Testimonials from Emotional Eating
Coaching Clients

In The Words of A.B. from Illinois
" Ellen and 'A Weigh Out' came along for me at just the right time. I knew the steps I had to take after many years of weight loss programs, therapy, discussion groups, many, many books read, etc. but talking with Ellen at this point in my life supported me enough to push through my deepest blocks and put the things I knew into action. Things all seemed to come together. My weight is coming down, I feel more balanced and aware than ever. Thank you Ellen for your huge piece in all of this."

In The Words Tomette Kirk, Milwaukee, WI
" For years I've heard the sports logo "Just Do It" as a campaign to add activity to an otherwise sedentary life. I have also heard that all it takes to change your size is the "willpower," a "Just Do It" attitude toward eating differently. But I never knew what to "just do." I tried just about every eating program on the market, looking for the plan and the support that would help me with my life long food issues. But the more I focused on the food, counting points, calories, fat grams, carbs, ounces, or servings, the less I knew what to do as I slipped further and further away from my own body's signals of hunger and fullness.

Even when I began changing my language about eating, moving my philosophies away from dieting and toward trusting my body to tell me what it wants and needs, I struggled to let go of the old habits and processes from the years of dieting. I had new language, new desires, healthier attitudes toward food and eating, but didn't have the skills to turn those attitudes into life-changing actions.

A Weigh Out gave me some tangible, measurable skills to use to help me change the way I approach food. My coach taught me some tools I could use to set my own goals, to have more choices when I face feelings I am uncomfortable with, not just "eat" them. Using the skills helps me to walk through the discomfort without getting bogged down in it. Using the skills helps me redirect my focus onto the goals I want, to be proactive in making choices about food instead of being a victim of my old habits and associations.

Now when I think "Just Do It," I have a set of skills to do. I can make choices about my eating, about my thoughts around food and my body (or any area of my life) by using the skills I have learned through the A Weigh Out program. I have learned skills that will last a lifetime, not just a fad that will be tried and gone. Unlike a diet which becomes harder the longer it lasts, the skills I have learned grow easier the more I use them. I have begun to see the changes I want in my life and believe for the first time that the changes will continue and be lasting."

In The Words of K.F. in Wisconsin
" Everything that you have done for me has been an amazing asset toward my recovery and my process in dealing with my eating issues. I have thoroughly loved working with you as well, and want to express to you how much more I learned from you beyond coping techniques for binge-eating. Take care, and eternal gratitude..."

In The Words of SJC of Virginia
" During a particular low point in my life, I was surfing the web and came upon emotional eating and then emotional eating coaching. I had never heard of coaching before and knew I had this problem, so I decided to give them a call. From the very beginning, Ellen got me to refocus on what the weight was all about. She helped me find my way out of my negativity and to start not only being a mindful eater, but someone who believed in herself and all the potential good things that were waiting for me in life. To say that I have experienced a miraculous transformation in the five months that I did coaching is an understatement. I am now exercising five days a week, eating mindfully and working on projects that are more in tune with what I have always wanted to do. As Ellen would say, “the weight will come off” as I stop doing the things I did that kept it on. I am now looking forward to a healthy, happy and bright future because of my coaching. Ellen, Coaching has turned my life around and I will forever be appreciative of you for that. Thanks once again for all you have done."

In The Words of K.B., Minnesota
" I'm thrilled with the changes I've already experienced in many different areas of my life due to the tools Ellen has taught me! Ellen takes the time to thoroughly listen to me. Then she provides practical step by step solutions. She also worked with me to discover the skills to arrive at the solutions for myself."

