Tell us about yourself: 

I live in Central Houston where I work as a therapist in a group practice where we serve the needs of the entire family. My primary focus in therapy is working with women who struggle with emotional eating. Often, they are on the go managing the needs of their families first and themselves second – food then becomes a way to cope, a self-care strategy. In our practice we also work specifically with moms, couples, teens, and adults coping with life transition, stress, anxiety, and depression. I love the work that I do and feel honored to be a part of change and transformation in the lives of others.

Why did you become a RTA-Certified Facilitator?

In my work with women as a therapist one of the primary factors that contributed to their stress, anxiety, depression, emotional eating was self care. There are especially high demands on women to be perfect, do it all, juggle multiple priorities and look good doing it! Motherhood places additional demands and pressures on women. For my own self care I had been following Renee’s blog and finding her posts inspiring to me in my daily life. I went through a very difficult 5 year journey of infertility until I finally began the adoption process. During this time self-care became extremely important to me both for my physical and emotional well-being. I started attending retreats to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with myself. I found that self-care was essential in order to cope with the stress and pain of loss after loss. I became intimately aware of the mind, body connection and focused on nutrition, activities, attitudes, connection and experiences that nourish rather than deplete. This experience coupled with my experience as a therapist inspired me to become a RTA-Certified Facilitator and help other women find the support they need.

How has this work changed or affected you?

Being part of Renee’s community helps me to stay connected to needs and continue to keep my own self-care top of mind. It’s a constant juggle – I don’t think we just become “good” at self-care. Rather, I realized that we just need to increase sources of pleasure and satisfaction in our lives. Sometimes this is through being more mindful and noticing the beautiful butterfly, choosing foods you enjoy, savoring a nice bath – making time for and enjoying the moments you have. I also firmly believe in the power and value of a supportive community, which is what is so important about this work. I got through my 5 years of miscarriage and infertility because of the support from other women and being part of a like-minded community. I don’t know how I would have been able to find resiliency otherwise.

What are your favorite self-care activities? 

Being in nature is by far my favorite self care activity. Anytime I can be outside, I feel so much better. I make it a point to spend some time outdoors every day – even though I live in hot and humid Houston! Fun and laughter is also an important self care practice for me. Other favorite self care activities include yoga, listening to music, dancing (around the house works for me), playing with my animals, taking a hot bath, doing creative activities with my step-daughter, connecting with others, and gardening.

How can people contact you or learn about your groups/retreats?

To reach me and sign up for one of my Personal Renewal Groups in Houston, TX, email rachel@eddinscounseling.com or visit at www.eddinscounseling.com. 

You can meet other Facilitators around the globe here. If you’d like to learn more about empowering women in your community, growing your small business and joining our community of women supporting women, click here, call 512/459-6700 or email us.