Hi, I’m Taryn Cullen
Owner of Fed and Friendly, a collaborative telehealth nutrition counseling practice emphasizing autonomy and self-accommodation in care.
Growing up I was always a curious person who enjoyed learning more about the world around me. While I appreciate “nerding out” with clients about nutritional biochemistry and providing insight into their body, I also really enjoy learning about my clients.
Though I originally specialized in sports dietetics, I quickly found myself addressing people’s relationships with food including working with those with eating disorders. I’ve been seeing clients with disordered eating and eating disorders for over 6 years and have continued to learn and sub-specialize in that time.
My work has evolved over the years from experience but also from specialized continuing education classes. These days the majority of my clients have a difficult relationship with food or health habits in general, alongside a combination of ADHD, ASD, or OCD. But don’t worry, I still work with my neurotypical folx!
We might be a good fit if…
You feel like information online is so confusing you don’t know what to do anymore
You feel like you know what you need to do but “just” can’t get yourself to do it
You want a better relationship with food that takes into account diagnoses; whether chronic illness, mental health, etc. A supportive approach that doesn’t feel unsustainable or diet-y!
You’ve received a later-in-life neurodivergence diagnosis [or are considering one], you know it’s impacting your ability to take care of yourself but you’re not sure what to do next…
My Approach
Consider me your personal problem-solver when it comes to health behaviors and taking care of yourself. Many of clients know what they want and can identify their struggles to get there. What’s more difficult for them to identify is the specific barrier behind the struggle. I often hear things like, “I just can’t seem to get myself to do it.” By leading with curiosity we’ll figure out what’s really behind the issue - is there an energy barrier? a mental capacity barrier? difficulty getting started? does the goal feel overwhelming? Once we know the root of the issue, we’ll work together to help you build towards your health goals - whether it’s consistency, improved food relationship, decreased food stress, and more!
Education
BS in Biology - SUNY Geneseo
MPH in Nutrition - UNC Chapel Hill
NC & SC State licensure + additional state reciprocity [just ask!]
Continuing Education Snapshot
Courses:
“Neurodivergence, Feeding Differences and ARFID”
“Burnout and Body Disconnect: Navigating Nourishment in Difficult Times for Neurodivergent Clients”
“ARFID for Dietitians: A Responsive Feeding Therapy Approach”
“Introduction to Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders”
Classes:
“Advanced ARFID Nutrition Interventions in the Treatment Setting”
“Getting is Right: Providing Attuned ED Care for Neurodivergent Individuals”
“Overcoming Compulsions, Addressing OCD and Eating Disorders Together”
“Attention Needed: Navigating ADHD and Eating Disorders”
“Why Traditional Eating Disorder Treatment Fails LGBTQ+ Populations and How Queer Worldmaking Offers a Better Path Forward”
“Autism and Eating Disorders: Exploring the Complex Relationship Between these Conditions, and Their Treatment”
“Autonomy-Focused and Consent-Centered: Creating a New System for Supporting Patients who are Struggling to Progress in Eating Disorder Recovery”
“Give Trans Kids Back Their Bodies: Restoring the Agency of Trans Youth in Eating Disorder Spaces”
“Agentic Eating Disorder Treatment: Collaboration and Client Led Care”
“Working with Transgender Individuals: The Rising Need for Trans-Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Care”
And many more…because of course!