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Freedom from Food

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Freedom from Food

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Freedom from Food, Alternative & holistic health service, 1/38 John Street, Brooklyn.

At Freedom from Food, the aim is to offer straight-forward and holistic treatment options, specific to the needs of those with disordered eating and the people who care for them At Freedom from Food, the mission is to offer straight-forward and holistic therapeutic options, specific to the needs of those with disordered eating, their families, and the community

06/04/2026

Carries her own ball and poo bags. She’s a big girl now 😍🤣

29/03/2026

I was thrilled to bits on Friday night to not just see on stage but also MEET the inimitable at their stand up comedy show in Melbourne.

It’s such a cool experience, to have followed someone’s work online for years, and then they just manifest right there in front of you. I’ll admit I was a little star struck 🤩

Sofie is still in Melbourne for the most part of April, performing her show, “I think some of this is my fault,” which was excellent; funny, clever, endearing and humble. I highly recommend checking it out if you get time!!

28/03/2026

Life update: Part 3

I wasn’t planning on or expecting this, but……

👩‍🎓📚 I have been offered and have begun working on a PhD 😁😅

For anyone who has spoken to me in the last ten years, you might be shocked right now, because you probably had some window (I couldn’t stop complaining 🤣) into how perpetual study has been a monkey on my back that I couldn’t wait to shake. Suffice to say, I’m as shocked as you are. BUT, I’ve got my reasons, this is different…..

For a start, I’m on a scholarship. So, this is in effect a “paid” research role. More importantly, I couldn’t say no to the specific project that I applied for, which felt like an almost once in a lifetime opportunity. The scope of this PhD is within my exact professional area of interest that I would love to make impact. It is also an extension of the project I worked on for my Masters thesis, which looked at the impact of professional development on weight stigma in healthcare.

I will be working alongside the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) to evaluate an implementation strategy of training for healthcare professionals. I’ll be focusing my research in the tertiary space, looking at the efficacy of training in universities which aims to up-skill emerging healthcare professionals in how to speak with patients about eating disorders, weight, nutrition, body image, and exercise in ways that don’t reinforce patterns of disordered eating, and ultimately reduce weight stigma in healthcare.

The aim of this research is that it will make healthcare safer and more inclusive for all people, irrespective of body shape, size, BMI, ability, etc.

Over the next handful of years, I will be dividing my time between PhD and private practice. I’ll be setting aside roughly two or so days for seeing clients, but I may reevaluate my schedule over time. I hope that this path will refine my knowledge and skills further as well as make a valuable contribution to research and to the world. And I plan to begin disseminating some of my reading, research, and findings on this platform (and others), so stay tuned!

25/03/2026

Life update: Part 2

As mentioned in my last post (see Part 1), there’s been lots happening lately. I decided to split it into a few posts, mainly because Instagram has a character limit…..but hey, also, it’s content, right? 😅

Anyway, related to graduating from my Master in Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology), I can now officially announce that I have FULL registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 🥳🍾

Even better, I have now sorted out my Medicare provider number and linked it with my booking software; a fairly uninteresting behind-the-scenes-detail for anyone who isn’t me…..HOWEVER, it means that I can now start accepting clients who have a current Mental Health Care Plan or an Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment plan through their GP, and I can easily and quickly process rebates.

This means that for you, dear reader (past client? current client? future client? referral partner?) sessions with yours truly just became more accessible. This is because sessions will be more affordable with the rebate; hopefully, this factor will allow for more consistency in your sessions and treatment, as you need.

So, right now, I am registered as a general psychologist. Over the next few years of practice I will engage in supervision and slowly tick off the requirements for clinical endorsement, at which point I’ll be able to apply for registration as a clinical psychologist. That’s a detail for the future nonetheless, we’ll cross that bridge in time.

So, down to the business side of things; I’m still seeing clients from my practice location in or online. Please remember for those who want in-person sessions, that I have my little Ollie-monster (i.e. a 3 year old toy poodle) who sits in the room with us, just in case dogs aren’t your thing.

Currently, I have my calendar open for Monday evenings, Tuesdays, and Saturday’s, although this is subject to change. Updated hours will always be reflected in the booking system.

For questions or bookings, please reach out at www.freedomfromfood.com.au or email bianca@freedomfromfood.com.au

21/03/2026

Life update: Part 1

After a decade (6 years part-time undergrad + 1 year off + 1 year Honours + 2 year Masters), this January I registered in Australia as a general psychologist.

Some days I still can’t believe I finally got here. I began at Monash university the year I turned 30. One month in, I broke my foot and didn’t walk for nearly 6 months. Imagine crutching around Clayton campus which is big enough to have its own postcode! With help from family who drove me in, I endured.