In The Words of Cynthia, Idaho
" I'm just so thankful for having found this program. It feels like the missing piece of the puzzle that has eluded me for all these years. It has truly changed my life and I know it will continue to do so as I work at knowing the skills better. I no longer despair over wondering why I can't figure out what my problem is. And knowing I have a choice in what I'm doing is incredibly liberating. "

In The Words of Jennifer, North Miami, Florida
" More than a year after my gastric bypass surgery, I was on a quest to find greater stability in my relationship with food. While my stomach had limits on how much food I could eat, my mind still wanted to keep eating! Ellen’s approach to change is completely action-oriented and was based on what I was willing to commit to change. She taught me to find the real triggers of my emotional eating and then how to regulate my reactions to those situations to achieve a peaceful relationship with food. What a gift! I had worked with other people and as a coach Ellen far exceeds them in effectiveness. I think it is so important to realize that gastric bypass surgery is one tool to regain your health, but the skills Ellen teaches to overcome emotional eating is another critical tool. Ellen has allowed me to become mindful of my relationship with food and to choose my today and my tomorrow…it’s my choice!” "

In The Words of DZ, Ohio
" It's hard to sum up what the work with Ellen has meant to me. Life changing. The tools to change have been provided which I'll carry the rest of my life. Everyone always wants to know, "but how much weight have you lost?". "Sixteen pounds in 9 weeks", I say. But that's merely a by-product of what I've learned in my work with Ellen, which has instilled in me the desire to make healthy and care-ful choices. Shifts in attitude and perception produce lasting change and unlike the many diets which have failed me over the years, this process will never end. I've never felt so free from "food rules" and the grip of a diet with all the accompanying cravings, guilt, and regret. Like a breath of fresh air. Hope!"

In The Words of D., New Jersey
" Prior to working with Ellen Shuman, I struggled with compulsive overeating and an addiction to a broad range of diet drugs that seemed insurmountable. Years of work with doctors, therapists and nutritionists resulted in temporary fixes, but never led to real change or permanent resolution. Ellen’s endless patience and wisdom taught me that a rich, rewarding and healthy life was possible only if I made self care my #1 priority. Throughout the time we worked together, Ellen listened intently to stories reflecting all aspects of my life – my food, my marriage, my work, my spirituality, exercise, negative self talk – and helped me to know that I could choose self care over self defeating behaviors. When tending to my emotional, physical, nutritional and spiritual needs became the primary focus of my life, all else fell into place. My marriage improved. My business boomed. And, of course, my health flourished as my weight diminished. I could never have made these significant changes in my life without the expert guidance of Ellen Shuman. Thank you, Ellen. You are the best."

In The Words of MEM, Cleveland, Ohio
" Life is definitely different than before. Thirteen months ago, I was flailing around trying to “figure it all out”—food, weight, etc., etc. I was in a 12-step support group for many years, but it just wasn’t cutting it—something was just not right. I got tired of praying to God to take the damn brownie away! I knew deep-down that I had a choice in the matter. Don’t get me wrong—12-step groups are wonderful and they worked for me for a long time, but I came to a point where I just needed something more and Ellen had exactly what I was looking for. I was frustrated and I knew that a lot of it had to do with my “operating system”—my mind, my thoughts, my feelings, and what to do with them all. I needed very simple, hands-on instructions, and I found them with Ellen.

The best way to describe Ellen’s program is “mindfulness training.” I knew instantly that Ellen could help me when I participated in her 1-hour conference call seminar. I hired her to be my Life Coach that same day. Through my work with her, I’ve learned that changing my relationship with food and weight all starts with installing a type of “monitoring system” in my mind and watching a screen of my own thoughts, feelings, and intentions float by like an afternoon matinee. I tune into mindfulness and become aware of all those conversations, stories, beliefs, and judgements rolling around in my head—and now, the nice thing about it is I get to decide what to do with them instead of numbing out with a ½ gallon of ice cream.

I already knew what “my issues” were in life when I came on board with Ellen. I was tired of talking about them and wanted to do something about them. With Ellen I was able to UN-learn old ways of thinking and behaving. This is NOT about psychoanalysis—this is about having someone coach me on day-to-day life, and how to manage my thoughts and emotions in a healthy, pro-active way, instead of taking a trip to the ice cream store."

In The Words of Margo T., Germany
" Ellen, a key reason I chose to work with you instead of other coaches was your expertise in the subject of emotional eating. You came across as a credible and expert source. Food has lost its power! I no longer need it to self-medicate. Through your guidance, expertise and experience with emotional eating, I have found better ways to cope, fulfill, live and enjoy my life. Food was constantly my first line of defense-my stimulus reaction to all emotions. I now know what role food played in my life. I look forward to no longer living a life of feeling out of control, trapped, and guilty. Going through this learning experience made the difference."

