Throughout the years I’ve worked with a variety of coaches, therapists and tried out different programs related to my issues with food and it wasn’t until I worked with Shelley that I was able to identify what was at the root of my habits and patterns. By identifying the triggers, I was able to see clearly what was driving my crazy behavior around eating and dieting that had kept me in a painful spiral over the years and why so many other attempts at treating had failed. Shelley has a relatable and real approach to her work and she would be my go-to for anyone struggling with any food related issues.
Starting the Freedom Food program with Shelley was one of the best personal investments I could have ever done for myself. The program has shed so much light and insight on why problematic eating occurs for me and that truly is the key I had been missing all along. Throughout my struggle with problematic eating, particularly binge eating, in attempts to correct the issue I would always try to go back to “self-control” and “self-discipline” tactics. I would take the diet approach and try to act based on the list of “shoulds” that I had created for myself based around eating. This never had a lasting effect and always left me falling back into the trap of uncontrolled binges and feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment. Feeling like a failure left me in a continual viscous cycle of always reverting back to food for comfort. After going through the program and learning the reasons behind problematic eating I can truly say that I have learned the tools necessary to become free from problematic eating with lasting results. These tools have helped me to dig deep into the roots of my thought process which has helped me to understand my emotions and therefore my actions. I have learned different self-care strategies and the importance of why implementing these daily is crucial to the success of me becoming free from problematic eating. Shelley not only offered amazing material but also a caring and easy-to-approach attitude. Having had her own experiences surrounding this issue in the past made her a very compassionate and empathetic mentor in the program. I truly recommend this program to anyone who deals with any issues regarding problematic eating or has had a struggle with their weight – you will not regret it.
Kayla
Read MoreI feel like before the program I didn’t have a clear picture of what I wanted my life to look like and why I wanted recovery. By working with Shelley, I now have a good idea as to what the compulsive eating was doing for me and now have alternative actions I can do instead. It’s all about progress, not perfection and I’m ok with that now. No more black and white thinking.The 12 weeks were challenging but doable. They were also some of the best weeks of my life because I dedicated them to learning more about myself and my triggers. I felt like the group calls and modules really helped to set me up for the week ahead.
I really liked the idea of being gentle with myself through the process and realizing that this is a process. Honouring where I am in the moment and not beating myself up is something I have taken away. I also really like the ‘crowding out’ tool which allows me to be social with friends without losing control.I think the program was perfect. I liked the small group and that everyone really had a chance to get to know one another.
Christy H.
Read MoreThroughout the years I’ve worked with a variety of coaches, therapists and tried out different programs related to my issues with food and it wasn’t until I worked with Shelley that I was able to identify what was at the root of my habits and patterns. By identifying the triggers, I was able to see clearly what was driving my crazy behavior around eating and dieting that had kept me in a painful spiral over the years and why so many other attempts at treating had failed. Shelley has a relatable and real approach to her work and she would be my go-to for anyone struggling with any food related issues.
Ali V.
Read MoreI have worked with Shelley one on one and I can say I am officially in recovery from BED. For the first time ever (and I’ve worked with MANY counsellors/therapists) I am getting to the deeper causes of my eating disorder. I have given up the dieting, restriction, binge cycle – all with Shelley’s intuitive guidance. I am in self/care and working on the deeper thoughts that have kept me stuck for SO long. I have found Shelley to be knowledgable, needs based and as I said earlier incredibly intuitive. I cannot recommend her highly enough. I have so many tools/strategies to use as well. She is always close by if needed. If you are wanting to get out of BED and begin to experience freedom with food or you have gotten stuck and need help, then I truly encourage you to reach out to Shelley. She’s been there, she knows, she understands and she knows how to get out of it.
Annette H.
Read MoreI’m so glad I found and began working with Shelley 3 months ago – in this short time, I’ve come so far. I have struggled with latent anxiety manifested as disordered eating, binge drinking and other compulsive behaviours for the past 12 years. Shelley has guided me through open discussion, collaborative analysis and self-directed logging of thoughts and feelings, to uncover the root psychological causes of my unhealthy behaviors. We have partnered to develop new thoughts and behaviours to replace my automatic negative patterns. I am profoundly excited to continue on this path that Shelley has helped put me on, and become the positive and powerful woman I have always been underneath my destructive constructs. Finally, for the first time in my life, I feel empowered to take control of the way I think, feel and move in the world.
Maya
Read MoreI have found Shelley Ugyan’s 12 week Problematic Eating Course to be very helpful. I have struggled for years with this issue and finally decided there has to be another way – I mean other than the normal dieting regime. This course is helping me to see that it is not the food that is the problem but my thinking around food. This program focuses on one little change after another, it is not a ‘diet’ that you will either succeed or fail at, but a return to a normal pattern of eating and thinking. It is not easy but when has anything worthwhile come easily? I highly recommend this program for people who want to stop torturing themselves with food and the weight gain/loss roller coaster.
Janice Partridge
Read MoreShelley started coaching me in August 2014 for an eating disorder. From the start of our interactions, Shelley was calming & reassuring. She helped me commit to her Problematic Eating Program and it was the best decision I have made for myself. She coached me through my struggles and each week, provided modules to work through and taught us tools to use for our recovery. I learned about self-care and honouring my inner self to create a strong, vibrant relationship with myself. I understand the root causes of my old disorder and am able to recognize patterns and prevent relapses. Shelley was always timely, organized and patient with us and really created a little network and safety net for us to open up and start the healing process. I have learned so much from Shelley and couldn’t have made it to where I am (binge-free!!!) without her. I am so thankful for her program and for the confidence it has given me to let go of all the things that no longer serve me in my life. I wish her all the best and hope she continues saving other people’s lives by empowering them to break free of their eating disorders!!
Emilie
Read MoreI started working with Shelly the summer of 2014 for my problematic eating. From the first time I spoke with her she “got it” she truly understood what i was struggling with! I’ve tried talking to others in the past but they did not get it like Shelly did! It was such a refreshing change. During her 12 week program she helped me a lot with teaching me about self care, meeting my needs and learning new patterns to break the food cycle. Shelly was always warm and kind, she was available to us whenever we need her. She really fully got what we were going through and is a great instructor to help break free! Shelly has helped me heal so much already and has lead me in the right direction for further healing. I also wish Shelly all the best in her journey to helping and healing others! Thank you Shelly for caring and the great impact you’ve made on my life and the lives of others.
Jenae
Read MoreI am so thankful I found the program Shelley has put together for problematic eating. It has changed my life and the way I feel and interact with not only food, but other people. Shelley, along with her 12 week program has been a fantastic guide that really encouraged me to dig deep into my own mind, body and spirit to come upon recovery of my disordered eating. For the first time in years, I can honestly say I feel excited to continue with the self-progress I have made thus far. Shelley’s approach to healing from disordered eating is absolutely inspiring, she comes to the table with so much experience and support, guiding you past your personal barriers and set backs. In the 12 weeks that I worked with Shelley, I have learned more about myself, my thoughts and how I react physically and emotionally, than I ever have in many previous years of my life. I am beyond appreciative that Shelley has created this program to support people who are suffering with any form of disordered eating. If I had not of stumbled upon this program, I can honestly say my future would be a downward spiral of self-destructive habits. The information and guidance I received from this program is priceless & I will be forever grateful.