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In the opinion of someone who has seen countless doctors, dietitians and nutritionists I was directed to Dr Melissa. The reason why I was directed to her was because I had been starving my body to a point I passed out right in front of my dietitians clinic. I was super hesitant to go to her, I hated her before knowing her. I didn’t know that I’d walk into her clinic and I’d be outsmarted for the first time in my entire life. My life was a battle between me and my inner demons and the only person that knew how to communicate with these demons, was dr Melissa. She decided my eating patterns without me even having to tell her. She knew when I was lying and when I wasn’t okay. She helped me over the years even when I didn’t want to help myself. My head is stubborn and my eating disorder was even more stubborn. It took me longer than average to begin to heal from my eating disorder, nevertheless, she never gave up on me. I went from weak, depressed, wanting to end my life, into blooming into someone that has a stronger personality, is achieving her dreams abroad, and can finally say she has never been happier in her life. Dr Melissa is no longer my eating disorder specialist, but she’s my sister. She’s someone that has never failed me, someone I look up to. If you ever feel unheard, misunderstood and alone, she is the one to go to.

I had the honour to be a student of Dr. Melissa for 3 years where I learned so much from her. Everything she has taught me made an impact on me in both my professional and personal life. She’s very knowledgeable and passionate about her work, going above and beyond to make sure every lesson is acquired. Dr. Rizk is one of the most approachable and friendly teachers I’ve ever had.

I had just finished binging and purging when I messaged this “influencer” who was talking about eating disorder! She actually replied and recommended I go see Dr Rizk! I was SUPER skeptical about it and told her that I have been “fighting” this disease for 7 years now and noone could help me! She insisted I simply take an appointment and show up and boy was I glad I did!!! Dr Melissa is simply AMAZING! She not only helped me get over my eating disorder; she also recommended I seek psychological help to understand the root cause of all of my binging/purging. It did not take long before I started improving and fast forward 2 years now I am COMPLETLY healed! I had ups and downs throughout my journey but Dr Melissa was always there! She has been incredibly supportive, patient and understanding! Highly highly highlyy recommend her (and I am a picky person 😂)

I had the chance to meet Melissa at a time when I was starting to give up on finding any efficient treatment for my son’s eating disorder. We had been fighting this eating disorder who made our life unbearable for 3 years when Melissa appeared like an angel who knew what she was doing and believed that my son can be treated because she understood the eating disorder like no one did. Melissa treated my son as if he was her own and didn’t hesitate to go every extra mile possible for him to find his way through recovery. She just knows the “how”,  the “when” and the “why” of eating disorders while always being present for her patient. Without her devoted engagement, my son wouldn’t have turned out to be the flourished teenager he is today. She is like no others in the field and on a worldwide scale and believe me I know many therapists. She is the one and only Melissa Rizk. Thank you for taking care of us the “Melissa way”.

Dr. Melissa Rizk is one of a kind. I am not saying this just for the sake of this message, but truly, I have never come across a counselor that is this kind, empathetic, understanding, and lovely. She has been there for me every time my ED tries to bring me down, through WhatsApp and during therapy. Before I have met her, I have reached a place where I thought I was a hopeless case, that I would never recover. She has been there for me every time I faced a challenging meal. She supported me and hyped me up. Through the first time I had a chocolate bar, a burger, a pizza, ate a meal and stopped halfway because I listened to my body. I thought I could never get rid of the bad thoughts, could never get rid of counting calories. I felt like a calculator was set in my brain and I could not look at food normally. However, at some point I reached a point everything has changed, I strengthened and became a whole different person. I embraced new things with an open heart; I learned to love myself, to have more confidence in me, to accept my family the way it is. She is more than an eating disorder counsellor for me. I’d say she’s a mentor, and she will always remain an enormous factor in my life that helped me break out from the dark pit I was in. She is considerate in so many ways and even understood what I went through finically and compromised for the sake of my recovery. I relapsed, but her constant support and help made it less painful. She is truly one of a kind, and I do not think I would ever meet someone like her. I truly thank you; you have no idea how much you have helped me.  I will always be grateful for everything you have done, and I love you, sincerely. It is rare to see a true holistic healthcare professional.