In The Words of Francis, Las Vegas, NV
" I have suffered from emotional eating since childhood and had learned to cope with my insanity. Finally, in exhaustion, instead of weight loss and diet controls, I dared to seek true liberation from obsession, compulsion and frustration around food. That's when I found Ellen (a case of when the student is ready, the teacher appears). The lessons and skills that Ellen presented in our conversations seemed too simple, at first. After applying myself to the tasks at hand, I found them to work immediately and very effectively. The peace of mind I have found through being willing to become fully aware of my feelings, and by making conscious choices in the moment, is a precious life-giving gift. Thank you Ellen for developing this approach that truly works! You are a goddess!"

In The Words of CB, Alberta, Canada
" For me, it has been overwhelming to think that I could overcome and understand my emotional eating. With Ellen's help, I have done that. Words cannot describe the freedom I feel and the control I have. Coaching has been extremely powerful for me and all I can say is WOW!

Ellen, you have been an inspiration to me and have helped me figure out who I am and that I am very normal. I feel at peace for the first time in my life."

In The Words of Traci H., Wisconsin
" Thank you! You have given me the tools and perspective to strike out on my own. You've got a great thing here, Ellen. There are thousands of unhappy souls who have and will continue to benefit from your insightfulness, kindness, and most of all, empathy. To engage in such personal, heart wrenching discussions with someone who has experience with this personally and professionally, just made such sense to me. Additionally, coaching by telephone was very effective for me. I would never have discussed any of my deepest thoughts and feelings if we had been face to face. Don't be surprised if I call you again for a little tweaking."

In The Words of Teresa G., Cincinnati, OH,
" Dear Ellen,

Just a quick note to say thanks for all of your help and to express my appreciation for your coaching and the "A Weigh Out" program. I have learned excellent new skills for mindful thinking during the time we have been working together. It is amazing how the mind (emotions) can be changed by knowing the correct things to say to it.

I have made great progress and will continue going over the mindfulness materials you provided and the notes I have taken from our sessions. Thanks again for the weigh out!"

In The Words of Cindy, St. Louis
" I have always been on a rollercoaster road of dieting followed by bingeing, once I'd met my goal. I would always blame my emotional eating on someone else or on some event that was taking place in my life, and would make excuses to justify my desire to use food to soothe whatever emotion or feeling was bothering me. Now, after completing the coaching sessions and learning the skills, I have a new sense of self. I have a better understanding of my own personality and the triggers that I respond to negatively with food thoughts. Now, bingeing isn't fun anymore and doesn't work, no matter how much I try to ignore the knowledge I was taught.

Ellen, since this program, I feel more at peace with myself. I now choose to be mindful of my own feelings and reactions. My life has opened up to positive new people. These are relationships I would not have attracted in my old negative unconscious self. Not coincidentally, I was able to lose the weight without even trying because I made positive choices in my life and became happier with my inner self, and did less emotional eating which lead to a healthier outside self as well."

In The Words of Susan S.
"I just completed A Weigh Out's introductory telephone session with Ellen. I have a long history of emotional eating...For the first time in a long time I feel hopeful that I can overcome this self-defeating cycle. Please forward to Ellen my sincere appreciation."

In the Words of M.Y., New York City
" I loved Ellen's program. Eating and worries about eating had taken up too much space in my life, so it was great to leave that behind and focus on a smart, sane and healthy approach to living instead. When that improved, so did my eating! It was wonderful, sensible and much more effective than anything else I tried. Of course, it's hard work, too."

In the Words of S.U., Iowa
" Ellen, first and foremost, I'll begin with Thanks. You have been knowledgeable, patient, and kind. Your guidance has truly brought me to a new place, and for all of those reasons and more, I am truly grateful. Thanks, too, for all of the literature and learning tools you used to supplement your coaching. I will always keep them and refer to them along with my notebook of notes taken during our sessions. As for me and my continuing education in 'life school', here's where I am. My lifestyle has changed because I was ready to change it and I did. I have begun to apply the knowledge and I already see changes in how I act and how others react to me. Thank you!"

