Dr Catherine Dendy

Clinical Psychologist & Feeding Specialist

Hello, my name is Catherine Dendy and I’m a Specialist Clinical Psychologist in what is known as behavioural feeding problems. I work with children and adults who are selective or fussy eaters and/or have food phobias. I also work with food-related developmental and/or medical problems, and I can recommend questions to ask your doctor, dietitian or speech and language therapist. I also help you if you find it hard to put feeding advice from other professionals into practice or you have difficulty understanding professional terminology, for example the differences between a feeding problem or an eating disorder. My advice and help focuses on the whole picture, the emotional, psychological and social aspects of feeding, for you and/or your child. Call me here at Greatvine for expert advice on problems you are experiencing yourself, or trying to cope with as a parent.

In my experience feeding problems are always more complex than simply looking at nutritional requirements. This is the basis on which I work. With children and teenagers, my approach is not to look at "fixing the child". Instead, we’ll look at the family and social context to set goals that everyone can work towards. These will realistically fit with your child's and your family's lifestyle. I also support parents with the social and emotional impact of your child’s struggle with food. Some of the parents I work with experience food and feeding issues themselves; sometimes through an eating disorder, or food phobias, or aversive experiences as a child involving food. If this sounds like you, be reassured I understand that this can complicate your attitude to feeding your own child. Sometimes feelings of guilt and responsibility can be very strong, and can get in the way of understanding your child as separate and different from yourself.

For adults, you may have a fear of eating certain foods or certain food textures. You may find you can’t tolerate certain tastes or smells. Your social life may be affected, feeling uncomfortable or unable to share other people’s food, or eat in a public place. And if you’re a teenager or young adult, you may want to make changes in your eating habits to coincide with other changes, like starting college or a new job. Sometimes you might feel anxious about wanting to ‘stay part of the crowd’, rather than ‘feel like an outsider’.

I have helped many people find a way through their problems, and I would be delighted to help you start this journey of change if you call me here at Greatvine.

With my warmest wishes,

Catherine