FOUNDERS
Meet Clarissa and Molly: A Partnership Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Clarissa and Molly's journey began in 2019 at a professional training program for food addiction specialists. From the start, they found their perspectives on addiction, recovery, treatment, and sobriety were deeply aligned. But what truly sparked their bond was a shared passion for helping others—and they knew they were destined to collaborate.
Both are highly skilled mental health and addiction clinicians, with over 20 years of combined experience. They’ve each built successful private practices, working closely with clients while staying at the forefront of advancements in food addiction treatment.
In January 2021, they teamed up with Dr. Vera Tarman to launch The Food Junkies Podcast. Today, the podcast boasts over 500,000 downloads, inspiring listeners worldwide. Later that year, they joined forces with renowned ex,perts Dr. Jen Unwin, Heidi Giaever (UK), Charlotte Poulsen, and Frida Sandin (Sweden) to conduct groundbreaking clinical research. Their collaborative study—a first-of-its-kind audit on treatment interventions for ultra-processed food addiction—was published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in September 2022. Titled "Low Carbohydrate and Psychoeducational Programs Show Promise for the Treatment of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction," the paper ranks in the top 2% of all publications in the journal and among the top 100 ever published online.
From the beginning, Clarissa and Molly dreamed of creating a program that offers a modern, accessible, and empowering path to recovery—one that adapts to the unique needs of every individual. This dream became reality with Sweet Sobriety.
Sweet Sobriety takes a holistic approach to recovery, addressing not only food choices but also your thoughts, relationships, body, and environment. Built on a foundation of expertise, research, and lived experience, it offers:
11 Foundational Modules to support your journey A thriving community for connection and encouragement New monthly workshops 5 group coaching opportunities every week And because they know that great things happen through collaboration, Clarissa and Molly are backed by an incredible team of coaches who help bring this vision to life!
Ready to learn more? Keep scrolling and get to know the people behind Sweet Sobriety—we can’t wait to connect with you!
Clarissa Kennedy, RSW, BComm
FOUNDER
Clarissa Kennedy is a distinguished Clinical Social Worker and the visionary founder of Reinvent Your Bliss Point, co-founder of Sweet Sobriety, and co-host of the Food Junkies Podcast. She has a specialized diploma in Professional Addiction Studies and brings over 15 years of invaluable experience to her practice. Her extensive professional journey spans diverse treatment settings, encompassing residential treatment, outpatient services, and private practice, demonstrating her commitment to providing comprehensive care to adolescents, adults, and families.
What sets Clarissa apart is not just her academic and professional accolades but also her deeply personal connection to the challenges her clients face. Having triumphed over her own battles with eating disorders and food addiction, Clarissa brings a unique level of empathy and understanding to her work. This personal history not only enhances her ability to relate to her clients but also enables her to establish trust and rapport crucial for effective therapeutic relationships. Embracing her role as a guide and supporter in her clients' journeys, Clarissa considers her work a privilege. Her compassionate approach to treatment goes beyond conventional therapeutic norms, creating a safe and understanding environment for her clients. Through this approach, she navigates individuals through the intricate process of change, acknowledging the nuances and complexities that accompany struggles with food addiction and eating disorders.
In adopting an integrative approach to her practice, Clarissa draws on a diverse range of interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her extensive training and clinical experience cover various treatment modalities, showcasing her versatility as a therapist. As a Somatically Informed Self Compassion Therapist, Clarissa incorporates bodily awareness into her practice, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being. Furthermore, Clarissa's expertise extends to evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for Eating Disorders, and Motivational Interviewing. This breadth of knowledge enables her to address a wide spectrum of challenges, providing a holistic and personalized approach to each client's therapeutic journey.
Molly Painschab, NBCC, LCPC, LAC
FOUNDER
Molly Painschab is a dual-licensed mental health and addiction counselor and has worked in the field since 2005. She is co-chair of the Sugar & Food Addiction Professional Network. Molly is also a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders and in the Substance Use Disorders Special Interest Group.
