My Why: Creating Spaces for Healing & Hope

At the heart of Embrace Your Reflection is a simple belief: everyone deserves the chance to feel seen, valued, and capable of thriving.

My own lived experience with an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and sexual assault has shaped me into the advocate I am today. I know the darkness of shame, self-doubt, and silence, and I also know the power of breaking free, choosing healing, and embracing self-love. These battles have made me stronger, more resilient, and deeply committed to raising awareness so that others know they are never alone.

Because of that, I am passionate about helping others through eating disorder recovery, building body image positivity, nurturing self-acceptance, and boosting self-esteem. These are the tools I wish I had earlier in life, and they are the foundation of the safe, empowering spaces I now create for others.

As an educator, I have also spent much of my career working with at-risk youth who have experienced trauma. I’ve seen firsthand the strength and potential that emerges when young people are given the tools, encouragement, and belief they need. Too often misunderstood, these students deserve opportunities to succeed and spaces where their voices matter.

Embrace Your Reflection was born from these truths: my lived experience as a survivor, my passion for healing and awareness, and my work as an educator. Today, through keynotes, workshops, and coaching for individuals and communities, I am committed to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and creating spaces where healing, resilience, and meaningful connection can take root.

This is my why. To use my story, my voice, and my experience to light the way for others, helping people see their worth, believe in their future, and embrace the beauty within themselves.

Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign 2026

About the Campaign

Community Movement Events

Social Media Awareness

In support of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, February 23 to March 1

The campaign starts January 19, because raising awareness should never be

limited to one week.

Embrace Your Reflection is launching a citywide awareness movement to raise understanding of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and the lived experiences behind them. This initiative creates space for honesty, compassion, and meaningful change throughout Winnipeg.

Our Mission:

Start honest conversations
Share survivor stories
Reduce stigma
Educate the community
Support individuals and families
Remind people they are never alone

Social Media Awareness

Community Movement Events

Social Media Awareness

Throughout the campaign, Embrace Your Reflection will share meaningful content created to educate, support, and open conversations across social platforms.

This includes:

Survivor story highlights
Community conversations
Professional insight
Movement class features
A collaborative awareness video
Sponsor features & partner updates

This online awareness series runs throughout the full campaign

leading into EDAW.

Community Movement Events

This February, Winnipeg’s fitness community is coming together in a powerful, unified movement for Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Studios and fitness groups across the city will host donation-based classes that raise awareness through movement. All proceeds will stay local and support eating

disorder programs.

Studios and fitness partners will be announced soon. Together, we are creating something truly meaningful.

Donations

How to Get Involved

Community Movement Events

All proceeds raised through the movement classes will be donated to:

HSC Eating Disorder Programs
Women’s Health Clinic Eating Disorder Programs

Donations can be made at campaign events throughout the week, or through our

online donation link.

A QR code and donation link will be available at the beginning of February.

How to Get Involved

Awareness Partners

Local businesses are invited to join us as Awareness Partners to help amplify the message. Partners will be acknowledged during Eating Disorder Awareness Week, with new supporters highlighted

as they join.

Awareness Champions

Community members can also take part by helping share the campaign on social media. Every share helps the message reach further and reminds those affected by eating disorders that they are not alone.

Follow the Campaign

How to Get Involved

Stay connected for updates, awareness content, and key moments throughout

this movement.

Instagram:

@jodyunrau | @embraceyourreflection

Website: embraceyourreflection.com

Partnership inquiries:

jody@embraceyourreflection.com

More details will be shared as the

campaign unfolds.

Beyond The Mirror: Positive Body Image Workshop

Objective

Book Your Workshop

What To Expect

Beyond the Mirror is an interactive workshop that challenges body dysmorphia mindsets and promotes positive body image and self-esteem.

Through meaningful conversations and guided reflection, participants learn how to counter negative thought patterns, build healthier self-talk, and develop more compassionate relationships

with themselves.

This workshop is designed for young adults and adults in the community. It can also be blended into existing events or wellness gatherings to meet the needs

of different groups.

At its heart, Beyond the Mirror is about replacing self-criticism with self-compassion and rebuilding

confidence from within.

Because you are worthy.

You always have been.

What To Expect

Book Your Workshop

What To Expect

Participants will take part in a supportive and reflective workshop experience

that includes:

Guided self-reflection activities to explore emotions and build self-awareness
Practical tools for nurturing body respect and positive inner dialogue
Facilitated group discussions grounded in lived experience and professional insight
Optional integration with existing events or community gatherings

The workshop creates space for real conversations and meaningful

personal insight.

Book Your Workshop

Bring Beyond the Mirror to your business, studio, or community group and create a supportive space for body image positivity and self-acceptance.

Inquire Now

Book Your Workshop

Beyond the Mirror: Confidence & Self Acceptance Workshop

Objective

What To Expect

Beyond the Mirror is designed for middle years and high school students, empowering them to build confidence, strengthen self-worth, and develop a positive, compassionate relationship

with their bodies.

Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, students learn how comparison, perfectionism, social pressure, and media can influence the way they see themselves.