In The Words of Cherie L.,
"I wanted to thank you for the free Telephone Seminar. It was helpful to me to think about my eating habits in a more intelligent way. I think the overview of how A Weigh Out approaches emotional eating helped me to make the decision to get involved in the program. Thank you for the information you shared. I'm looking forward to a positive journey."


In The Words of J.G. of Dayton, Ohio
"Loved the Overcoming Emotional Eating Group. I liked the way that Ellen worked with us. She was very honest about her own experiences as an emotional eater. She had some great tools to use to overcome my emotional eating habit. For the first time in my life, I think I might actually beat emotional eating!"

In The Words of Meta Sien,
"Since I started coaching, I'm amazed how I'm starting to see change coming from self-care instead of a set of rules which I believe I should follow. It is so much more empowering. Previously, I was only concentrating on what I wasn't accomplishing and consequently stagnating as I beat up on myself. Now there is a balance in my life, which was missing before, as my awareness has grown of all my accomplishments. I have the guidance of my coach to thank. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself."


In The Words of Julianne S. of Johnson City, TN,
"I benefited greatly from the "Overcoming Emotional Eating Tele-Group". In particular, I enjoyed the interaction with the other group members. Hearing about their experiences and exchanging ideas gave me hope and made me realize that I am not alone, and that my problems are definitely not insurmountable. Shelagh was a great facilitator-very attentive and encouraging. She was very good at synthesizing our input and making us see the larger picture."


In The Words of Dee of New York
"The Overcoming Emotional Eating Tele-Group taught me that I had a choice to stop eating emotionally, that I am fully accountable and that dieting doesn't work for the emotional eater. The support and insight were and continue to be valuable."


In The Words of G. from New Jersey,
"Each week, the Overcoming Emotional Eating Group was a safe haven where I could express my thoughts and feelings without shame. What a gift to listen to other intelligent women who shared so many of my private struggles with food! Somehow, my compassion for them helped me to release some of the judgment I had held against myself for so long. This made room for some positive shifts in my attitudes about food and its role in my life. I was sorry to see the group end.

I continue to reap enormous benefits from private coaching sessions with Ellen Shuman. Ellen's style is compassionate (having worked through her own emotional eating issues), extremely well informed, and fully committed to my success. I feel confident that with Ellen's support, I will continue to let go of destructive eating patterns and create the life I always dreamed I could have."


In The Words of B,
"Acoria has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have become aware of how I used food to manage my life, rather than dealing with issues directly. Now I feel I am in balance. I never want to return to the cycles of unhappiness and frustration of the past."



In The Words of Karen,
The coaching program has helped me find and focus on the goals that are really a priority to me. Before, I would float between what goals I thought were important and what goals others made a priority, but I wouldn’t focus on making progress. Some goals would become incredible energy drainers, taking up time and energy, because they weren’t really important. This program has taught me the process of evaluating goals continuously and learning to focus on finishing what is important to me. It has made my life less stressful and more meaningful."



In The Words of Lawsie..
"The coaching program has given me a group of people who encourage me in my life decisions. And, they hold me accountable for my own success."



In The Words of L,
"I have tried several other weight reduction programs that have not worked for me. This A WEIGH OUT approach involves coaching on an individual basis. This approach has allowed me to find ways to set realistic goals that are consistent with my lifestyle, and then measure my accomplishments against those goals."



In The Words of Kris H,
"My experience with coaching has truly been the most positive thing I've ever done for myself. For years I had made lists of what I wanted to change about my life, and even set some goals, but never really followed through on those goals. I read self-help books, and experienced some change, but it never lasted. What was missing, I now know, was the support, encouragement, and clarification of those goals that coaching has given me.

