Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Eugene Clinical Director Kristen Doecke, LPC, ATR hopes to help women and men build the courage to reconnect with themselves and to gain insight into the underlying factors that drive their eating disorder. In this week’s blog post, Kristen shares some of her personal journey to joining the Monte Nido & Affiliates team.

Please give us a brief description of your background and what guided you towards the treatment of eating disorders.

I was originally drawn to working in this field because of my background in athletics, specifically competitive figure skating, and the devastating impact disordered eating and eating disorders have on professional athletes. My background is in complex trauma and attachment and in that work it’s so common for those suffering to find a sense of safety and comfort in an eating disorder. When I began working at an eating disorder facility many years ago it became a way to meld different aspects of my background that I felt so passionate about, trauma, art therapy and attachment work.

In your own words, please describe the philosophy of Monte Nido.

Monte Nido’s philosophy is what drew me to the West Coast from the Midwest. I feel so energized by the work we do with people and that we believe each person has a healthy voice inside that can help them transform their life. We meet people where they are at, without judgment, and hold hope that they can recovery because we have been through the journey ourselves and try to live it every day. We believe in being “human” and that seeking help is the first step to lead people back to themselves.

What is your favorite thing about Monte Nido & Affiliates?

My favorite thing about Monte Nido is how important it feels to us to live authentically and to mirror that to our clients. I am in awe everyday at the soulful moments we share with each other and I truly believe that we have some of the most talented clinicians you’ll ever meet.

What’s your soulfood?

My soul food has changed over the years but I’d probably choose something that’s been a staple in my family throughout the years. My family is originally from Australia so we live, breathe and die by pavlova. Its a dish that always makes me feel connected to them no matter how far away they may be.

What are three facts about you that people do not know?

Three facts people may not know about me: First is that I was a competitive figure skater for 18 years of my life. Second is that I was a children’s book illustrator before I became a therapist. Because of this art and storytelling are a big part of the work I do with people. Finally, the third is that I spend most of my free time in my garden with my daughter. I have a green thumb that is deeply connected to my soul self.

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