A lot happened in that subsequent 10 years, and I’ve at times felt like I’ve been operating in survival mode. I had two significant relationship breakdowns. I lost and gained important friendships. I didn’t know it was possible to have one’s heart broken this many times, and to keep going.

I moved home 3 times; one of these moves saw me “cross the bridge” into the western suburbs. The final move was into my own home; a tiny home, but it’s mine 🏡. I had a couple of health scares. And of course, we all had a pandemic.

Throughout all of this, the one constant was study. The only way I could get through it was by focusing on one day at a time. 39 units. 117(ish?) assignments. 15 exams. 4 placements. 2 theses. 1 graduation.

I could not have gotten through this without the mental, emotional, physical, and financial support from key people around me, especially in this last few years of full-time study, heavy workloads, unpaid placements, and dog-mumming. Special mentions go to those pictured here. I am also thankful to friends, of whom there are too many to mention, who were cheerleading in the background; taking me out for a drink or dinner when times were tight, taking care of Ollie, and offering encouragement, advice, or just an ear to listen.

This is a demanding and challenging path of study that I remain cognisant is not accessible to everyone. Not because they wouldn’t make wonderful psychologists, but because the time and financial restrictions are prohibitive to anyone who doesn’t have the resources to back them. Without the support of loved ones, I would’ve had to have thrown in the towel years ago. I am therefore, very grateful ☺️❤️👩‍🎓

17/03/2026

Day 4, and the FINAL day of the , fundraising hike (with a few pics from yesterday tacked on the end)

WE’RE here!! It’s the final day. And we finished it by winding down with a short couple of hours in much different terrain, walking the Moon Rim Valley Circuit.

The changing terrain was a welcome relief (flick through to see the manky blister up the side of my heel from all that sliding in the sand yesterday 😭).

What was most special for me was the vibe amongst the group. I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed connecting in different ways and at different times with every single person in our group. Everyone has added something special and unique. I think we’ve been really lucky to have found ourselves in a group of people, of whom every single person is genuinely compassionate, caring, thoughtful, smart and funny….yes, every single person fits this description.

Going through this 4 days has been an extraordinary experience. The only thing that would be the icing on the cake, is if you give generously 😉🙏🏻❤️ So far, we have collectively raised over $25,000 as a team for EDV. What an extraordinary effort. Can we go that bit further?

https://eating-disorders-foundation-of-victoria-inc.grassrootz.com/edv-bayoffires-2026/bianca-sandra?tab=donations

For the last time, for Instagram, I’ll pop a link in stories ☺️🙏🏻❤️

16/03/2026

Day 3 of the Bay of Fires, Fundraising hike

I tend to find that day 3 of a hike can be the day when things start to get challenging. The legs are getting tired, everything is getting sorer, blisters are setting in (despite all the best prevention). And today’s day 3, for me, was pretty much all of that.

It was roughly 13km over the course of about 6 hours; in theory, sounds manageable, right? I thought so. Nevertheless, it was 80% on sand. A lot of that was soft sand that you constantly sink into (hello blisters!!), as we walked along a relentless sloping shoreline that had me constantly overusing one side of my body. The other 20% was rock scrambling. Not the easiest!!

Honestly, there were some trying moments. What kept me going, however, was the team. Day 3 of a hike is also a day where you’re starting to really get to know one another. You’ve had the chance to have individual conversations with most people. You get to learn that everyone here has a story, a reason that they’re here, and a reason that keeps them going.

It is in those conversations, connections, sharing, and laughs, that we have all been able to dig deep and keep going. In a way, I think these experiences reflect many people’s journey through recovery from an eating disorder, or any mental health struggle. Mental health concerns thrive in secrecy and isolation. Yet, they can slowly begin to shrink in connection, true vulnerability, and sharing.

It’s not always easy, especially if it’s not a familiar pattern, to share internal struggles. But it gets easier with practice and is well worth the commitment. To speak up and say, “I’m struggling” is a brave thing. To share that it’s not easy invites others to share their struggles also. It gives the opportunity to realise that deep down, we often have more in common than what we might worry is different.

The fundraising link remains open while we walk. If you are yet to donate, you can do so here. Please give whatever you can afford 🙏🏻❤️

https://eating-disorders-foundation-of-victoria-inc.grassrootz.com/edv-bayoffires-2026/bianca-sandra?tab=donations

Again, for Instagram, I’ll pop a link in stories ☺️🙏🏻❤️

15/03/2026

Day 2 of Bay of Fires, Fundraising Hike

Today’s walk offered absolutely SPECTACULAR views, as you can see from the photos. We’ve been so lucky with the weather (albeit, a few degrees higher than I’d prefer, in the early 20’s) and today was almost entirely a beach walk; lots of sand, a bit of rock scrambling, one walk up a sand dune that nearly ended me 🤣 But overall, it was a very manageable walk, roughly 5-6 hours. The feet are a bit sore, but holding up well.

