Diet Culture and Body Image with Psychotherapist Jaqueline Byrnes

Understanding Body Matters Podcast

On this week’s episode I am excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Clinical Psychotherapist and Founder of Wings and Quill Jaqueline Byrnes. Wings and Quill provides a range of services for the treatment of eating disorders including but not limited to psychotherapy, peer support groups, workshops, group programs and more. Jacqueline is trained with a Masters in Clinical Psychotherapy with further post graduate studies in narrative approaches, research and eating disorders. Jacqueline also holds additional qualifications in English literature, education, creative and professional writing and nutrition. As a writer Jacqueline has several articles, journal contributions and creative writing pieces published and is hoping to have her first book published soon.

Having produced a body of research in the qualitative narrative analysis of eating disordered experiences. Jaqueline has over 7 years of experience in her field where Jaqueline is now the Clinical Manager of Support Services for the leading national eating disorder organisation, The Butterfly Foundation. Jacqueline’s work in psychodynamic approaches has been widely acclaimed with the popularity of her programs in Sydney for the Butterfly Foundation leading to a national service being implemented as state-based programs being offered across Australia.

Most notably Jacqueline developed, implemented and managed the Butterfly Foundations e-health initiative ED HOPE a national Tele Web program, the first service of it’s kind in Australia. Regarded as an expert in her field Jacqueline is a valued member of the Expert Advisory Board for the Butterfly Foundation and contributes to research projects on the recovery for those with eating disorders. Jaqueline is also an active member on a variety of boards and organisations including the Qualitative Research in psychology Initiative, NEDC, ANZEAD and CAPA. Jaqueline is a facilitator of workshops and programs as well as is a supervisor for other clinicians in the eating disorder field.

On this week’s episode I am excited to be speaking about the topic of diet culture and our relationship with our bodies. As the relationship that we have with our bodies largely influences our body image. On this episode Jacqueline will so kindly explore the relationship we have with self as the primary focus for wellbeing. While also contributing to the understanding we may have around bodies, eating disorders and body image. Jaqueline’s love and research into Narrative Therapy really brings a unique and valued perspective into the treatment of eating disorders that I am really excited for you all to hear. So, on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Jaqueline!

Podcast summary

1. The relationship you have with your body

2.Your bodies needs outside of diet culture

3. The research on body image and eating disorders

4. The relationship you have with yourself

5. Narrative therapy

6. Trusting yourself and your body

Links to Jaqueline:

Jaqueline’s Instagram: @wings_and_quill

Jaqueline’s Facebook: Wings and Quill

Wings and Quill Website: http://www.wingsandquill.com/

Links to BodyMatters:

BodyMatters Australasia Website: https://bodymatters.com.au/

BodyMatters Instagram: @bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email