Diverse Backgrounds and Eating Disorders with Dietitian Tom

Understanding Body Matters Podcast

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest, Dietician Team Leader, and Accredited Practicing Dietician from the Mind Body Well Clinic Tom Scully. Tom has a wide range of clinical experience including working in an eating disorder unit in a mental health hospital and in private practice settings. Tom acknowledges the importance of recognising that gender, sex, race body shape/ size can affect all aspects of health and wellbeing. Understanding that experiences from health professionals also play a pivotal role in being able to create a space where people can discuss their health concerns in a way that recognises and affirms individuality. Tom utilises therapies such as Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as incorporates trauma informed care. In additions to working with clients one on one at the Mind Body Well clinic, Tom also provides support and supervision to the Mind Body Well dietetic team.

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be speaking about the topic of eating disorders and diverse backgrounds. As clinical settings and recovery-based frameworks are designed around western ideas of food and wellbeing. This conversation will open up the topic on varied experiences with food, body, families and culture. To help assist people from all backgrounds in feeling acknowledged in a way that allows for recovery for everybody. Tom acknowledges that this conversation is coming from the humbled perspective of a white Caucasian man and that as a practitioner he is always looking to the varying views of others. Tom works with a range of health concerns, but with interests in men’s health, LGBTQIA+ health, mental health and eating disorders. So, on that that note, please enjoy!

Podcast Summary:

1. Minority stress

2. Familial, cultural, or religious dynamics

3. Protective factors against eating disorders

4. Gauging the capacity of people who can support you

5. Allowing people to be the expert of their own life

6. Talking to the person who takes on the responsibility for preparing the food

Links for Tom Scully

Mind Body Well website: https://www.mindbodywell.com.au/

Links from the episode:

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

BodyMatters Instagram: bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email