Schedule your session
Reclaim your relationship with your body and food with support from an eating disorder therapist
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.
You don’t deserve to fear food.
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
Binge Eating and Eating Disorder Therapy for Residents of Burnaby and Vancouver, BC*
But you do deserve a calm and fulfilling relationship with your body and how you fuel it.
*Private and secure virtual sessions also available for out-of-area clients
If you struggle with...
- 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
Feel like yourself again
Find freedom from obsessive thoughts
Address the mental and physical symptoms of your habits
Have more confidence around social activities
Ditch the food rules
Experience more body acceptance
Develop a better relationship with food and movement
And you’re ready to...
Meet
Our Clinical Counsellors
Learn more about working with Dr. Meredith and her courses and programs for women who struggle with emotional overeating on her website.
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
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.
Women’s Mental Health
Trauma
Relationships
Infertility
High achievement and perfectionism
Disordered Eating
Couples Counselling
Anxiety
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Founder of Parallel Wellness
Dr. Meredith MacKenzie, PhD
book with meredith
Dr. 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:
Stress Management
Trauma
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
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.
Transitioning to Adulthood
Life Transition
Immigration
Family Dynamics
Disordered Eating
Depression
Body Image
Anxiety
Provisional Psychologist & Registered Clinical Counsellor
Alejandra Botia, MA, PhD
book with alejandra
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 and PhD in Counselling Psychology from UBC.
Alejandra works with young adults, adults and people who have recently moved to Canada. She can support clients in the following areas:
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.
Stress Management
Self - Expression
Relaxation
Mindfulness
Grounding
Emotional Regulation
intern
Alleah Bowring
book with alleah
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:
A quote that inspires Alyssa:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
– Lewis Carroll
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.
Peer Relationship
Loss and Transition
Family Relationships
Childhood Healing
Anxiety and Mood Management
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Alyssa Gonzalez, MC
book with alyssa
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:
Relationship issues including breakups, infidelity, and family dynamics
Stress Management
Self-esteem and body issues
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.
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.
People Pleasing
Life Transitions
Identify Exploration
Grief and Loss
Emotional Regulation
Depression
Anxiety
ADHD
registered clinical counsellor
Alexandra Pesa
book with alexandra
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:
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
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.
Stress management and burnout prevention
Self-Worth
Relationship Issues
Couples Therapy
Anxiety and Mood Management
Registered Clinical Counsellor, EMDR Therapist
Ashley Greensmyth, MCP
book with ashley
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:
Trauma
Stress management
Sexual abuse or assault
Self-esteem
Selective mutism
Personal development
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
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.
Parenting education
Emotional dysregulation
Early childhood mental health
Depression
Couples and relationship counselling
Child therapy
Career development
Anxiety
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Laura Palermo, MCP, RCC
book with laura
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:
Faith and Spirituality
Life Transitions
Career Guidance
Personal Growth
Relationships
Suicidality
Self-harm
Emotion Regulation
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
CJ brings warmth and open-handedness to each session, which helps clients feel safe, seen, and supported. Drawing from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and the Gottman Method, and with over ten years of providing pastoral care for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds, CJ is committed to helping clients from all walks of life find clarity and experience healing.
When CJ is not serving clients, you’ll probably find her playing volleyball, leading worship at church, or at a local coffee shop.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Chantal Lui, MACP
Chantal Lui, who goes by CJ, has been with Parallel Wellness since 2025. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University.
CJ specializes in adolescent mental health and well-being. She also works with young adults, adults, couples, and families. She can support clients in the following areas:
book with CJ
Relationship Challenges
Body Image
Depression
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Disordered Eating / Eating Disorders
Outside of the therapy room, you’ll often find Rachel outdoors, hiking in the mountains, at a live show or music festival, or spending time with friends and family. She turns to music as a way to connect, stay inspired, and spark creativity.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Rachel Johnston
book with rachel
Rachel works from a person-centered, relational lens and is passionate about creating a warm, supportive space where clients can feel seen and understood.
She supports clients in the following areas:
Self-Esteem and Confidence Concerns
Maggie is interested in helping clients understand the connection between their emotional wellbeing and what they may be holding in the body. She aims to create a warm, supportive space where clients can slow down, feel safe, and explore their experiences without judgment. Maggie values openness and authenticity, and wants clients to feel accepted, understood, and supported in the therapy room.
Outside of counselling, Maggie has a background in design and brings creativity, warmth, and a grounded presence to her work with clients.
Relationship Challenges
Body Image
Eating Disorders / Disordered Eating
Women’s Health
Reproductive and Perinatal Mental Health
Anxiety
MASTERS-LEVEL COUNSELLING INTERN
Maggie Place
book with Maggie
Maggie is currently completing her Master’s in Counselling at City University. She is drawn to relational, client-centred work and is passionate about creating a warm, attuned space where clients feel safe to show up fully as themselves. Her approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and the belief that meaningful change can happen through a strong therapeutic relationship.
Maggie supports clients in the following areas:
book your session
And yes, we can work collaboratively with your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, dietitian or another counsellor.
We’re here to support you and share strategies that actually work.
learn more
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
One Body to Love is designed to help you....
Dieting didn’t work. It’s time to try something different.
A fulfilling and respectful relationship with your body is within reach.
The scientifically-proven, intuitive eating program made for women hosted by Meredith MacKenzie
One Body to Love Program
- Andrea G.
And Meredith Facilitates A Great Open And Honest Conversation Where You Feel Safe To Express Really Vulnerable Things.
This Program Was Exactly What I Needed
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.
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.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
book your session
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.