Living with an Eating Disorder – A Hopeful Journey

Where You Are | S6 E7 | June 11, 2025

We are sharing this great episode about eating disorders from Open hearts. Honest conversations., a podcast from Family Services of the North Shore. In this episode, Val, host of Open Hearts Honest Conversations, is joined by Joanna, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Vicky, a guest with lived experience. They talk about common characteristics of eating disorders, Vicky’s own journey, and how family and loved ones can provide support to someone with an eating disorder.

Note: Self-harm and sexual assault are discussed in this episode. For some of us, these topics can be challenging and heavy. As you listen to this episode, please take stock of how you're feeling. If you need to take a break, come back a little later, or need to reach out to your supports, please do so.

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Guest Bios

Valerie Dolgin

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Valerie Dolgin is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Vancouver. She has been working in the field of mental health for over 15 years. Most of those spent on the counselling team at Family Services of the North Shore with several years in private practice and as the founder of a low-fee counselling clinic. Her interest in hosting the Open Hearts. Honest Conversations. podcast grew from her desire to bring the stories of resilience she hears in therapy to a wider audience. She hopes the stories of podcast guests will inspire listeners to know that they too can move from difficult times toward growth and well-being.

Joanna Zelichowska

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Joanna Zelichowska is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has been working in the field of eating disorders for more than 10 years and is the manager of Embody eating disorders awareness and prevention program. Joanna and team have served the province British Columbia by providing eating disorders prevention education, resources, and support for youth, families, educators, and professionals.

Vicky

Student

Vicky is a social justice practicum student working with Embody, and generously shares her own lived experience with an eating disorder from which she is now in recovery.

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