Her background in addiction treatment while working with individuals being supervised by the Department of Corrections, Child Protective Services, and other Court-Ordered situations inform her solution-focused and forward-thinking style.
Molly is fueled by her belief that recovery is possible. She considers herself a ‘helper’, eager to encourage and support individuals and families on their journey to mental and emotional wellness.
Molly uses Solution-Focused Brief Therapy techniques to move clients toward the life they no longer want to escape from.
MEET THE TEAM
Clarissa and Molly can't do it all on their own!
COACHES
CJ Nguy, Addictions Coach
Coach
CJ is a Certified Food Addiction Coach and uses her personal story of overcoming food addiction to help you find solutions and employs skills to assist you in your recovery.
She offers a profound passion for helping you navigate the challenges and triumphs of recovery.
With her knowledge of food addiction and treatments, she employs evidence-based strategies to empower individuals toward long-term healing.
Joan Bjornsgaard, NBCC, LPC
Coach
Joan Bjornsgaard is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Food and Addictions Coach, who has worked in the field for more than 30 years.
She received her national certification as a Food Addiction coach last November from the Addictions Academy.
She has been in recovery from her own food addiction for more than two years and has maintained her weight loss for the first time using the principles taught by Sweet Sobriety.
Dr. Amy Reichelt
Facilitator
A recognized leader in neuroscience and neuropharmacology, specializing in psychedelic clinical development, neurodegeneration, and nutritional neurobiology, Dr. Reichelt has 15 years of expertise in translational medicine spanning from molecules to mind.
Her work as a PhD-trained neuroscientist over the past decade has been transformational in demonstrating the influence of nutrition to optimize mental health and cognition.
COGNITION NUTRITION
INTERNS
Elaine Caligiuri
Recovery Coach
Welcome! I’m Elaine Caligiuri, a dedicated Recovery Coach with a passion for empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and achieve lasting mental and physical well-being. I believe recovery is a deeply personal journey, and each client deserves a tailored approach to reach their unique goals.
With over 40 years as a mindfulness meditator and yogini, I focus on creating practices of self-care and self-forgiveness that foster equanimity and transformation. I help clients tap into their innate wisdom to craft personalized recovery practices. Together, we’ll explore sustainable strategies that honor your individuality and support your journey toward balance and freedom.
I bring a rich background to my coaching, including experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA State) and certifications in Yoga, Parenting by Connection, Social Emotional Learning, Group Facilitation, Team Building, Somatic Experiences, and Mental Fitness Coaching. These tools allow me to offer a holistic, integrative approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy sewing, wool felting, gardening, dancing, hiking, and canine education—activities that nurture my creativity and connection to nature. It’s my privilege to walk alongside you as you uncover your strength, resilience, and path to recovery. Let’s work together to design a life where you thrive.
Sarah Hood, RN, BSc(Hons)
Food Addiction Recovery Coach - In Training
Sharon Gregg
Food Addiction Recovery Coach - In Training
Sharon is a qualified Executive Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation. She has worked for many years supporting leaders who want to achieve positive long-term change in their behaviours, thoughts, and feelings so they can be the best versions of themselves.
She shares her time living in London and Worcestershire, in the UK. Sharon is an expert in identifying strengths, which amplifies self-belief. She blends tools and techniques that encourage self-reflection and self-discovery and promotes positive new behaviours, thoughts and feelings.
She has her own story of addiction to sugar and ultra-processed foods, starting at the age of 5. She dreamed the streets were paved with chocolate. At the age of 15, she started her first diet, and the cycle of yoyo dieting continued for another 40 years.
That cycle was broken when she stumbled upon the concept that she might actually be addicted to this stuff and decided she owed it to herself to find the solution.
Also, amid menopause, her symptoms were exacerbated - fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety, to list just a few.
With a lot of self-talk and making good use of her coaching skills, she successfully navigated the road ahead to sobriety. She wants to share those strategies and practical tips, so others can achieve more than they ever believed possible.
Sharon now lives free from distraction and feels more energised in her mind, body and soul.