The workshop supports students in building a positive relationship with food by focusing on balance, awareness, and trust in their bodies. It also increases understanding around body image, self-acceptance, and eating disorder awareness in a safe, supportive learning environment.

What To Expect

In this supportive and interactive

session, students will:

Participate in guided conversations that help them reflect on how they see themselves
Practice tools that build confidence, emotional awareness, and a kinder inner voice
Explore real-life examples of how social and media messages can shape self-worth
Take part in activities that encourage body trust, balance, and self-compassion
Learn practical strategies for responding to comparison and pressure in healthier ways
Leave with empowering takeaways they can apply in their daily lives, at school and beyond

The workshop is thoughtfully tailored for middle years and high school students, ensuring the content is engaging, relatable, and developmentally appropriate

at every grade level.

Schools, Organizations & Youth Groups

Bring Beyond the Mirror to your school, organization, or youth group and give students a safe, supportive experience focused on confidence, body image,

and self-acceptance.

Inquire Now

Shine From Within: Positive Self-Esteem Workshop

Objective

Bring Shine From Within to Your School or Child/Youth Program

What To Expect

The Shine From Within workshop is designed for elementary students to build confidence, strengthen positive self-talk, and celebrate their individuality.

Through guided activities and meaningful reflection, students learn to appreciate their bodies for what they can do, embrace their strengths and areas of growth, and understand that mistakes are a

natural part of learning.

The workshop encourages lasting self-esteem, body respect, kindness, gratitude, and resilience in a warm,

age-appropriate environment.

What To Expect

Bring Shine From Within to Your School or Child/Youth Program

What To Expect

In this warm and supportive workshop, students will:

Explore what it means to “shine from within” through kindness, bravery, and creativity
Practice positive self-talk and understand how words influence confidence and self-worth
Build resilience by celebrating strengths and viewing mistakes as part of learning
Experience the power of giving and receiving kindness
Connect with others by recognizing both similarities and differences

Through fun activities, reflective discussions, and uplifting moments, students leave feeling encouraged, supported, and ready to shine from within.

Bring Shine From Within to Your School or Child/Youth Program

Help children in your school or community program build confidence, resilience, and self-worth in a way that truly lasts.

Book your Shine From Within workshop today and give students the tools to shine from the inside out.

Inquire Now

Through Our Eyes: An Inside Perspective on Eating Disorders

Objective

Bring Through Our Eyes to Your Event

What To Expect

Through Our Eyes is a keynote that fosters empathy and deepens understanding by offering an intimate, unfiltered look into the mindset of someone living with an eating disorder. Together, we explore the complexities of disordered eating, including common triggers, masking rituals, the impact of diet culture, trauma, and perfectionism, and the internal battle between

restriction and recovery.

Most importantly, we discuss tangible coping mechanisms and strategies that have genuinely helped those of us navigating

this journey.

This keynote is not only about awareness. It is about connection, breaking stigma, and reminding us that recovery is not always linear, but it is possible. There is a way

to live in the light instead

of the darkness.

What To Expect

Bring Through Our Eyes to Your Event

What To Expect

Built on my lived experience, this keynote combines storytelling with practical guidance so attendees leave informed, compassionate, and ready to help.

You will gain:

Knowledge and awareness:

a clearer understanding of the mental, emotional, and physical realities of eating disorders, plus insight into the hidden struggles behind behaviours

Tools to offer real support: how to approach and communicate with someone who is struggling, what not to say and why certain phrases can harm, and how to recognize early warning signs and intervention strategies

Confidence to support yourself and others: participants leave with coping mechanisms that foster meaningful support for those impacted by eating disorders, and perhaps for themselves

Guided discussion and applied learning: opportunities for reflection, Q&A, and processing key takeaways with tangible, actionable tools you can put into practice right away

Bring Through Our Eyes to Your Event

Through Our Eyes is a keynote presentation committed to breaking the stigma, providing real insight, and creating a supportive space for healing and understanding.

If you want to educate, inspire, or gain the tools to support yourself or someone else, Through Our Eyes is here to help.

Walk away with…

More knowledge about the realities of eating disorders

A better understanding of how to truly help someone struggling

Practical tools and real strategies to make a difference

Confidence in your ability to offer meaningful support

Who can benefit

This keynote is designed for anyone wanting to better understand eating disorders, including educators, healthcare providers, youth workers, families, and those directly impacted.

Inquire Now

Fostering Resilience: Approaches to Working with Youth

Objective

Bring Fostering Resilience to Your Event

What To Expect

Fostering Resilience: Informed Approaches to Working with Youth equips educators, mentors, and youth workers with practical strategies to support young people impacted by trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges. Too often these students are misunderstood as “problem kids,” when in reality they need connection, compassion, and alternative

pathways to thrive.

Drawing on my experience as both an educator and a survivor, this keynote intertwines professional insight with my own lived experience of trauma and healing. Participants will not only hear the stories of students I have worked with, but also personal reflections that highlight the importance of empathy, perseverance, and hope. Together, we look at how to avoid common pitfalls, what to emphasize when building trust, and how to create safe, empowering environments that promote healing, confidence, and growth.