After over a decade of Anorexia Nervosa, I was considered a hopeless case…Full Recovery seemed totally elusive to me at least until I met Melissa. From the moment I stepped into her clinic I felt safe, seen, heard and validated. She gave me hope, courage, strength and the right coping mechanisms to face my own demons. Together hand by hand and step by step we were able to Keep moving  forward despite all the internal and external turmoil. Melissa is much more than an ED Therapist. She’s a friend, a sister, a confident, even a crutch when needed :))) and in my case, my one and only support system! She taught me that in life “everything is manageable” (which has become my new mantra) and always made me feel that “she has my back” (and my bones :)))) Although I’m not fully recovered yet, I can proudly say that I’m now enjoying the last phase of my recovery with confidence & curiosity. Recovery is definitely is long rocky road but with someone like Melissa by your side it’s 100% worth it!!!

I was first introduced to dr. Melissa Rizk in 2018 after struggling with multiple eating disorders for approximately 4 years. I went through multiple therapies and not once did i feel the possibility of recovery, that is until I met her. from that first 1 h 30 min we spent talking, i remember thinking for the first time, recovery may not be as farfetched as i thought. i can safely say that i am extremely lucky to have met Dr Melissa Rizk, one of the most intelligent, kind and passionate people i know. I had a reputation for keeping to myself as i find trouble opening up to other, but she was the first person i felt comfortable enough to open up to. Throughout the years, a big sister is what she has become, and the amount of love, gratitude and respect i have for her are beyond words. All i can say is that crossing paths with her has helped me grow not only as a patient but as a person as well

As a student, I can say that I learned so much from Dr. Melissa in only one year and honestly more than I’ve learned in the three years of my BS in nutrition. She’s someone I really look up to; always positive, energetic, and up-to-date. Her passion for her job inspired me to discover new approaches and gave me a unique perspective of the field. I hope that one day I’ll be as successful as her in my career

The person that came in a year ago to the clinic, flustered and in a state of despair, to the person that now believes in better days, is all because of Dr. Melissa’s utmost commitment and dedication to making us stronger and capable of overcoming what seemed to be impossible. I freakin drive a motorbike now 😆

Like literally, I can’t really express how lucky and grateful I am for having the chance that our paths have crossed, and for having Dr. Melissa as my teacher. She has been my teacher for 3 years now but not only she’s been my uni professor but also and most importantly a person from whom I’ve learnt a lot in life! Her passion for her work, her enthusiasm, her optimism and how down to earth she is even with all the achievements she’s done in life, make her a true inspiration! I’ve graduated and I’ve got my M2 degree and I’m looking forward a PhD because of her! She’s such a role model!  Can’t thank her enough.  Last but not least, we will miss having 6 hours class in a row with her and HER having to deal with our dead faces😂

I know Melissa in her role as an eating disorder specialist. I couldn’t imagine that anyone would ever succeed to redefine my relationship with food, BUT, she was able to do it!! As a chronic dieter for more than 20 years, I’m not fully recovered from my toxic patterns, yet I’m on this journey, rewiring my brain to build a healthy relationship with myself and with food. Melissa’s role was crucial along the way, since she knew how to genuinely listen to my story, without any judgement, understand my vulnerabilities and work with me patiently to improve, not only my diet, but actually every aspect of my life.  She’s always present and available for me, and for that I am grateful.

When I first went to see Dr. Melissa, I had no idea that I had an eating disorder. I had always thought that my relationship with food and my body wasn’t normal, but I had never been diagnosed. She was there with me from the first day of my journey to recovery. Not only did she offer me the best, evidence-based advice that was there, but also, her empathy, heart, generosity and incredible instincts shined through every encounter that we had. I am very grateful that I had the chance to be treated by such a compassionate and capable person. And thanks to her and my therapist, I am now well on the road to a full recovery.

I don’t know where to begin…Words cannot describe how grateful I am for crossing Dr. Melissa’s path during my recovery journey. She stood by my side through good and bad moments, and has always made my well-being your primary focus and for that i will always be thankful. Although i’m yet to completely recover from my anorexia, thanks to her, i developed a new spirit in me that will push me to fight till the end and never give up! She also told me that even if the path seems long and endless if we put will and determination, we always end up kicking this little voice’s back! So in a nutshell, I am happy today to be able to say that her care has brought me back calmness, comfort and peace of mind.

Dr. Melissa trained me in nutrition counselling for eating disorders, I had the pleasure to work with her and learn from her. My testimony can’t give her knowledge and expertise any justice. A part from being an excellent teacher she is such a kind person! She taught me how to be empathetic towards my patients and believed in me when I didn’t and for that I’m forever grateful.  She is literally the best ❤

This semester was one of the best since we had three courses with Dr. Rizk. I loved how well organized she was each and every time. Loved how she divided the courses and the way she taught us and made sure everybody always understands. Loved the fact that she always bring up the best in us, always push us to be creative, and she has no problem answering all our questions even the most silly ones. Loved how she always asked about our physical and mental health and the way that she always made sure everyone was safe in this pandemic. I really look up to her. She has motivated me so much I can explode. It has been a pleasure. Whatever country she heads to will be so lucky to have her.

