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Hi, I'm Vanessa Preston

I help women reject what the world has demanded of them and find radical self-acceptance; free from BS quick fixes, toxic positivity or superficial affirmations

Whether you’ve found my page on purpose or stumbled across it unintentionally, I’m glad you’re here.

I'm a relatable therapist here in Melbourne, Australia.  I grew up in Kentucky, USA but have lived in Melbourne for the past 13 years. I love the people, the coffee and love being near the water or in the bush! 

For the past 15 years, I have worked in the mental health sector, supporting people with trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief/loss.

Over the years, I have observed the connection between trauma, eating disorders and body image distress and became passionate about helping people navigate this complex healing process. 

I have combined my clinical expertise and my own lived experience to create my body and food peace programs.

I truly love my clients, my groups and I consider it a privilege to witness  each person's vulnerabilities, heartaches and wins. 

I believe that TRUE BODY IMAGE HEALING happens when we allow ourselves to be seen, connect with others in a safe environment, and learn from other people’s lived experience….

Something that happens in the group programs in such a beautiful way! 

I invite you to have a look around at the programs I’m offering and let's get started together! If you’re not quite ready to dive in, please feel free to download one of my freebies as a start.

My qualifications:

Master of Clinical Social Work- Mental Health Concentration (University of Kentucky, 2010)

Bachelor Degree in Family Consumer Sciences (University of Kentucky, 2007)

Certificate IV in Nutrition Counselling (Vast Fitness Academy, Australia, 2020)

Therapeutic training in: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centred Psychotherapy, Mindfulness techniques, Internal Family Systems, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBTe)

Full Registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers

What I help with

1. Reducing body image struggles using body neutrality and body respect

2. Creating peace with food using a flexible and person-centered intuitive eating approach (without diet culture and food rules)

3. Helping you reconnect with your true self and your body using self-compassion and trauma-informed techniques

What I don't help with

1. Weight loss support

2. Meal plans 

3. Parenting advice for children's food behaviour or body image

4. Medical advice 

Fun facts about me...

  1. I love to travel and immerse myself into other cultures. My fav places I've visited so far are Vietnam, Spain and Fiji.

  2. I LOVE 90s RnB, hip hop and dancing!

  3.  I used to hate coffee but moving to Melbourne's cafe culture turned me into a coffee snob.

  4. My favourite animal is an echidna.
  5. I've seen Bridesmaids (the movie) like 47 times.

Your next step

Ready to find radical acceptance?

Get help with body image

In this 12-week program, you learn about self-compassion, shame resilience, connecting to your deeper self and your values and learn radical self-acceptance and unconditional kindness for your body at ANY size. 

Learn more

Get help with intuitive eating

In this online program, you learn the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating + 2 bonus modules from 6 amazing experts! Start your journey towards less stress, MORE PEACE and more freedom with food! 

Learn More

Roadmap to Managing the "Not Good Enough Voice"

This free resource will provide you 3 simple steps to shift the shame and start your journey toward body and food freedom.