My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Kathy Elkind

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

I was teaching Nourishment Cleanse classes (eating whole plant based foods) and my clients were feeling great and learning what foods felt best for their bodies. Still, after the class, about half of them fell back into overeating, binge eating, or emotional eating patterns – and so did I! I knew dieting was not the answer and that there was so much more to learn. I had heard Marc David speak 10 years ago about his book Nourishing Wisdom. When I found out that Institute for the Psychology of Eating was offering online classes, I immediately signed up and have never regretted it for a single moment.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

I truly love when clients make deep connections. This morning, for example, I was with a client who suddenly realized that “The Work” wasn’t about dieting or how much weight she was carrying. “The Work” was about learning to replenish her love for herself when she felt empty – in the same way she would to a little girl she who was lonely and did not receive the love she deserved. When clients start to better understand this, start to realize that it will not be easy, and are finally ready to jump into the messy work of loving themselves, a sort of magic happens that sparks real transformation. Whether I’m working in a group, working one-on-one, or speaking to a group and someone gets that “glimmer” of understanding this will be soul work, that’s when I really know I’ve connected to my soul work.

What does your practice look like?

I work mostly with women who overeat or binge eat to soothe or numb uncomfortable emotions. I work one-on-one in person as well as over the phone. I have also created a program called “Vibrant Spirit.” It is an intimate program for 6 to 8 clients. I create a safe supportive community where my clients can share their stories of overeating and, more importantly, where they can share the uncomfortable feelings they are trying to numb with food – like shame, loneliness, or fear.

How did your education at the Institute prepare you to work successfully with clients?

The Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training – in particular Marc’s wisdom, the case studies, and the recommended reading – gave me the confidence to overcome my own overeating issues. Because I have been on my own healing journey, I know how to guide and support others on theirs. The philosophy that food issues are a doorway into healing other aspects of your life, is very profound.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

It is really difficult to pick just one aspect of the Training that was my favorite. What I found most powerful was how all the information and wisdom came together at the end of each module. All the parts added up to more than the whole. The synergy of it – complimented with my own passion – created profound understanding and a knowing that this was the right path for me. The information absorbed through my mind but also entered my heart and soul. When you put your energy, passion, and vulnerability into the Training, both amazing understanding, and incredible healing take place.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted your professional life/financial well-being?

I used to have short-term clients, but now I have have more long-term clients – because there is no quick fix. Healing can happen but it definitely takes time. Now that I have clients work with me for longer periods of time, I don’t have to spend as much energy and money always looking for new clients.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

I feel so much less judgment about all people than I ever have before. I’m more empathetic and understanding now. After hearing my client’s stories, I see that so many of us struggle with shame and the feeling that we aren’t good enough. It’s so important to remember that we are not alone! We need to share our stories and struggles because that’s what makes us human. I love being a Certified Eating Psychology Coach.

What do you see for yourself in your future as an Eating Psychology Coach – where is your work evolving towards?

There are two projects/directions I’m going in. The first is a class I am teaching called “Vibrant Spirit: Overcoming Overeating” which I currently teach in person. I’m working on getting it online for this fall so that more people can interact with this work. The second project is speaking to bigger groups about my own story: Overcoming the Shame of Dyslexia and Overeating.

Why would you recommend the Training to others?

The Training is transformational, both personally and professionally. For those struggling with food or body image issues – this Training paired with your passion – will carry you far on your own amazing life journey. If your passion is to help others on their healing journey, then this is definitely the Training for you! Do you know the children’s book, Miss Rumphius? Miss Rumphius wanted to make the world a more beautiful place. I think some part of all of us wants to make the world a more beautiful place. Completing the Training and doing this work makes the world a more beautiful place to live. Miss Rumphius sows lupine seeds. The Institute for the Psychology of Eating sow seeds of compassion, acceptance, and growth.

NAME: Kathy Elkind, Eating Psychology Coach
BUSINESS: elKind Nourishment
WEBSITE: www.elkindnourishment.com

BIO: Kathy Elkind is a Certified Eating Psychology Coach who guides women in their journey to heal their relationship with food. Kathy understands that we all overeat at times in life. The important thing to remember is that when overeating and binging start controlling our lives and preventing us from living the way we want to live, it is time to seek help.