About the London BlueBird Centre

Lasting Recovery With Our Specialist Team

Are you or a loved one battling the challenges of eating disorders? At The BlueBird Centre, we understand the pain and frustration that come with this journey.

Our dedicated specialists excel in helping you navigate the complex terrain of eating disorders. We understand the unique challenges you face and are here to guide you every step of the way.

Helping you battle your eating disorder
Our approach

About The BlueBird Centre

At The BlueBird Centre, we firmly believe in the journey to recovery and the importance of ongoing support. We understand that achieving lasting recovery requires more than just a single appointment. That’s why Maja and Nicky start with an initial assessment to collaboratively establish your recovery goals and create a personalised plan tailored to your unique needs.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all, itemised meal plan, our approach involves providing you with a meal plan framework and valuable guidance. We empower you to make choices that align with your goals and preferences.

The BlueBird Centre Dieticians London

Meet Our Team

Maja Berry

With over six years of specialised experience in the field and a master’s degree in Sports Nutrition, my mission is to empower adolescents and adults on their unique journey to recovery.

My philosophy is simple: recovery means liberation. It’s about more than just restoring weight; it’s about breaking free from negative thoughts surrounding food. Together, we’ll work towards a state where you can savor a diverse range of foods without feeling confined to “healthy” or “safe” options. I’ll guide you towards cultivating intuitive eating habits, making mealtimes a source of joy and satisfaction, without relying on rigid meal plans.

In my eating disorder practice, I have a particular focus on assisting those who are facing challenges related to ARFID. My journey into dietetics began when my son, born prematurely, required feeding through a nasogastric tube/PEG for an extended period. This has allowed me to understand the complexity both of being a parent and supporting a more complex nutritional requirement.

I am additionally passionate in supporting athletes to achieve an optimal energy balance in the context of sports. My background includes working at institutions like the English National Ballet School and Rambert, providing me with a profound understanding of the demands athletes encounter during intense training. I am well aware of the delicate nature of maintaining sufficient energy intake in such scenarios.

Nicky van Zyl

I’m a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a passion for promoting health and well-being. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various healthcare settings, both in South Africa and the UK. My experience spans clinical inpatient care and private practice. During this time, I’ve developed a special interest in mental health and eating disorders, particularly in adults. My focus includes conditions like binge eating disorder, bulimia, anorexia and PCOS, where I aim to provide compassionate and effective support.

Currently, I serve as a Clinical Dietitian at a local NHS mental health trust that specialises in providing healthcare for individuals dealing with serious mental illnesses. This role allows me to contribute to the well-being of those in need within our community.

Beyond my work in nutrition, I am also a certified yoga teacher. I strongly believe in the power of an integrated approach to health and well-being, recognising that it plays a pivotal role in an individual’s overall health.

I’m here to support you on your journey toward better health and well-being, and I look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if there’s anything I can assist you with. Welcome to our holistic approach to health and wellness!

Avital Sasson

I bring over two decades of extensive expertise as a clinical psychologist and supervisor, having dedicated my career to both public and private practice. My specialised focus centres on individuals grappling with intricate mental health concerns, particularly within the realm of eating disorders. Over the years, I have cultivated a wealth of experience in this field. 

Furthermore, I possess considerable proficiency in working with children aged 5 and above, as well as adolescents. My commitment to providing holistic support spans across various age groups.

At the core of my therapeutic approach lies psychoanalytic principles. These techniques serve as the foundation of my practice, ensuring a thorough and empathetic understanding of each individual’s unique journey.

Up close and personal

How We Work

When it comes to eating disorders in adolescents and adults, Maja, Nicky and Avital are the go-to specialists with extensive experience:

  • Nicky specialises in adult eating disorders and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). All of Nicky’s appointments are online.
  • Maja focuses on adolescent eating disorders (ARFID, anorexia, bulimia and many others) and sports nutrition for both adults and adolescents. Maja works from a clinic in Richmond, offering zoom and in person appointments.
  • Avital is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting and treating clients with complex mental health needs, including eating disorders. She is especially interested in working with children from the age of 5 and adolescents and sees clients in person at The BlueBird Centre in Richmond.

Our Journey So Far


2015

I, Maja, began working at the Priory Roehampton, supporting adults and adolescent inpatients.

2018

I started my masters in sports nutrition and qualified in 2020.

2020

I thought I might take on a few private clients over COVID… In the wake of the 2020 lockdown and the surge in eating disorders, together with Avital, we established The BlueBird Centre.

2021

I left the Priory as my private practice became full time and opened a private clinic with Avital. Leanne joined me to help with the admin. I also started a one-year contract with ENBS to provide nutritional support to their dancers.

2022

I joined the ENBS team and additionally started provided support to Rambert student dancers

2023

Nicky joined so our team could both provide even more specialised support.


Find Us on YouTube


YouTube video

Watch Maja discuss Sports Nutrition


Watch Maja debunking myths about fueling for sports and sharing valuable insights and practical tips that can help you optimise your nutrition and improve your performance. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from a sports nutritionist and take your nutrition to the next level!


Here’s How We Can Help You


Don’t let your journey to lasting recovery wait any longer. We invite you to explore our specialised services:

  • Eating Disorder Care For Adults
  • Eating Disorder Care For Adolescents
  • Sports Nutrition Care For Athletes