After Overcoming Eating Disorders, Cranford Native Becomes Life Coach

CRANFORD, NJ — The holiday season can be triggering time for many people, says Cranford native and Westfield business owner Carrin Fernandes.

But with her new health and life coaching business, Fernandes believes she can "help people learn how to care for themselves" during this time while also learning how to "find their passion and love for life once again."

In addition to her current storefront, Carrin Fernandes Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworks LLC, Fernandes is officially opening up her second business called Coaching with Carrin.

Throughout her early 20s, Fernandes struggled with multiple additions. In particular, eating disorders and exercise addictions were the "longest and hardest battles she faced."

"The compulsive overeating, binge eating and nighttime eating caused her tremendous emotional and physical pain for six years," a press release states. "After a journey of self-discovery, she was able to navigate through these troubles and came to learn to love herself as she was, while looking for ways to improve her life to find peace."

After earning a certification as a Health and Life Coach, Fernandes decided to use these lessons and open her own business.

During the holiday season, Fernandes explained that people who struggle with eating addictions, depression and anxiety can feel more more overwhelmed than joyous.

"Social gatherings where food is abundant can feel more like a battle zone than a time of celebration and fun," she said. "I know personally, the journey to healing wasn’t always easy, and took determination, repeated efforts, action steps and a daily renewal of intention. That’s why I wanted to make sure I offer my services to help people learn how to care for themselves while also learning how to find their passion and love for life once again."

Fernandes uses a 90-day program in which she helps clients reimagine what their life can be like, focusing in on beliefs, behaviors and identities that may be unknowingly holding them back.

Instead of focusing on deprivation and counting calories, Fernandes's technique involves looking toward better habits.

These habit-coaching techniques incorporate evidence-based coaching principles, such as motivational and neurolinguistics programming, positive psychology, and the science of habit-changing, incorporating mindfulness practices in everyday life.

"I’ve experienced the feelings of being hopeless,” Fernandes said.

For six years, she fought these addictions.

"I literally would gain 40 pounds in two months! Then I would compulsively exercise it off.
It was a vicious cycle," she states.

At one point, she stopped getting on the scale, avoided photos, and isolated from people who knew her when she was thinner.

"I hated myself and thought I was disgusting, ugly, fat, and worthless with no-self control. I had compassion for others who struggled with weight issues, but none for myself," she said.

Slowly, through time, counseling, and reconnection with herself, she was able to work past her disorders.

Fernandes went on to become an Altercall Facilitator and a Reiki Master, in addition to her established massage therapy business in Westfield. She is also a proud member of the Catholic Speakers Organization.

"The struggles, hardships, and pains of my past were the catalyst for some of my biggest gifts and
blessings in my life today," explains Fernandes. "I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t endure these difficulties. I want to help people understand that life is happening for them – not to them. We all have the capacity to live a life of abundance, and I am confident I can help people get there."

Those interested in learning more about Fernandes's business can visit www.coachingwithcarrin.com.