Stepping Stones with Helen Dean

04/12/2025

I'm a dietitian and counsellor with a lived experience of an eating disorder, and I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to the work I do. My journey through recovery deeply informs how I support others—because I’ve been there, too.

I work with families to help them understand the complexities of eating disorders, providing both nutritional education and emotional support, which can be crucial in the recovery process.

By addressing both the dietary and psychological components, I can help clients develop strategies for maintaining recovery and preventing relapse.

01/12/2025

Eating disorders don’t discriminate!

They can impact people at any age, and they often emerge or resurface during major life transitions—like perimenopause and menopause.

Don't negotiate you! There's help available- work with someone who cares.

At Stepping Stones with Helen Dean, I pride myself on my unique ability to connect and understand people- why wait!
https://www.theeatingdisordercenter.com/blog/eating-disorders-in-midlife-how-perimenopause-and-menopause-can-trigger-disordered-eating
Helen Dean

By: Megan Samuels, MSW, LCSW-C, Trauma and Eating Disorder Therapist

20/11/2025

Parents — you are not meant to do this alone.
This December, I’m running three free online sessions to support you with the real-life, everyday challenges around food, emotions, and confidence at home.

Each session gives you practical tools you can use that same day — no perfection required, just small, steady steps.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what’s “right,” these sessions will help you feel grounded, confident, and supported again.

✨ Free to attend — RSVP via hdean1974@gmail.com Link sent upon booking.

15/11/2025

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with food, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or unsure what your body actually needs… you don’t have to figure it out alone.

With over 25 years’ experience, I’ll meet you exactly where you’re at and support you at your pace, not anyone else’s. Realistic guidance, compassionate care, and a
safe space to rebuild trust in your body.

I’ve just opened another day of appointments and am currently taking new clients — spots will go quickly.
If you’re ready to take that first step towards feeling better in your body, I’d love to support you.

Book an appointment at hdean1974@gmail.com

12/11/2025

Sometimes people get stuck in food fear — feeling anxious, guilty, or unsafe around eating. This can happen after illness, restriction, or distressing food experiences. Your nervous system starts protecting you from something it thinks is dangerous. Recovery is about gently retraining those signals and finding safety in nourishment again. Help is available, and change is possible.
email today: hdean194@gmail.com

06/11/2025

Protein Powders — What’s All the Hype?
You’ve probably noticed protein powders popping up everywhere — in smoothies, coffee, even cereal! But are they really necessary?

05/11/2025

When You Don’t Get Enough Fibre
Not eating enough fibre can lead to:
• Constipation
• Bloating or discomfort
• Increased hunger
• Higher blood sugar spikes
• Higher cholesterol levels
Here are some easy ways to increase your intake!
Working with an expert in the area such as an accredited practising dietitian can provide the support you need!

04/11/2025

It’s great to see more awareness around ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder — in the media this week.

When Brianna Elvish was about four years old, she lost the ability to eat properly.

03/11/2025

30/10/2025

Helping Your Young Person Heal
An Online Parent Support Session with Helen Dean
When your child is living with an eating disorder, it can feel like you’re walking on eggshells — every meal a battle, every word the wrong one. You want to help, but you’re not sure how.
Join Helen Dean, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Counsellor & Eating Disorder Clinician, for a practical, compassionate online session designed especially for parents and carers.
With over 25 years of experience and lived understanding, Helen will guide you through what’s really happening beneath the surface — and what actually helps recovery.
In this session, you’ll learn:
• What’s really going on in your young person’s mind and body
• What to say (and what not to) around food and body image
• How to manage mealtimes without battles
• What your role in recovery truly is — and what progress looks like
• Ways to care for yourself while supporting your child
Why join?
You’ll leave with real-life strategies, reassurance, and renewed confidence that you can make a difference — even on the hardest days.
Date: Wednesday November 15th 7-8pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free community session
Bookings: hdean1974@gmail.com

Register today

Stepping Stones with Helen Dean is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who provides specialised dietetic and counselling support to assist children, adolescents, and adults manage and treat eating disorders.

29/10/2025

At Stepping Stones with Helen Dean, you’ll find more than just nutrition advice — you’ll find understanding, compassion, and real support.

Helen Dean is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Counsellor, and Eating Disorder Clinician with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and families rebuild a peaceful relationship with food and body. Her approach is grounded in both professional expertise and lived understanding — because Helen knows that recovery isn’t about “just eating” or “trying harder.” It’s about healing from the inside out.

Helen combines evidence-based nutrition therapy with a counselling lens, helping clients make sense of why they struggle with food, not just what they eat. She works with young people, adults, and parents navigating eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, ARFID, and disordered eating patterns — supporting each person with warmth, respect, and honesty.

Currently accepting new clients.
Email today: hdean1974@gmail.com

20/10/2025

Feeding a child with ASD can be tricky — for them and for the person feeding them.
Parents often say:

“But they eat it at school or childcare — why won’t they eat the same food at home?”

Here’s why: if the details aren’t identical, your child may not recognise it as the same food. Children on the spectrum often notice every tiny difference — the brand of the yoghurt, the plate it’s served on, even how it’s cut. Any change can make it feel like a completely new situation.

That’s where support helps.
At Stepping Stones with Helen Dean, I work at your child’s pace — helping them learn about food, explore safely, and build comfort with variety over time. We talk about preferred foods, small steps, and understanding what makes eating feel safe for your child.

🍎 Book a time today to start building confidence and calm around mealtimes.
📞 0412 855 347 | 🌐 www.steppingstoneswithhelendean.com