Who is Lauren Imelda Franzon-Rafter?
I’m an accredited eating disorder recovery coach and qualified social worker with experience working in the mental health sector in WA. I have personally been affected by an eating disorder, and I want those currently suffering from it to know that they’re not alone and that recovery is possible for them too. This led me to establish Your Nourished Mind, a health service providing one-on-one practical support for those suffering from disordered eating and diagnosed eating disorders. I hope that one day, Your Nourished Mind can be a platform to raise awareness, reduce stigma, provide education and most importantly, provide hope that recovery is possible.
What is your passion?
I am passionate about contributing to greater research and support for those suffering from eating disorders. I suffered from an eating disorder when I was younger, and I frequently share my recovery story with others to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide hope that recovery is possible. I am currently working in a one-on-one capacity, connecting on a personal level with my clients through sharing my lived experiences and providing education, training and professional experience to support others in their recovery journey. In the future, I hope to educate extended family and friends on how to support their loved ones who are suffering from an eating disorder and to also offer support within high schools through early intervention strategies.
What is the most interesting aspect of your career?
The most interesting aspect of my work is that I am able to form authentic connections with the individuals I support and I am fortunate to witness their tremendous growth. From my personal experience, I understand the courage it takes to be open and honest with those there to help. Regrettably, there is so much stigma surrounding eating disorders, and those who struggle often struggle in silence. So, I am truly grateful for each time that someone can show their vulnerabilities and share their struggles with me. I am thankful to walk alongside them in their recovery journey.
Reflecting on you UWA experience, what aspects were the most important for your development?
For me, the lectures provided at UWA, particularly the student-lead discussions during these lectures, were of utmost importance to my development. Life is rarely black and white. It is so important to expose yourself to different perspectives on different topics and to understand how someone’s life experiences have shaped their views. I found that the discussions particularly within my social work lectures facilitated this. The social work curriculum also taught me the skill of self-reflection. Self-reflection was instrumental in my recovery from an eating disorder and supports my continuous learning and personal and professional growth.
How has your UWA degree helped you in the work you do now?
I would not be where I am now without my UWA qualifications of a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Social Work. In particular, I gained invaluable knowledge and experience through the Master of Social Work, which opened the door to working in the mental health sector in Western Australia. My experience working in mental health was hugely influential in my decision to specialise in eating disorders. Without the Bachelor of Commerce, I would not have had the confidence to start my business, Your Nourished Mind, which provides eating disorder recovery coaching services.