Janet Lowndes

Founding Director and Principal Psychologist

(she/her)

Janet Lowndes is the Founding Director of Mind Body Well, which she formed in 2012 (previously 'Janet Lowndes & Associates'). Janet has a history of working both independently and in various organisations in the mental health field, and she is a Psychologist with more than 30 years experience providing counselling, training, and consultation. 

Following university studies in Psychology and Philosophy Janet’s early professional experience was in the areas of youth, community, and women's health, the prison system, and with young offenders. She then moved into private practice and continued to work with adolescents and adults, particularly those with eating disorders, body image concerns, and behavioural difficulties.

After 10 years practicing psychology Janet travelled to India to explore her personal studies of Yoga. While in India she spent time in a Yoga ashram, trekked in the Himalaya, and taught English to Buddhist monks. These experiences were life-changing, exposing Janet to philosophies of integrative wisdom which assist people to live in harmony with the world around them.

Today, Janet’s professional practice is focused on working with people addressing aspects of their lives affecting health and wellbeing. This includes eating disorders, body image concerns, depression and anxiety.

Janet’s approach treats the individual as a whole, rather than focusing merely on conditions or symptoms they may be experiencing. This approach is health-enhancing, aimed at promoting wellbeing in different areas of life.

Janet’s experience with Eating Disorders and the psychology of food and eating

Janet has provided counselling to assist people with Eating Disorders for over 20 years. Her interest in the psychology of food, eating and body image began when she was working in the youth health field, and her early learning about Eating Disorders came from her clients. Janet also worked closely with Dr. Rick Kausman, the author of ‘If Not Dieting then What’, assisting in his training programs for Health Professionals exploring a non-diet approach to the psychology of food and eating.

Janet’s approach is one which emphasises wellbeing rather than weight, with a respect for individual autonomy and diversity. She is particularly passionate about providing a service to people with Eating Disorders who may not feel comfortable or welcome in mainstream services, and she strives to reach people with marginalised identities, including people across the weight spectrum, and adults of all ages.

Eating Disorders are significant conditions affecting physical and mental health. Janet’s focus is on working with the client to enhance health and wellbeing, enabling them to then feel more empowered to address the cognitive and behavioural changes required in the process of recovery from an Eating Disorder.

Janet’s Yoga background

Janet’s interest in Yoga began over 30 years ago as rehabilitation following a car accident. Interested to find out more about Yoga Janet travelled to India in 2000, where she completed a Yoga Teacher Training certificate at the Swami Vivekananda Ashram in India. On return from India Janet studied a further two year Yoga Teaching qualification at the Centre for Adult Education Melbourne, where she attained an Advanced Diploma in Yoga Teaching.

Janet is a perpetual student of Yoga, influenced by teachers such as Swami Vivekananda, Leigh Blashki, Richard Miller, Amy Weintraub, and AG and Indra Mohan. Janet is a registered Yoga Teacher and a Certified Yoga Therapist.