Absolutely loving our team of fundraisers/hikers, it’s been a delight getting to know people a bit more. There’s been lots of laughs, along with lots of honest and vulnerable conversations, many people sharing more of their stories and why they’re here, fundraising for eating disorders. Everyone is so supportive of one another’s capacities and needs. I couldn’t be happier.

Have you donated yet?? Yes, YOU!! You, who is reading this right now!? The fundraising link remains open while we walk, and we would LOVE it if we could get a little closer to the target.

If you are yet to donate, you can do so here:

https://eating-disorders-foundation-of-victoria-inc.grassrootz.com/edv-bayoffires-2026/bianca-sandra?tab=donations

Again, for Instagram, I’ll pop a link in stories ☺️🙏🏻❤️

14/03/2026

Day 1 of Bay of Fires, Eating Disorders Victoria, Fundraising Hike

This morning, after a night in Launceston, we got to meet the other group participants who have also been fundraising for for the last 6 months or so. Such a lovely group of people! 11 of us in total, including a few of the EDV staff. Almost everyone works in mental health or medicine, so it’s really quite a group of incredible individuals to be able to chat with along the way.

After meeting, we hopped on the bus and drove a couple of hours to the St Helens area in before we set off on the hike which was relatively short, just 4-5 hours. It was nonetheless definitely enough to warm up the legs, get us all sweating, and get us looking forward to dinner afterwards. I think tomorrow will be a little longer….wish us luck!

The fundraising link remains open for some time. If you are yet to donate, you can do so here: https://eating-disorders-foundation-of-victoria-inc.grassrootz.com/edv-bayoffires-2026/bianca-sandra?tab=donations

For Instagram, I will post a link in stories ❤️🙏🏻

10/03/2026

Posting this late because it is not in fact one week until we begin our hike, but just 4 days!! I’m super excited to spend a few days, including my birthday (tomorrow, in case anyone forgets 😉) beforehand in Hobart with mum. Friday we will take a bus to Launceston where we will meet the group of wonderful people who have also been fundraising for Eating Disorders Victoria, and set off on our first hike of the Bay of Fires on Saturday.

Are you still yet to donate? Scratching your head, trying to figure out what to get me for my birthday? I have an idea….link below 😉💰 (I will post in stories on Instagram as well)

https://eating-disorders-foundation-of-victoria-inc.grassrootz.com/edv-bayoffires-2026/bianca-sandra?tab=donations

05/03/2026

As an angsty teen, I used to spend hours in my bedroom, drawing. This was pre-internet…..well, it was at least pre-social media. Yes, I am THAT old. Pre-having a mobile phone, and definitely pre-smart phones, this is how I spent my time. In a state of flow and solace, drawing was my thinking and reflecting time.

More than 20 years later, I’ve picked it up again, for the first time since those days, with the encouragement of joining . Slightly less angst this time around ☺️

My first drawing to get back into the swing of the things was of course my muse, and the person I spend most of my time with, my little Ollie 🐶 ❤️

22/02/2026

Yesterday I saw a client who has been coming to see me on and off for the last couple of years. He brought his mum to the session to share with her how for the last 17 years, an eating disorder has been ravaging his mind and body, and secretly running the show all this time.

It was an emotional session as they spoke about his struggles with mental health; from su***de attempts, to relationship breakdowns, to substance abuse. His mum shared how she had always tried to be there for him, but couldn’t understand what piece of the puzzle she was missing. She noticed fluctuations in his weight and erratic behaviours with food at times, but each time she asked, he denied it. So she put down his struggles to his difficulty with sexuality, after he came out.

He shared that he has always felt that his existence as a gay man has been “wrong” in society; that the eating disorder has acted as a mechanism of protection. In his words, “if I’m going to be wrong for existing, I will at least get one thing right and have a perfect body.”

I’m so proud of him, finding the courage to not just confide in his mum, but bring her to therapy to talk about what has been both his deepest shame, and also, the one thing he’s been able to clutch on to for some semblance of control and worth. This is such a big step, and a testament to how far he has come.

With his permission, and anonymously, I share this story because in three weeks my mum and I will be walking the Bay of Fires track in Tasmania to raise money for ; an incredibly important organisation, and often a first point of call, for people in Victoria who are experiencing eating disorders. When I say that this organisation is important, I don’t mean that lightly; thinking about my above client, I don’t know how he is still alive after some of the things that he has been through. I think it is only because of the increased advocacy and work in the eating disorder space that he even got himself into therapy at all.

If you would like to support us along the way, there is time for donations, see the link below/in stories (Instagram) Thank you for reading ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

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Address

1/38 John Street
Brooklyn, VIC
3025

Opening Hours

Monday	3pm - 8pm
Tuesday	3pm - 8pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.freedomfromfood.com.au/links.html

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