Mona Hansen - Psychologist & ARFID Specialist

I have lived with ARFID since I was two years old, but only in the last three years or so did I realise that my issues around eating and food in general, were not completely unique to me. Once I realised that my eating disorder had a name, I did a lot of research online and came across Monas website. As I was due to be in London with my husband to celebrate our wedding anniversary, not long after that, I decided to take the first big step and made an appointment to see her. It has now been almost six months since that appointment and without exaggeration, I feel like a completely different person. My husband regularly refers to my two-hour session with Mona as the best money weve ever spent. I have so much more energy, Im happier and most importantly, Im not afraid any more. Recently I was asked out to lunch by colleagues from my new job and I accepted without hesitation; without wondering if I could eat the food, without surreptitiously checking the menu on my phone, without panicking. It didnt even occur to me to come up with an excuse. I got there, I chose something from the menu and I ate it, in front of them all; as one of them. The sense of belonging I have gained from my session with Mona is one of the things I treasure the most. After years of shyness as a result of having attention focused on me because I wasnt eating the same as everyone else, or because we had to go somewhere specific for a meal so that there would be something I could eat, it is such a relief to be one of the group. In the past six months, Ive had my first (of many) home-made roast dinner. I now regularly share fruit with my toddler. I was able to eat a three-course meal at a friends wedding. Six months ago I couldnt have done any of these things. I could barely have imagined doing any of these things. Now, instead of cooking two separate meals in an evening, more often than not, we all eat the same thing. If Im too tired to make a packed-lunch for work, I no longer have to, because I can buy soup or a sandwich. Out for the afternoon with family or friends, we can pop into any caf and I can eat something other than a plate of chips and a bread roll. Moreover I am now enjoying food for the first time in thirty years. I went into my session with Mona feeling uncertain and sceptical. I didnt believe I could ever eat like normal people. It seemed too good to be true that anyone could change my relationship with food so dramatically. But she did. I use what she taught me every day and every day, because of her help, I am a little bit braver and a little bit better. I have waited to write this review, because every time Ive thought about what to write, I couldnt find the words. What Mona did for me, and helped me do for myself has genuinely been life-changing and I will never be able to thank her enough.
Nov 6th, 2022

Our son Alex, 7 years old had a session with Mona this week. And he is a changed boy. For years he was labeled as being a fussy or picky eater by family and GP's. But Mona quickly recognized it as ARFID. Mona was very friendly and approachable. The session was very informative and as a mum I understand now where Alex's fear of food was coming from. And most importantly how we as a family can now help him and move forward. I was taken aback at the progress just after one session. Alex was willing to try strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes and a ham sandwich at the end of the session. These are foods he would've never eaten before. He is showing less anxiety around food and meal times, and even talks about what food he would like to try next. We owe so much to Mona, she definitely changed Alex and our lives that day.
Dec 27th, 2021

My 11 year old son had a session with Mona to try to overcome ARFID. Mona was really approachable and friendly and put my son at ease very quickly. The session was structured really well and she adapted a role play exercise to make my son feel less self conscious, which I thought was really good. The main outcome is that my son left feeling so much more confident, happy and willing to try foods that he would NEVER have previously tried. We are now over 2 weeks later and his confidence has spilled into other areas of his life- he is a much happier boy. Making the appointment with Mona has been without doubt a life changing experience and Id happily arrange a top up session if it were needed further down the line.
Jun 26th, 2021

Im a Nurse with 44 years experience. I sent a friend to Mona with a rare gynaecological condition that orthodox doctors could not help with. From GP to Consultant level. Mona cured her in 2 sessions Mona is a wonderful professional woman who takes the holistic approach
Jul 8th, 2019

After watching a TV programme (by chance), I realised that my 15 year old daughters struggle with food was actually a recognised condition called ARFID . This led me to an intensive Google search which in turn led us to Mona ! We organised a Skype session and found Mona really professional and knowledgeable but also really empathetic and non judgemental. She totally understood the condition and how my daughter was feeling which is so important at any age but particularly for a teenager! Anyway after a couple of hours she was able to bite an apple, swallow a grape and try abit of egg! Anybody who knows will know! This was miraculous as she has never been able to even watch anybody else eat these things never mind try them herself in her life. Its not magic and motivation is needed but in the days that followed shes tried something new every day and we are all so proud of her. Finding Mona has actually changed all our lives. Thank you
Feb 3rd, 2021