Our approach

Put simply, Isis gives support those who feel that their eating issue is significantly impacting on their ability to lead their life.  

Isis works in partnership with people over 17 with serious eating issues such as anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating.  We support people to make informed choices and take control of their lives. 

No medical diagnosis is needed to access our services.

Listening, not judging

At Isis we know that listening to each person’s story is important.  So we support people to find new strategies to express emotional needs (or issues) while respecting them and their current way of coping – that is, their eating behaviour.

Our view on medical support

At Isis we know that different things can work for different people, and encourage clients to access information and make informed choices about the variety of supports that are available, and access what fits best for them.

While we are not a medically based service, we recognises that eating issues can cause serious medical implications and can become life threatening.  We encourage people with any kind of serious eating issues to access appropriate health and nutritional support alongside our therapeutic services. 

And remember that no medical diagnosis is needed to access our services.

Impact of gender on the development of eating issues

At Isis we know that low self esteem, issues of conflict and control as well as contradictions and conflicts in people’s lives can all play a part in the development of eating issues. 

Isis also recognises that unfair and unrealistic expections in relation to gender as well as gender related discrimination, harassment and violence and oppression can make people vulnerable to eating issues, especially where conflicts and contradictions around gender are expressed through people’s bodies, and eating behaviours.

We know that the majority of people with eating issues are women, with 1 in 20 Australian women reporting having an eating issue at some time in their lives.

Increasingly men are also reporting eating issues, and we know that eating issues can affect people of any gender. 

As a result of client and community consultations Isis has recently broaded our services to provide support to anyone experiencing  an eating issue.

We have a strong feminist herstory (see Feminism & eating issues) of promoting respect and empowerment for women and have retained women’s centred services Tuesday to Thursday. 

We have also expanded to work with people of any gender including men, women and transgender on Mondays and Fridays. 

Aged-based services

Isis works therapeutically with women and men from 17 years of age onwards. 

However, we do work with people of all ages through our talks & workshops and also information & referral service.

Isis is currently exploring possible therapeutic service expansion and projects targeting young people for both prevention and support initiatives.

Want to talk with us about eating issues?  Please contact us.