Reclaim your relationship with your body and food with support from an eating disorder therapist
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You don’t deserve to fear food.
To look at yourself in the mirror and pick your body apart.
To obsess about what goes into your body and panic at meal-time.
To hate yourself after breaking your food rules.
*Private and secure virtual sessions also available for out-of-area clients
But you do deserve a calm and fulfilling relationship with your body and how you fuel it.
Binge Eating and Eating Disorder Therapy for Residents of Burnaby and Vancouver, BC*
Several of our counsellors are trained to support you with concerns of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and disordered eating.
Because our founder, Meredith MacKenzie, struggled with disordered eating herself. And she is determined to use her experience to help other women find peace and relief
Why?
Meredith spent most of her teen and early adult years under the spell of diet culture. Consumed by Slim Fast and Nutrisystem advertisements, weekly cheat meals and an explosion of body makeover-themed reality television shows, she began to develop behaviours of disordered eating that eventually turned into binge and emotional eating.
This experience and her own binge eating recovery led Meredith to the field of psychology and the world of intuitive eating.
Now, she supports other women through their disordered eating struggles as an eating disorder therapist so they can feel at peace with their bodies and truly enjoy the food they eat without shame and guilt.
more about meredith
Story
Meredith's
- Fear, guilt, or shame around eating
- Obsessive thoughts about your body
- Accepting yourself as you are
- Unrealistic food rules
- An unhealthy relationship with movement
- Loss of menstrual cycle or concerns about hormones and reproduction
- Transitioning from a hospital setting back to daily life
If you struggle with...
And you’re ready to...
Develop a better relationship with food and movement
Experience more body acceptance
Ditch the food rules
Have more confidence around social activities
Address the mental and physical symptoms of your habits
Find freedom from obsessive thoughts
Feel like yourself again
Meredith founded Parallel Wellness in 2012 as a solo counsellor and now runs a thriving practice dedicated to helping her neighbours live fulfilling and peaceful lives. She has a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is currently a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology.
Meredith specializes in eating disorder therapy and is the founder of the One Body to Love program for women who struggle with binge eating. She also serves clients in the following areas:
book with meredith
Meredith MacKenzie, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Founder of Parallel Wellness
Anxiety
Couples Counselling
Disordered Eating
High achievement and perfectionism
Infertility
Relationships
Trauma
Women’s Mental Health
Meredith strongly believes in the healing power of the human-to-human connection and strives to help others explore themselves and live authentic lives. She brings radical acceptance to her practice to ensure her clients feel safe, seen and understood.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Meredith hanging out at Starbucks, listening to the Crime Junkie podcast, or collecting Christmas ornaments.
A quote that inspires Meredith:
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." - Viktor Frankl
Alejandra has been with Parallel Wellness since 2018 and has over a decade of experience in the mental health field.
Alejandra has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC. She is currently a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology.
Alejandra works with young adults, adults and people who have recently moved to Canada. She can support clients in the following areas:
book with alejandra
Alejandra Botia, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Body Image
Depression
Disordered Eating
Family Dynamics
Immigration
Life Transition
Transitioning to Adulthood
Alejandra believes in the power of being seen, heard and validated in a safe place. She aims to provide an environment that inspires her clients to get curious, find new ways of showing up in their lives and move towards hope, meaning and fulfillment.
When she is not serving clients, you might find Alejandra walking along the water, reading in a cozy coffee shop, or travelling.
A quote that inspires Alejandra:
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears" - Nelson Mandela
Trauma
Stress Management
Alleah has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023 and is currently completing her master’s of Counselling Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy.
Alleah works with adults and can support clients in the following areas:
book with alleah
Alleah Bowring
intern
Emotional Regulation
Grounding
Mindfulness
Relaxation
Self - Expression
Stress Management
Her goal is to help others be more present and practice healthy self-expression.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Alleah at a local pottery class, rock climbing, or camping in the great outdoors.
Alyssa has been with Parallel Wellness since 2022. She has a master’s degree in Counselling from the City University of Seattle.
Alyssa enjoys working with teens 13+ years of age and adults.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with alyssa
Alyssa Gonzalez, MC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety and Mood Management
Childhood Healing
Family Relationships
Loss and Transition
Peer Relationship
Alyssa encourages her clients to come as they are. She enjoys helping others get to know their inner systems so they can have more self-compassion and self-awareness. After working with Alyssa, clients can expect to walk away with clarity, healing, and increased self-confidence.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Alyssa curled up with a good book and a cup of peppermint tea.
A quote that inspires Alyssa:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
– Lewis Carroll
Alexandra has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023. She works with a diverse range of clients, from teens and university students to families, adults, and individuals going through big life transitions.
Alexandra has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Simon Fraser University. She received her master’s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle.
Alexandra can support clients in the following areas:
book with alexandra
Alexandra Pesa
registered clinical counsellor
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Grief and Loss
Identify Exploration
Life Transitions
People Pleasing
Alexandra’s goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their inner worlds, discover the connections between the mind, body, and soul, and find their unique path toward growth and fulfillment.
As a young therapist, she brings a fresh outlook and an inherent understanding of the contemporary challenges younger generations encounter in today’s fast-paced world.
When Alexandra is not serving clients, you might find her jamming to Taylor Swift, trying a new local restaurant, or at the gym.
A quote that inspires Alexandra:
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.