Coaching has helped me see that I have choices. My coach has helped me feel less confused and overwhelmed by having me clarify what I really want, and suggesting small steps to get there. Coaching has also had an impact on my thinking--I see new possibilities and even perceive myself in a more positive light. Where I was frequently depressed and feeling hopeless before, I now feel positive most of the time, like I am in charge of my life and can make it whatever I want it to be.

Although I feel like I still have a long way to go to reach my weight loss and career goals, I now feel like I'm on a path of positive change."


In the Words of Barb W…
"I was at my wit's end when my family physician finally referred me to Acoria. After a life-long cycle of losing and gaining hundreds of pounds, nothing worked. Acoria was the first program to lead me through learning that "it's not about the food." I always knew there was something more to my weight issues and at Acoria, I was heard, seen and supported. They matched me with a therapist who helped me re-discover the wonderful, vibrant, sexy woman within and re-claim my power of choice. I now know what I can do to conquer my personal struggles-not just how to make it through one more diet. I also know how long treatment will last-"as long as it takes"-because I deserve that.



In the Words of G.R…
"This New Year's Day will be the first time since I was a teenager that I will not write "lose weight and exercise more" as a resolution in my journal. I had tried all the popular dieting programs and joined a number of fitness clubs. Even though I knew what was healthy, I couldn't stop craving the dangerous foods and I always gave in to them. But through the patient and nurturing counseling that I received from my therapist, Vicki at Acoria, I learned to get rid of the guilt that I associated with eating forbidden foods. Once I realized that it was O.K. to eat anything I wanted, in moderation, I found that I didn't even have the cravings anymore. With my new philosophy of eating and exercising, I have lost over twenty pounds and I honestly feel great. I highly recommend Acoria to anyone who is ready for an honest approach to a better lifestyle."



In the Words of Lee Anne L. (Age 46)…
" Dieting is about restriction, regulation and control. Acoria is about freedom, choice and independence. Acoria is helping me discover why I binge and is giving me the tools to stop. I am grateful Ellen founded this program. It is changing my life.

This is the first time I feel hope and I feel "normal" (whatever that is). I used to think that my obesity was something that I had no control over--no matter what I tried, I failed and often resigned myself to a life of being fat and miserable. I am now feeling good about myself and am discovering lots of hidden things. I am focused on my over all well-being rather than on my size or where my next meal is coming from.

I feel very hopeful and more peaceful about my life in general."



In The Words of Melissa S…
"I am so pleased to finally find a long-term solution for my eating problem. I have participated in quite a few weight loss programs. They left me feeling like a failure. To understand the reasons why I overeat gives me control to make changes that will last a lifetime."



In The Words of K.D…
"Acoria has helped me to believe that diets really are a sabotage of our bodies, and not the answer to weight loss. The true answer to weight loss for a person suffering (and yes, we are suffering) from Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is ending the binges by learning how to express our feelings, being true to ourselves, loving ourselves, and accepting ourselves as we are. If we see that the weight isn't truly the problem, just a symptom of a bigger, emotional problem, we have started down the road of recovery.

I have learned to be more aware of WHY I am bingeing, and that I am eating to stuff down feelings I am not willing, for whatever reason, to face. I am also gaining the understanding of how to control the binges through awareness.

The concepts of weight loss that are believed at Acoria are very different, even to the point of seeming radical, but once you let go of the helpless feeling and begin to rebuild your self-image, it all starts to fall into place. And you find yourself with such enlightenment that you can say, "Wow, so that is what is going on!"

The therapists at Acoria aren't going to tell you what to do. Other "diet" programs/centers do that and obviously they don't work. What they will do is help you down your own personal path of self-awareness and self-discovery, and try and keep you on that path. The road will be long, possibly painful, and certainly scary, but it is all worth it; for your peace-of-mind, sanity, and health, both physical and mental."



In The Words of L.N…
Acoria is a great place to start dealing with the real issues of what makes me compulsively eat. This program is starting to be quite a journey. No more diets for me!



In The Words of Jessi W. (Age 18)…
"Acoria is much different from any other program I have been to because of the many people working together to collaborate treatment. It is also different because they have helped me to work at my own pace. The final reason why Acoria is different for me is that I have lost around 50 pounds and I know the correct way to lose weight. And it wasn't a diet, it was changing my life."



