Non-judgemental, evidence-based therapy for GLP1 success and binge eating relief
Also offering psychological support with Emotional Eating, Restriction, Body Image, and Picky eating
Auckland based and Online NZ-Wide
Compassionate therapy to understand the psychology behind your relationship with food and your body, so that you can create meaningful change in both your eating and your mental health.
You're In the
Right Place If Any of These Resonate With You...
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You want to establish a healthier relationship with food that is sustainable for the future
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You're worried or feeling uncomfortable about weight gain
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You're starting a GLP1 and want to set yourself up for success
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You are considering commencing or coming off a GLP1 and want an informed but impartial and non-judgemental place to discuss this decision
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You engage in eating patterns you're concerned with, such as emotional eating, binge-eating, compulsive eating, restrictive eating or picky eating
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You are struggling with body image or self-compassion
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You want to build your confidence and self worth
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You want to understand and work through deeper issues underpinning your relationship with food, and your body
What I Specialize In
Anxiety & Stress
Find relief from racing thoughts, constant worry, and the weight of overwhelm
Disordered Eating
Heal your relationship with food and learn to eat more intuitively (or overcome your picky eating)
Body Image
Reduce negative thoughts, anxiety and shame about your body
Self Worth
Learn to accept yourself more fully and stand up to your internal bully
Relationships
Understand patterns and ways of being in your relationships and how to keep yourself emotionally safe, without putting up walls
Depression
Low mood can make everything feel heavy, making it difficult to get out of the house and connect with others
Meet
Emma
EMMA THOMAS
BA Psych
MCOUNS&PSYCHTH
After many years in the corporate world of marketing, I retrained in counselling and psychotherapy and have always had an interest in the psychology behind disordered eating and weight cycling.
I have a particular interest in supporting clients in larger bodies. This includes working with binge-eating disorder and "atypical" anorexia, but often my clients are experiencing distress with their eating and body image, however they do not meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. You don't have to have to be "really bad" to deserve and benefit from support!
I have a bachelor of psychology, a master of counselling and psychotherapy, and specialist training in many evidence-based treatments for disordered eating (see the Treatment Approaches section for more detail). I am a registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
I also offer more general psychotherapy, including evidence-based practice for anxiety, general self worth and low mood.
I am a registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
Emma in the media (click logos to view content):
How We Can Work Together
I offer personalized therapy designed around your goals and comfort. Whether you prefer in-person sessions, or teletherapy from home or across the country, I provide evidence-based treatment in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one support from rooms in Parnell and Mt Albert, Auckland.
Teletherapy
Secure video sessions for convenience, privacy, and accessibility.
Free Consultation
15-minute call to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit.
My approach
I help people break free from disordered patterns of eating, binge eating and emotional eating, and from painful body image struggles. My work focuses on repairing your relationship with food and your body so you can feel calmer and more in control.
Together we identify and work through triggers for bingeing, dieting and food rules; reduce obsessive thoughts about food, weight and “food noise”; and build self‑esteem, self‑compassion and a kinder body image. We also focus on easing shame and anxiety, finding new ways to cope with difficult feelings without using restriction, exercise or food, and gently reconnecting with hunger and fullness cues so eating can feel more peaceful and mindful again.
I also support those with extreme picky eating, known as ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
I have contributed to articles in The New Zealand Herald, Radio New Zealand and an NZME podcast.
Reaching out is not a sign that something is wrong with you, it's a sign that you're paying attention.
Many of the people I work with have spent a long time managing on their own before they seek support, some reach out straight away.
There's no right or wrong time. If something is weighing on you, you deserve a space to explore it.
If you're curious about whether therapy might be right for you, I'd love to hear from you. There’s no pressure, and your first message doesn't need to be perfectly worded.
Treatment
approaches
I work in an empathic, non-judgmental way, and am passionate about being a weight inclusive counsellor.
I use a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to your individual goals.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Motivational Interviewing for behaviour change
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Mindfulness based approaches
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Narrative Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced for Eating Disorders
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
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Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
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Integrated Cognitive Affective Therapy (ICAT)
Diverse and inclusive practice
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Neurodiversity affirming therapy
- Health At Every Size (HAES) informed
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Respect for all body sizes, as well as choices around medication and surgery decisions
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Trauma informed care
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Culturally sensitive practice
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Safe and affirming space for LGBTQI+
Fees
Standard therapy session (55 minutes) $200 plus GST
Eating disorder assessment (100 minutes) $380 plus GST
I am also available for free sessions for those eligible through Gumboot Friday (25 and under) and Clearhead EAP service, as well as WINZ services