My Life as an Eating Psychology Coach: Mendy Cleveland

What made you want to become an Eating Psychology Coach?

Working as both a personal trainer and health coach, and in my personal life, I was spending less time on nutrition and fitness and more time on the psychological aspects of why my clients were where they were in their lives. My personal challenges with eating and body image came to full view in a conversation with a life-long friend who is a competitive body builder. As she confided her own challenges with eating and toxic body image I clearly saw that the issues are not limited to any one type of person. I knew in that moment I needed to dig deeper and learn how to work with people through these types of issues. Being healthy is not always about eating right and exercising…it’s much more.

What do you love about being an Eating Psychology Coach?

I love the uncommon approach to working with people, and the fact that no two people are the same. Two people can have the same clinical struggles but when you learn about the whole person and how those struggles manifested, the approaches are as varied as life itself. It’s a blessing to be present in people’s lives and to be trusted to help them. To see people transform their lives is an amazing experience!

What does your practice look like?

I work with women who are searching for answers for their health, weight and body image issues. My ideal client is a woman who is tired of the fad diets, who is tired of seeking tricks to control her weight, and is ready to tune into herself and learn once and for all what is keeping her from succeeding in her health goals. I see clients in person, individually and in groups. I also work with clients via Skype.

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

My Training at the Institute helped validate my feelings that there is not one single clinical approach to people working through health, weight and body issues. I learned valuable tools that empower me as a coach and helped me to be able to help clients uncover what is driving them, what is holding them back, why they make the choices they do, and how to obtain their ideal goals.

What was your favorite aspect of the Training?

I loved the online community created for our class. Life-long friendships and support were formed through studying together that can never be replaced. Marc and Emily and staff made themselves available to the class so any questions that surfaced were easily answered.

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

Professionally, I feel being an Eating Psychology Coach gives me an extra added edge to the field of health coaching. While having a Bachelor of Science in holistic nutrition, and certifications in health coaching have been instrumental in what I’ve wanted to do with my career, Eating Psychology has allowed me to help more people on a deeper level to make lasting, meaningful changes.

How has being an Eating Psychology Coach impacted you personally?

The saying “even the coach needs coaching” is so very true! I learned a lot about myself, how to love myself, that the shame of not being perfect is a big bold lie, and made lasting changes in myself. When old struggles surface I have a group of other Psychology of Eating coaches to reach out to.

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

I want to do more public speaking on the Psychology of Eating. I am also working on additional group programs that will give women an opportunity to break away from trendy diet clinics and gyms, so they can make realistic and life-long changes. I’d love to see group after group of women with a better understanding of themselves, the ability to LOVE themselves, and the confidence to be truly happy with their bodies.

Why would you recommend the Training to others?

If anyone is thinking of coaching beyond the basics, I recommend this Training! You will need to know yourself on the same level you are wanting your clients to know themselves. You’ll love the tools Marc David teaches to successfully and safely help people.

Anything else you’d like to share?

My life and health are forever changed.

NAME: Mendy Cleveland
BUSINESS: Total Integrative Health Counseling
WEBSITE: www.MendyCleveland.com

BIO:Mendy Cleveland, certified Eating Psychology Coach and Integrative Holistic Health Coach, holds a B.S. in Holistic Nutrition and is the creator of Total Integrative Health Counseling. She helps women break away from guilt-ridden living and learn how to love themselves, food, and life.