Self-esteem and body issues
Stress Management
Relationship issues including breakups, infidelity, and family dynamics
Ashley has been with Parallel Wellness since 2018 and works mainly with millennials, helping them undo inter-generational trauma.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with ashley
Ashley Greensmyth, MCP
Registered Clinical Counsellor, EMDR Therapist
Anxiety and Mood Management
Couples Therapy
Relationship Issues
Self-Worth
Stress management and burnout prevention
Ashley’s goal is to help you feel a sense of belonging and worthiness, clarify your priorities, and experience stable and fulfilling relationships. She helps her clients develop more self-awareness, emotional intelligence and maturity, relationship skills, and relaxation.
Ashley received her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is certified in EMDR Basic Training, Lifespan Integration 1, Gottman Level 1, Gottman Seven Principles for Couples Leader (AA & BA with Major in Psychology).
When she’s not serving clients, you can find Ashley cuddling her cats, reading her Kindle, and spending time with her loved ones.
When she’s not serving clients, you can find Ashley cuddling her cats, reading her Kindle, and spending time with her loved ones.
A quote that inspires Ashley:
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and embracing who we are.” - Brené Brown
Laura has been with Parallel Wellness since 2020. In her practice, she works with children, adults, couples, families, groups, and agencies.
Laura received her bachelor’s in Psychology from SFU and her master’s of Counselling Psychology from Adler University.
Laura can support clients with:
book with laura
Laura Palermo, MCP, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Career development
Child therapy
Couples and relationship counselling
Depression
Early childhood mental health
Emotional dysregulation
Parenting education
Laura prides herself on creating a safe space that is genuine, kind, and non-judgmental. She works with her clients to experience movement towards their personal goals and general wellness.
When Laura is not working with clients, you might find her reading her favourite book, doing a puzzle or painting, or taking a long walk outside.
A quote that inspires Laura:
“Worthy now. Not if. Not when. We are worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” -Brené Brown
Personal development
Selective mutism
Self-esteem
Sexual abuse or assault
Stress management
Trauma
Renu has been with Parallel Wellness since 2021. She is passionate about guiding her clients through relationship issues, whether they are with others, the world, or with life’s purpose.
Her training includes somatic therapy, which considers both the mind and body when working through trauma and unconscious wound. Renu also focuses on attachment and Jungian approaches. She holds three degrees in English, Education, and Counselling.
Renu supports clients with:
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Renu Parmar, MC
Psychotherapist/Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Addiction
Creative Blocks
Feelings of loneliness/ emptiness
Feeling trapped in patterns or feeling stuck
Identity issues
Low self-esteem and self-criticism
Relationship issues/patterns (attachment issues)
She also strives to help her clients achieve feelings of peace and wholeness and experience fulfilling relationships.
Renu is also a meditation teacher, spiritual counsellor, and Reiki Master.
When she is not serving clients, you might find Renu meditating, writing, or enjoying a good book with a wine and cheese board.
A quote that inspires Renu:
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung
Searching for meaning and spiritual questioning
Traumatic experiences (PTSD and complex trauma)
We’re here to support you and share strategies that actually work.
And yes, we can work collaboratively with your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, dietitian or another counsellor.
book your session
One Body to Love Program
The scientifically-proven, intuitive eating program made for women hosted by Meredith MacKenzie
Dieting didn’t work. It’s time to try something different.
A fulfilling and respectful relationship with your body is within reach.
One Body to Love is designed to help you....
Escape the shame and embarrassment of failed diet after failed diet
Learn to forgive yourself for how you’ve treated your body
Feel confident in yourself and your relationship with food
Trust your body and your hunger and fullness cues
Learn strategies (that actually work) to control your emotional urges
Begin to enjoy movement without punishing yourself
learn more
This Program Was Exactly What I Needed
And Meredith Facilitates A Great Open And Honest Conversation Where You Feel Safe To Express Really Vulnerable Things.
- Andrea G.
In many cases, eating disorder therapy requires additional check-ins and consultations with allied professionals on your recovery team. Because of this, our eating disorder therapy sessions are typically $175 plus GST to account for the between-session work your counsellor will do.
What’s the cost?
Meredith is the team’s primary eating disorder therapist. However, we have several highly skilled counsellors on our team. We encourage you to choose the counsellor who fits best with your needs and your schedule so you can consistently work towards your eating disorder recovery.
Will I work with Meredith as my counsellor?
Disordered eating happens along a continuum. Unfortunately, even many of the dieting behaviours that we see as normal in our society could be considered disordered eating. Ultimately, as eating and exercise patterns become more rigid and controlled, or more out of control, they are considered disordered. If you or someone who loves you is concerned about your eating or exercise habits, or attitudes towards food and your body, eating disorder therapy might be a good fit for you.
What is an eating disorder?
Frequently Asked Questions
This is our main goal. Parallel Wellness has helped countless men and women move towards body acceptance and release their anxiety around food. We’d love to help you achieve the same!
Can you help me feel good in my body again?
This is where your counsellor working closely with your family doctor comes in. There are several medical markers of eating disorder severity that indicate in-patient treatment may be necessary. We will support you in transitioning to in-patient care as needed and then help with your transition back to community-based care.
How do I know if I need therapy vs. in-patient treatment for my eating disorder?
Yes! Having a solid plan for returning to your home community after hospitalization is important to the eating disorder recovery process. We can consult with your hospital team to help make the transition smoother and focus on your post-release goals.
Will you work with me if I’ve been hospitalized for my eating disorder?
You can achieve body acceptance and food freedom.
It’s time to go from feeling out of control, ashamed of yourself and uncomfortable in your own skin to comfortable and confident with yourself and around food. Let a trained eating disorder therapist help.
