Together, we can take the brave steps towards recovery.
Shawna Melbourn is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian, and an Intuitive Eating Counsellor. Shawna is Ottawa-based and provides virtual nutrition care and support for eating disorder recovery, disordered eating, and the backlash of chronic dieting.
If you are wondering how Shawna can best support you, book a 15 minute discovery call to chat with her:
I believe that nutrition care for eating disorder support should be deeply rooted in compassionate, inclusive, non-judgemental, and individualized.
Individual Treatment.
Your relationship with your food and body matters. And so should your individual treatment plan. Together, let’s navigate the complexities and nuances of your eating disorder experience, while helping you to grow your confidence with nourishment, self-care and well-bing. Care is offered for individuals across the age, gender, and body spectrum.
Families and Caregivers.
While we know eating disorders are about food, we also know they aren’t - all at the same time! It is this dichotomy that connects our emotional underpinnings and food itself. Together, we can unravel these complexities of your loved one’s eating disorder, while providing you with the guidance and support you need to best support your loved one.
MEET
Guiding clients and families toward healing with compassion, curiosity, and care.
Hi, I’m Shawna – Registered Dietitian & Eating Disorder Specialist
I believe in the healing power of food—but not just as fuel. Food holds stories, emotions, connection, and care. And when those relationships become tangled, I’ve seen how deeply painful it can be—for individuals and the people who love them.
I’m a Registered Dietitian with advanced training in eating disorder care, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping clients and families move from fear and confusion into clarity, compassion, and recovery.
I believe that healing happens **in relationship—not in perfection**. That’s why my approach is rooted in client-centered care —where your values, experiences, and voice are not only welcomed, but central to everything we do together.
My approach
Whether I’m working with individuals or guiding parents and caregivers, my philosophy is grounded in:
Compassionate care – I meet you where you are, without judgment or pressure. You’ll be held with warmth and respect, no matter what you’re going through.
Client-centered practice – You’re the expert on your life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering evidence-based guidance, curiosity, and support.
Emotion-focused care – Because eating disorders aren’t just about food. We explore how emotions, body image, identity, and lived experiences are intertwined with eating—and how to untangle them gently.
Inclusivity – I work to create a space where all bodies, identities, and backgrounds are honored. I support clients from all walks of life, including those in queer, racialized, neurodivergent, and caregiving communities.
Why I do this work
Supporting people through eating disorder recovery is some of the most meaningful work I know. It’s deeply human. It requires courage, vulnerability, and trust—qualities I see in my clients every single day.
And it’s not just about food. It’s about helping people reclaim joy, rebuild trust in their bodies, and find their way back to connection—with themselves and with others.
When we work together...
You can expect a therapeutic nutrition experience that’s collaborative, warm, and empowering. I’ll offer structure and support—but never shame or rigidity. We’ll take one step at a time, guided by your goals and grounded in evidence-informed care.
Whether you’re here for yourself, your child, or someone you love—I’m so glad you’re here. You don’t have to do this alone.
Are you wondering if Shawna could be a good fit for you?
Everyone’s journey is unique, and what you are searching for could be exactly what Shawna could help you with.
To be sure, book a quick call with Shawna, and ask her any question, describe your journey and what you are in hopes of.