Every young person deserves to be seen, believed in, and given the chance to thrive.

What To Expect

Bring Fostering Resilience to Your Event

What To Expect

This keynote provides both practical strategies and inspiration for those working with vulnerable youth.

You will gain:

A deeper understanding of at-risk youth: insight into the daily realities, hidden struggles, and determination of young people often mislabeled as “bad kids"

Trauma-informed strategies: how to create safe classroom and program environments that balance compassion with

high expectations

Relationship-first approaches: why trust and belonging must come before academics, and how to build authentic connections that spark success

Practical tools for learning and behavior: flexible classroom strategies, credit recovery models, individualized supports, and interventions that help

students succeed

Awareness of educator well-being: recognizing the emotional toll of this work and strategies to protect your own mental health while supporting others

Hope and inspiration: stories of healing and strength, drawn from both my own journey and the resilience of my students, that show how belief, consistency, and compassion can transform lives

Bring Fostering Resilience to Your Event

This keynote is designed for educators, mentors, youth workers, and professionals who want to better understand and support individuals impacted by trauma and

mental health challenges.

Walk away with…

Participants will walk away with knowledge, strategies, and inspiration to see beyond behavior, respond with empathy, and nurture strength, healing, and confidence

in the people they serve.

Inquire Now

Reflections Coaching: One-On-One & Small Group

Objective

Book a Coaching Session

What To Expect

Reflections Coaching is designed to meet you where you are. With 20 years of lived experience in eating disorder recovery and body dysmorphia, as well as a background in teaching and supporting at-risk youth, I bring both compassion and real-world insight to each session.

What To Expect

Book a Coaching Session

What To Expect

Coaching may be for you if you are:

Navigating eating disorder recovery, body dysmorphia, or trauma

Building body image positivity, self-acceptance, and self-esteem

An educator, caregiver, or professional seeking guidance to better support youth or individuals impacted by trauma and

eating disorders

Book a Coaching Session

Whether one-on-one or in a small group, sessions provide a safe space for reflection, growth, and meaningful connection. Together, we’ll focus on practical tools, awareness, and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence and hope.

You Are Not Alone

Healing and recovery are possible.

Let’s begin the next chapter together.

Inquire Now

Client Testimony

Attending the Embrace Your Reflection workshop was a truly transformative experience. From the moment we began, Jody, our facilitator, created a warm and welcoming space where everyone felt seen, valued, and encouraged. Her openness and exceptional communication made it easy to connect, reflect, and grow.

The workshop itself was a powerful journey of self-discovery and self-love. Through positive self-talk exercises, a “Who Am I” reflection, and a moving mirror activity, I gained a deeper appreciation for myself. The yoga session and cold plunge were both invigorating and grounding, while the compliment walk fostered connection and joy.

By the end of the workshop, I felt rejuvenated, uplifted, and less alone. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of self-acceptance and community. I highly recommend Embrace Your Reflection to anyone looking for a meaningful and empowering experience!

- Jenna

Beyond The Mirror: Positive Body Image Workshop

About the Memoir

She’s a Tale in My Story is a raw and powerful memoir by Jody Unrau, educator, coach, and survivor, who peels back the layers of perfectionism to reveal the truth behind the smile. What unfolds is a deeply personal account of trauma, resilience, and the fight to reclaim identity and self-worth in a world that too often silences pain.

This book takes readers beyond stereotypes of eating disorders and into the daily realities of recovery, including the thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs that linger long after treatment. Jody also bravely explores the aftermath of sexual assault, the weight of shame, and the invisible ways trauma shapes relationships and self-perception.

Through poetic reflection and fierce honesty, she sheds light on what it means to carry invisible wounds and how we begin to heal them. She’s a Tale in My Story is not just a memoir but a mirror for anyone who has ever felt unseen or not enough, and a reminder that healing is possible even when the path is messy.

What Readers Are Saying:

Catherine D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Order this book! Jody’s story is more than enduring sexual assault and living with an eating disorder… It is a story about strength, resilience, growth, healing, family, self-love and so much more. The journey that I was taken on reading the pages had me crying, laughing, and absolutely awestruck. The words are perfect brutal honesty and so beautifully written. I literally couldn’t put it down!”

Kim Hartwig ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book shattered me in the best way. Raw, honest, and deeply emotional, it dives into the pain of abuse and eating disorders with a voice that’s both brutal and beautiful. Jody has written something that doesn’t just tell a story, it heals.”

Buy Now

About the Workbook

Beyond the Mirror is a twelve-week guided workbook designed to help you strengthen self-acceptance, confidence, and inner resilience. Through weekly themes, reflection questions, and practical tools, it teaches you how to quiet your inner critic, reconnect with your body, and build a healthier relationship with yourself.

This workbook supports you in shifting negative self-talk, releasing perfectionism, and reconnecting with who you are beyond pressure and comparison. Each week gives you space to grow, heal, and step into a more grounded and authentic version of yourself.

Created by educator and author Jody Unrau, Beyond the Mirror brings her blend of honesty, compassion, and lived experience directly to you. It is a reminder that you are enough, just as you are, and an invitation to let your true light shine.

Buy Now