About Sööma

Let's talk!

Sööma definition: To Eat

‘External rules, such as belief systems about good foods, bad foods, or appropriate amounts or times to eat, drown out our innate ability to respond to setpoint cues.’- Lindo Bacon

A person’s relationship with food is deeply personal, complex, and multi-faceted. While eating is a natural and essential part of life, it can often become complicated and emotionally charged. From an early age, our neutral approach to eating is shaped by a range of influences—cultural, familial, social, and psychological.

At Sööma, we recognize that food choices are frequently linked to self-worth. We honor the reality that eating is not a one-size-fits-all experience. There is no universally “right” or “wrong” way to eat—only the way that works best for each unique individual.

Through curiosity, flexibility, and a non-judgmental approach, individuals can begin to explore their personal eating habits and improve their relationship with food. As health professionals, our mission is to support people in understanding how their food beliefs and body image are formed—and help them reconnect with eating in a way that prioritizes health, well-being, and self-compassion.

Book an Appointment

What influences our eating?

  • Cultural and religious celebrations
  • Health professionals
  • Emotional coping styles
  • Weight and body image
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Perception of self
  • Fueling

Sööma's History

A vision

Sööma was founded in 2020 by Annyck Besso, a registered dietitian with extensive experience in both hospital systems and private practice. Through her work, Annyck recognized a deep need for more inclusive, client-centered care for individuals living with eating disorders. Inspired by this vision, she established Sööma—a clinic built on the foundation of compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based healing.

Honoring the whole person

At Sööma, we offer a safe and supportive space where individuals are met without judgment and with genuine respect for their unique stories. We believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and that recovery is not only possible—it’s deeply personal. Our approach to eating disorder treatment and mental health support is rooted in honoring the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Quality care

We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed care that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of our clients.

Whether someone is seeking support for disordered eating, body image concerns, or a more peaceful relationship with food, our team is here to walk alongside them with warmth, integrity, and clinical excellence.

We celebrate the diverse strengths of our team, fostering a collaborative environment where curiosity, learning, and mutual respect thrive 

Sööma prides itself on creating a space where authenticity is valued, voices are heard, and both clients and clinicians are empowered to show up fully—just as they are.

What professionals think

Annyck is a valuable resource for me as a coach of endurance athletes. She is able to help me understand the nutritional concepts I need to know to support the athletes I coach, and is always willing to dig deeper into individual cases to find the right solution.
John, Running Coach Montreal, Quebec
Annyck is a joy to work with! She has a beautifully natural way of balancing kindness, directfulness, and intellect when working with her peers and her clients. Professionally, Annyck has taught me valuable new skills to use during client sessions, she has guided me through challenging cases, and she has taught me business skills like how to pivot and optimize my time. She does all of this with empathy, so I feel like I can authentically share without judgement. There is no doubt in my mind that I will have Annyck as my supervisor for years to come!
Molly, Registered DietitianWashington, D.C
As a psychologist in the eating disorder field collaborating with a dietitian is imperative. I consider myself lucky to be able to collaborate with such a professional, knowledgeable and compassionate dietitian. The many patients that I have shared with Annyck speak very highly about her and are fortunate to be working with her!
Neha, PsyD, Clinical PsychologistWashington, D.C
I trust Annyck with even the most complicated of cases. She is a knowledgeable, humble, and skilled provider who prioritizes collaboration with all members of a client’s treatment team. She has a warm, direct, and empowering clinical style that makes my clients feel heard and supported from the very first session. I’ve also had the privilege to co-lead nutrition therapy groups with her to see her unique approach in action. Annyck is my go-to referral and collaborator across a range of eating disorder presentations.
Abby, Phd, Clinical PsychologistWashington, D.C
Schedule an Appointment

Our Values

Integrity

Sööma believes without a doubt that people can achieve health and wellness without strict guidelines, rules or diets. We believe in staying up to date with scientific evidence, but also practicing what we preach in our day to day lives. It is extremely important to us that our scientific recommendations align with the messaging of our brand, which is that we are a weight-inclusive, anti-diet practice. Whether you are coming to us to increase your performance or because your doctor told you to lose weight for your health, our recommendations will always be tailored through a health at every size lens.

Respect

Sööma believes in creating a safe and respectful environment for both the professionals and the clients. We are committed to serving all individuals and offering respect in our interactions. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, social class or body shape.

Compassion

Sööma values compassionate care; meaning that professionals will greet you with warmth, understanding and empathy. We are committed to understanding your story and providing recommendations tailored to your story. While we may challenge you to consider a different perspective at times, this will always be done in a collaborative manner. It is important to us to meet our clients where they are at, but not enable our clients to stay where they are.

Transparency

Sööma believes in providing scientific evidence through nutrition education and psychoeducation in order to empower people to change. We believe in being transparent about our recommendations and are willing to say when we don’t know the answer or the most up to date information on a certain topic. Our goal is to provide honesty and effective communication during your time with us.

Scroll to Top