My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Melissa Hemphil

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

In college, I attempted to regain control of my overwhelming life by controlling my relationship with food and body. I became disordered and obsessive to the point that nearly every other aspect of my life began to suffer. After the birth of my daughter, and after stumbling upon the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, I put in the work and started to transform my relationship with food and body. I realized that I could model a completely different reality for my daughter and wanted to help others find peace and practice in this fascinating domain.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

I love connecting with others, witnessing their courage, and being WITH them on this journey. When a client finally unburdens himself or herself from perfection and this idea of needing to arrive at a particular place, it’s magical. They reclaim their life force and apply it in ways that matter to them. I also love that there is no cookie-cutter approach. It’s organic and elicits the client’s inner wisdom.

What does your practice look like?

My practice has really evolved in the birth community. I work with BIRTHFIT, a community with an approach to birth education around fitness, nutrition, mindset, and chiropractic care. I serve this community of women through the spectrum of prenatal, birth, and postpartum. I meet with clients both in person and over the phone. My goal is be a guide in reclaiming your power so you can step into your Queen and become your greatest self.

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

This education taught me that there is no one right answer. Every person’s journey and challenges are completely unique to them. It also taught me that there’s nothing to fix! Sounds crazy, right? The body is constantly trying to heal itself and to survive so every ineffective symptom we have with food and body truly has positive roots. This seemingly small distinction completely shifts the paradigm and makes this approach massively effective.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

I enjoyed all of it, such that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly which aspect I liked best from training. The content was transformational, the teleclasses were authentic, the material was concise and well organized. I’ll be attending the next live event but I expect the same quality and compassion presented in the training.

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

Being an Eating Psychology Coach has allowed me to better serve my community. Whether it’s an impromptu conversation or a scheduled session, I am able to see a person for their wholeness. I’m also an active duty Air Force officer so, financially, I run a not-for-profit type operation where all proceeds are poured back into the community. I send books as gifts and provide free classes outside of private consultations.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

Eating Psychology Coaching has been a mutually beneficial relationship. Witnessing the courage and compassionate journey of others is inspiring and constantly calling me to grow and evolve myself.

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

My work seems to be evolving towards a deeper BIRTHFIT service not just in my local community, but around the country.

Why Would You Recommend the Training to Others?

This cutting edge approach is instrumental in leading people to holistic health. It’s not only professionally transformational, but personally transformational.

NAME: Melissa Hemphil

BIO: I am a wife and mama of three superheroes & one precious angel baby.
I am an Air Force Academy graduate and a Captain in the US Air Force.
I am constantly awed by the human mind, body, and spirit.
Love. Learn. Nourish. Train. Give gratitude.