Meet Olivia Mcdonnell – A Glow Group Body Inclusive Dietitian
Welcome, we are so glad you are here.
Healthcare can be an overwhelming space, particularly when trying to find the right clinician to fit your needs.
By way of introducing Glow Group and our philosophies, we thought it may be helpful to share a little more ourselves, our lives and the reason we feel such a strong connection to the work we do each and every day.
Thank you for being here.
Olivia’s Story
While completing my bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, I realised that I always wanted to work within the eating disorder space. After graduating, I felt a strong desire to explore how to navigate this field through a non-weight-centric lens, which contrasts with the traditional approach taught to dietitians.
During my final year of university, I decided to focus clinically on eating disorders. The Glow Group was a perfect fit for my values and philosophy, as it creates a space for individuals with eating disorders to have autonomy while striving to recover from such a challenging period in their lives.
In addition to my clinical work, I have pursued my passion for research by working on my PhD, aiming to provide more evidence and support for the eating disorder field.
Growing up in rural New South Wales, I have seen firsthand the health gap between metropolitan and rural areas. This experience has given me valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by individuals in rural areas compared to those in metropolitan settings, and it has fuelled my desire to address these disparities in healthcare by providing an accessible platform for adequate support.
Keys to Me
So, here’s just a little about me, my life, and how I like to practise.
- I have had my own lived experience with an eating disorder during my adolescent years, which allows me to truly empathise with my clients and understand how challenging this period in their lives can be.
- I believe that nutrition is highly individualised and requires a holistic approach. Therefore, I strive to consider all aspects of a person’s health before making any nutritional recommendations or providing guidance.
- My approach is gentle and client-centred, meeting individuals where they are and ensuring they feel heard and comfortable in the space I provide.
Loves
- Beach
- Any outdoor activity
- Summer
Hates
- The cold
- Societal norms that perpetuate weight stigma
- Unqualified people offering nutrition advice
My Clinical Passion Areas
Supporting individuals with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating or Chronic Dieters to find peace (or neutrality) with food.
Including support for:
- / Bulimia Nervosa
- / Binge Eating Disorder
- / Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
- / Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders
- / Disordered Eating
- / Body Image concerns
- / “Emotional eating”
- / “Over eating”
- / Chronic dieting
- / Food anxiety
- / Sensory differences impacting eating
- / Related gut health concerns, including a particular interest in coeliac disease
NDIS Nutrition
Including support for:
- / Malnutrition & poor appetite
- / Texture modified diets for dysphagia (in collaboration with your Speech Pathologist)
- / Meal planning, including grocery shopping and recipe supports
- / Sensory Differences Impacting Eating
- / Feeding & Eating Concerns
- / Nutritional guidance for medical conditions such as, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation/diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) & irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- / Support worker/carer/family training based on your unique nutritional needs
Training and Credentials
Qualifications
- / Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics Hons (2023)
- /Doctor of Philosophy – Nutrition and Dietetics (current)
Credentials
- / Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
- / NDIS Registered Dietitian
Post-graduate training
- / Nutrition Counselling for Eating Disorders – Marci Evans
- / Health at Every Size Training
- / Inside out Institute; Eating Disorder Community Training for Dietitian
How do I like to practise?
I take the time to understand and acknowledge each individual through a holistic approach, aiming to provide sustainable solutions that help them meet their goals. I advocate for overall well-being using a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens, fostering a positive relationship with food. My goal is to create a space where individuals can unpack their journey with food, offering empathy, support, and guidance to simplify their relationship with food.
If you have made it this far, thanks for joining me!
To learn more about our other clinicians click here.
Alternatively, if you would like to book an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form here.