A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others.”
From the first to the last course she gave me through the past 3 years, Dr. Melissa was the one who brought her passion and enthusiasm and stream it into the class. I am profoundly thankful I had the opportunity to be a student of Dr. Rizk. She prepared me for many unfamiliar things not only for my profession but also for my life. She is so skilled in her work; she recognizes and enjoys what she does, that appears in the way she presents her courses in a friendly manner to make sure that all the information will be in the hand of her students.

This is a testimony for all the hard work Dr. Melissa has put into guiding me to the glistening road of recovery. Almost two years ago, I had been stripped of what is so called “life”.
Two years ago I was on the brink of death merely fighting to stay alive. I now look back at where I was before starting therapy with her. I could not have survived. I would’ve been buried with my tombstone saying “Anorexia won her over”. But i choose to be buried with a tombstone saying “she was a warrior”. I stare at the abyss as I reminisce about the time she encouraged me to have my first meal out in recovery. I reminisce about the guilt I felt but about the joy and happiness i conceived while eating that sacred meal. After a year in recovery, with her guidance, I didn’t have to book an emergency session to cope with a terrifying meal. I learned how to cope. As I reflect on the years of work we have done together, I am in awe of the progress and changes in myself. There have been highs and lows, and I’ve lost count of how many times I think she has saved my life.
She embedded the life that was once lost in little Mimi. She carved the statue of recovery and gave it to me. Lastly, I want to thank her for planting a seed of hope in me and allowing me to investigate in my own authenticity. She changed my life.

I am a university student and i am thankful to have Doctor Rizk as a teacher for two years. I was inspired and awakened to an inner potential by everything she taught me. For me, she’s the most passionate teacher with awesome empathic capacity and communication skills.
She delivers her knowledge (and experience) through the lens of the student (me), paying attention to her students state of mind and emotions.. so as a student i felt always engaged, heard and participating. Simply, she is awesome with her ability to connect with anyone on both emotional and cognitive level. Grateful for you Doctor!

I had the pleasure of having Dr. Melissa as my counsellor for almost 2 years (still ongoing), during which she thoroughly guided me in becoming more intuitive and trusting of my body. Being the genuine and sincerely kind-hearted person she is made the sessions feel seamless and easy for me to open up to her. Apart from helping me with my eating disorder, Dr. Melissa made me aware of indirect triggers that were affecting other aspects of my life and was of great support in helping me overcome them. Without her help I simply wouldn’t have been able to make progress and majorly improve the quality of life led and for that I am eternally grateful to her.

I suffered from Eating Disorder for more than 10 years! I saw many psychiatrists and psychotherapists(more than 10) Until i went to dr Melissa , i was pregnant and afraid of my ED consequences on the baby… Now i have a lovely healthy baby and im Fully recovered..dr Melissa saved My Pregnancy, My Marriage and My Life! I cannot thank her enough ♥

I first met Dr. Melissa in class. She was giving us a course on eating disorders, a topic that’s particularly important to me. I thought she was impressive, and I couldn’t help but think that she would be a great supervisor for my thesis. I decided to take that chance, knowing that 1 class might not tell a lot about her. It actually did. The months that followed showed me that she is indeed what I thought of her. During our work, she guided me all the while respecting my need for independence and freedom. She advised me without ordering me. She corrected me without forgetting to motivate me. Needless to say, I felt comfortable and supported despite the stress of this tough process. Her professionalism, her precision, her respect for everyone around her – these were definitely important, but I finally realized that what made me want to work with her, what made me enjoy being supervised by her, and what made me write this is her passion. Her passion for nutrition, eating disorders, teaching and research is contagious, and I am glad and grateful that I got to witness it. If you are reading this, I hope you too get to witness it someday.

I cannot thank Dr Melissa enough for fixing my relationship with my body first and with food as well. She taught me how to listen to my body and respect its desires. She explained to me every single detail and every single struggle and why we feel this and that and this made a huge difference in my life. Thank you Dr. Melissa for helping me become an intuitive eater and for helping me get rid of all the societal lies and false beliefs about body image and how we’re supposed to look like! Thank you for being so passionate about what you do and helping us enjoy guiltless cravings!!