I’ve spent over thirty years working in the field of mental health and wellbeing – but my journey began with my own struggles. In the early 1980s, my life and mental health were in crisis. That experience inspired me to pursue a lifelong passion for personal development and awareness.
If you’re curious about the details, you can find more of my story in my novel: Breaking Down, Diving Deep, Getting Through.
Since then, my life has been full of the highs and lows we all face: heartbreak, fear, joy, celebration – and a great deal of learning. One of my biggest personal battles was with weight and food. Overweight as a child, I grew up with a difficult relationship with my own body – perhaps the most precious territory we will ever truly own. No matter how little I ate, the weight crept on.
When I began writing Foodsane three years ago, I imagined a different way forward. Through new science around Time Related Eating, I discovered a path that helped me move beyond the constant war with my body. This isn’t just a story of losing weight – it’s about respecting the miracle of the body and building a healthier body–mind relationship.
Foodsane is where story and science meet. It’s a community, a book, and a training programme – but above all, it’s a shared journey towards peace with food, body, and self.
With Foodsane, you’ll find:
A supportive community and the daily One Year on a RAFT blog
Space to ask questions and share your own journey
Access to training modules that help you change your relationship with food
Free chapters from the book and other resources
(Coming in 2026) Foodsane Kids, supporting parents to nurture healthy foundations in their children
There are no rules apart from respect. It doesn’t matter if you’re dieting, using GLP-1 inhibitors, have had surgery, or if you’ve given up and feel stuck. You’re welcome here. The first step is simply joining with others on the RAFT and moving forward together.
We are not all about losing weight – that’s only a side benefit. Foodsane is about:
Living your best life in the body you have right now
Building a healthy relationship with food and self
Creating sustainable, compassionate change
You’ll find honesty, humour, and real stories of every possible failure and success along the way.
I’m Jo North, and when I’m not working with the Foodsane community, my greatest joy is helping people feel they are solving problems and moving forward (though don’t tell my husband – he thinks it’s spending time with him!).
My professional background includes:
30 years’ experience as a psychotherapist
Senior Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Chartered Fellow of the British Psychological Society as a researching psychologist
Doctorate in Psychotherapy and Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy with children
Winner of the BPS Award for Psychology in Practice (2016) for work with children and families
I abide by the BACP code of ethics. I am imperfect, often afraid, but fully committed to living – and helping others live – with acceptance of this amazing life.
Foodsane is for anyone who wants to stop the madness around food and body. Join the community, follow my daily diary, send your questions, and take part in our monthly online gatherings. Together, we’ll stop fighting our bodies and start living fully.
We weren’t born to be at war with our bodies. Let’s step onto the RAFT and move forward – together.
Within our community we want to keep you safe and well. I am a Doctor of Psychotherapy. As leader of the Foodsane Community I can support you by listening and sharing widely researched information on pathways forward. I cannot make diagnosis or give direct psychotherapy to you in this group. I am an accredited Psychotherapist and separate from this a Chartered Researching Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. I am not a Clinical Psychologist or Counselling Psychologist. If you find yourself in a mental health crisis in the United Kingdom please dial 999 or 111 for immediate advice. Or call The Samaritans on 116 123 if you feel suicidal. If you live in another part of the world, please contact your mental health support team immediately or go to someone who will support and help you.
Whatever you do prioritise your safety and wellbeing. Your life matters!
