Marissa Vassie (APD, CEDC) 

She/Her

Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) 

Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC)

BSc, Grad. Dip. Hum Nutr, MDiet

As a credentialed eating disorder clinician with a deep passion for supporting mental health, Marissa brings a compassionate and client-centered approach to her work as a dietitian. With special interests in eating disorders, the gut microbiome, and the intricate relationship between nutrition and mental health, Marissa is committed to helping individuals navigate their unique journeys to healing. Marissa is also proud to lead a team of dedicated dietitians at Vivir Healthcare, where she provides guidance and support to ensure the highest quality care for vulnerable aged care residents, clients, and NDIS participants. Marissa also practices privately at Deepdene Surgery, supporting clients across the lifespan for multiple nutrition concerns and needs. She regularly engages in supervision to deepen her expertise in the eating disorder field and stays up to date with the latest research and therapeutic practices. Marissa takes a non-diet, weight inclusive, trauma informed approach while acknowledging her own privilege and believes that everyone is deserving of receiving high quality healthcare. She strives to create an environment where clients feel seen, heard, and respected, regardless of their background or lived experience. Whether working with individuals or leading a team, Marissa is known for her warm, approachable demeanour and strong communication skills, making her a trustworthy and supportive presence in the healthcare space. Outside of work, Marissa enjoys exploring her creative side through art, unwinding with yoga, and staying active through gym, swimming and walking. She's also an avid Formula 1 fan, always excited to catch the latest race and cheer on her favourite drivers.

BOOKING DETAILS:

Marissa is currently accepting new clients 18 + years.

If you would like to make a booking with Marissa, please contact reception or book online via:

Phone: (03) 9087 8379

Online booking system: Marissa's online booking link

What will happen at the first session with an Eat Love Live Dietitian?

EAT LOVE LIVE POLICY

We require that all clients be linked in with regular medical support to ensure their ongoing medical safety.

We require clients to be engaged with or planning to engage with psychological support to ensure that we are providing safe, ethical and evidence-based support.

AGE LIMITS FOR ACCEPTING NEW REFERRALS: 

Please note some practitioners have boundaries on the age of clients they will accept as new referrals. 

We request that for all new clients aged 15 years and younger that a pre-assessment questionnaire be completed to assist us in triaging the young person and family. 

For all clients aged 15 or younger we request that the initial assessment be with the parents/ carer only. 

Eating disorders do not just affect the person but families as a whole.

This is an important part of the assessment process and will help us to get a clear history of the development of the eating disorder and aid in setting up a treatment team and clear treatment goals moving forward. 

Family Based Therapy/Treatment (FBT) is the gold standard for supporting children and adolescents with eating disorders. The Eat Love Live team are not trained in FBT or family therapy. 

We can be an adjunct to this important treatment process, provide a safe space for discussion around meal planning, information about eating disorders, physical and psychological risks associated with the eating disorder, normal puberty changes to the body, guidelines to adequate amounts of nutrition and help clear many of the myths about food and bodies in our community. 

We appreciate that accessing paediatric and adolescent services is difficult and there are long wait lists. As with all clients, we insist that all adolescents are linked in with a multidisciplinary team including a GP and a mental health clinician - be it a psychologist or psychiatrist. And we suggest that clients make the referral to CAMHS/CYMHS and / or private family therapy and be on the waiting list for this support. 

Along with the GP or paediatrician we can provide information and support while families are waiting for this important more intensive support.

Parents can speak with their GP or Paediatrician about referrals to these supports.