Bachelor of Applied Counselling curriculum.
Through her talks in schools and organisations, Sophie blends education, empathy, and practical insight to help people understand the realities of mental health, eating disorders, disordered eating and recovery - and to create environments where compassion and awareness can thrive.
References For Statistics
(1) N.A. (26th August, 2020). Two Mental Health Advocates Collaborate To Create Eating Disorders Recovery App.
(2) Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
(3) Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
(4) EDANZ. (June 2018). Submission to the New Zealand Government Mental Health Inquiry. https://www.ed.org.nz/files/EDANZ_Submission_to_Mental_Health_Inquiry.pdf