Read on to learn more about how Liz Gow from Whangarei has decided to support the work of EDEN! If you would like to support the work that EDEN does, please contact us to discuss.
1. What is your name and occupation?
Liz Gow, I am an occupational therapist working in life coaching. I work 2 days a week in Neuro rehab for the Community Assessment & Rehab Service, Whangarei Hospital, Northland with a supervision role. I am also a private supervisor, supervising people from different agencies, not just OTs.
As a coach I work with individuals and groups. I do presentations and workshops and am currently launching a coaching programme that I have been working on for a number of years called; Don’t Make Life Weight – living life from the inside out.
2. What drew you to EDEN as an agency?
I have been struggling with my body image, food for many years. I decided to attend the Nourish programme, but first told EDEN that I was a life coach and developing a programme and hoped to use the material in that manner. They were so supportive and were so keen that accurate, honest information be shared in a compassionate way. I very impressed with EDEN’s passion and professionalism to support others and share the message, especially trying to reach the younger person in schools.
In developing my coaching programme around body image, I wanted professional safe advice that was not associated with mental health. I wanted to speak with people who knew what they were talking about and discovered EDEN over the internet. I could not believe what I was reading. They seemed on paper to have a fantastic philosophy about thinking about the bigger picture, aspects that influence our body image, not just our parents but everything. There was no blame just an understanding. They used language that I could relate to and helped me listen and hear ‘health at every size’, connecting to the body and developing body trust. Fantastic!
I knew I wanted to work with people who had been on/off diets and really did not know how to be off them, but much more than that it was about connecting and listening to the body and also to the self, to learn and trust that we all have what it takes to live the life we so deserve. I loved that.
3. How have you decided to support EDEN?
I have decided to support EDEN in a couple of ways. I am launching my programme in September 2011 by having Introductory Workshops, and then following on with either one to one coaching or group coaching for 6 sessions. The workshops and sessions have been designed to stand alone. I will dedicate the proceeds of the first 4 workshops to EDEN because I believe in them so much. I honestly don’t know how they survive, what is also incredible is if they had more funding and therefore more staff and resources, I truly believe that people would not have to have their lives at risk before they receive funding for help. I believe that people would be less unwell and they would develop healthier perceptions and behaviours that could be passed on down to their children and that eventually eating disorders would become a statistic that is not necessary.
I also want to advertise that they are around. There is nothing in the North like this. I want others to know about them because they change lives. I will have a link on my website and will support them in any way I can in the future.
4. What stands behind this decision?
Because of EDEN’s passion and mainly the philosophy; believing that we all have what it takes and need support to learn to trust our bodies. I believe so much in the messages you share around body image, body trust, health at any size and the various ways you share that message in various campaigns, workshops and training.
5. What message would you like to give to those who are reading (if any)?
If there is one message, it is: if you are struggling, please contact EDEN. If you are concerned about your children and notice them talking about being wanting to lose weight, or change the outside of themselves, contact EDEN. It is so sad that children go through this and end up as adults who have children. You will be amazed at the difference. Thank you so much EDEN. I am so grateful for who I am and definitely for what your agency does!
To contact Liz about attending one of her inspiring workshops ‘Don’t Make Life Weight – living life from the inside out’, please contact her directly.
