In her early twenties, Carolyn Costin recovered from anorexia nervosa, earned two masters degrees, became a teacher and began her career as a psychotherapist. After treating her first eating disorder client in 1979, Carolyn recognized it was her calling. Her successful treatment of those with eating disorders led her to bring her philosophy to the public through her speaking, her books and the founding of her unique residential treatment center, Monte Nido.

In early 2017, Carolyn opened The Carolyn Costin Institute, which offers Eating Disorder Coach Training, a Mentor program, Continuing Education for clinicians as well as other specialized training. The field of eating disorder coaching is rapidly growing, and The Carolyn Costin Institute is setting the standard with a formal, rigorous training program, supervision and certification for eating disorder coaches globally.