In the Words of SJE…
"Having fought the eating battle for many years, successfully on and off, more off than on, I found the definitive difference is the FOCUS on MY FEELINGS vs. BEHAVIORS. I understand for the first time, the connection of stuffing my feelings by stuffing my mouth. The discovery is a relief. The work I am doing to allow myself to express my feelings is a freedom I NEVER enjoyed til now. I am hopeful I will be able to overcome this demon that has controlled me for so long."



In The Words of RWH…
"Acoria helped me realize I use food as a mood regulator-for celebrating, nurturing, rewarding, punishing, soothing and calming myself. I am developing healthier, more natural ways of meeting my needs than stuffing my face.

The amazing thing is that my life has never been richer or fuller. By finally being "in touch" with myself and paying attention to what my body and spirit are needing, I am developing habits that reflect a newfound love, trust and respect for me. I am a valuable human being deserving of time and attention."



In The Words of C.L.P.C…
"My work with Acoria has taught me to internalize positive messages and give myself credit for who I am and what I like about myself and others rather than just appearances. I'm getting rid of all the old "should" messages, seeing options to say I could vs. "I should".



In The Words of Darlene Mack…
"Acoria quite literally saved my life.

I don't say those words lightly or easily. Since high school, I have always had a 'weight problem,' and tried pretty much every possible 'solution' - Weight Watchers (several times), Dexatrim caplets (for more years than I can remember), protein diets, carbohydrate diets, and I think I have every Richard Simmons plan ever invented.

I joined Acoria several years ago when I was at my last straw. I thought 'If this doesn't work, I give up.' What I learned through my work with this group is that my 'weight problem' doesn't exist. What I had (have?) are 'personal problems' with 'weight' as the symptom, not the problem itself. One day, I looked back at my high school pictures and was astonished to see that I had looked fabulous. My self-perception was way off and it started when I was very young. I learned early on to ease my painful feelings with food. When I was 4, my father died and lots of people brought piles and piles of food. Then, throughout my childhood, almost daily I heard my mother repeat the same mantra, 'We may not have much, but at least we have enough to eat.' Food was, and has always been, the answer to the pain.

It has taken a lot of time and considerable self-exploration to understand that I am addicted to food - specifically, the mind/feeling numbing power of food. With the help of my Acoria therapist, I was strong enough to end an extremely abusive marriage, deal with ongoing issues with my family, and continue to build my own consulting business. But being overweight continues to give me an added excuse for not starting a new relationship. The difference? I now know what the food is doing to/for me. I understand that I am using the extra pounds to keep that one last barrier up, to protect myself from further pain, and that it is a choice I am making. I don't like it, but on some level, I have chosen it nonetheless. One of these days, I may also be ready to give that up, too.

I would like to say that I am at my ideal weight. Unfortunately, there still remains a lot of work to do in that direction. What has changed is the desperation is gone … the out-of-control madness of bingeing when I am trying to stuff down the feelings. I don't make the best food or exercise choices yet, but they are getting better- and they have become just that … choices. That alone is an amazing leap forward.

Acoria and its staff of caring, special professionals have seen me through the most difficult changes in my life. I was given my life back. I was given my hope back. For that, they will always hold a special place in my heart."



In The Words of Jill D.
"For me, Acoria was my last hope. I've tried all the diets, programs, etc.-nothing worked. In fact, after I regained all the weight I'd lost, I usually added on a few more pounds,"just to be safe".

Acoria has helped me see that my "weight problem" is a symptom, a way my body has chosen to cry out to me something isn't right in my life. I am learning how to listen to my body (my eternal partner), and to eat when I am hungry, not when the clock says to.

I have found the simplest truths are always the most profound. The people at Acoria are helping me to become aware of these truths, and the "funniest" part is I'm losing weight without suffering for it.

Thanks Acoria.

About A Weigh Out • Our Services • Emotional Eating • Binge Eating Disorder • Other Eating Disorders
Especially For Teens • For Professionals • Where To Go Next • Contact Us • Sitemap • Home