Now the Dansatori owner is helping individuals with eating difficulties find their own path to recovery with the establishment of a private clinic in Fairy Meadow.

Ms Crainean – who has worked as a psychotherapist at a Sydney eating disorder treatment facility for the past year – said she saw a gap in such services in the Illawarra.

Her clinic provides treatment for conditions such as bulimia, binge-eating, over-eating, compulsive thoughts around food and chew-and-spit disorders.

‘’After working at Eat Fed – an intensive outpatient program based in Leichhardt – for 12 months I decided to bring my skills into the Illawarra which is in great need of therapy options for disordered eating,’’ she said.

It’s a cause close to home for the one-time Australian Ballet Company performer who said she retreated from the ballet world due to its injuries, eating disorders and competition among dancers.

‘’I know from a personal level because I suffered disordered eating for 10 years, which stemmed from a difficult childhood,’’ she said.

‘’Through dance theatre I have been able to explore a lot of my past trauma on stage and that – combined with therapy – helped me to recover. 

‘’Now I want to give back, and can offer clients hope and assurance that recovery is indeed possible.’’

In addition to a degree in counselling Ms Crainean – of Illawarra Counselling Services – said she has been extensively trained in the method of US eating disorder specialist Dr Anita Johnston.

‘’Dr Johnston uses storytelling and metaphor as well as her training as a clinical psychologist to explain the complex issues that underline disordered eating behaviour,’’ she said.

Ms Crainean tailors treatment to the individual but options can include expressive arts therapy, role play and gestalt therapy.

‘’Disordered eating is often a way of avoiding difficult emotions caused by past trauma,’’ she said. ‘’Art therapy and role play are often perfect ways to get people to communicate these.’’

She only works with those who are ‘’medically stable’’ and people can self-refer or be referred by their GP or specialist. 

According to The Butterfly Foundation, when considering treatment approaches for an eating disorder, it is important to understand that different people respond to different types of treatment.

For details visit thebutterflyfoundation.org.au or the National Eating Disorders Collaboration website (www.nedc.com.au).