On this week’s episode we are super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Host and Social Worker, Jessica Bakon. Jessica is a qualified Social Worker who holds an (Honours) degree from the University of New South Wales. As a new graduate, she worked across both private and public hospitals within the Northern Sydney Local Health District such as at Royal North Shore Hospital. This is where Jessica found passion in utlising evidence- based treatments with patients such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Jessica was also trained at Royal North Shore Hospital as a student and had the opportunity of working for BodyMatters Australasia, on her second University internship. This is where Jessica was offered the incredible opportunity to host and produce the ‘Understanding Body Matters Podcast’ after the podcast was so beautifully started and crafted by Madison Prubela. Where Jessica has been able to be involved in sharing stories of hope, lived experience, education, professional development, advocacy, wellbeing content and awareness for eating disorders. After a year of working within the healthcare system and gaining the experience she was hoping for Jessica has now gone back to University to complete her Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Hoping to support people in the field of eating disorders and within schools with a special interest for working with adolescents.

A little background about Jessica, she grew up on the Northern Beaches and spent her young working years enjoying her studies, volunteering for charities, and finding a passion in supporting people. However, during her teen years Jessica found herself impacted by disordered eating as a result of an adverse early childhood, social influences and the impact of diet culture. That is why on this week’s episode our Host Jessica will be sharing her story with disordered eating, her upbringing, and the reason for her passions in hosting the ‘Understanding Body Matters Podcast’. Jessica also shares the details of how receiving required support, addressing the adverse childhood experiences and having positive role models in her life really helped her along her journey.

In this week’s episode Jessica will also disclose brief elements of family domestic violence, strength, and success despite significant challenges faced. Where Jessica thanks the many guests on the podcasts who have been so vulnerable in being able to provide awareness for eating disorders, mental health, and overall wellbeing. This is where Jessica shares her value for learning, education, teachers, supervisors, mentors, and positive role models within her life. As the support from these people were all the main components of Jessica being able to be the person she is today. As someone who now loves and values the role that food can have in her life Jessy now shares her story of gratitude for her recovery and the appreciation that she has for her life. So, on that note, please welcome our next special guest host, Jessy!

Podcast Summary:

1. The impact of adverse childhood experiences

2. Friendships with people who engaged in disordered eating

3. Learning to drink alcohol in a binge drinking culture in Australia  

4. Transitional periods

5. The power of support, role modelling and positive people

6. Education, awareness, and advocacy in eating disorders

Links from the episode and to BodyMatters:

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

BodyMatters Instagram: @bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1800