Eating Disorder Therapy.

People wishing to access support do not need to look a certain way or have a diagnosis (people with food and body image difficulties vary widely in terms of weight, shape, age, gender and background). Everyone will be assessed in an understanding, non-judgemental way. I also provide therapy to individuals with diagnosed anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and other specified feeding / eating disorder (OSFED).

Following an assessment we will discuss your needs and aims of therapy and decide whether the service is suitable. Please note that I am unable to safely provide therapy if any of the following are applicable:

• BMI < 17

• Self-induced vomiting / laxative misuse occurring on more than 5 days a week

• Pregnant

• Diabetes Type 1

• Drugs / alcohol misuse

• Severe or frequent self-harm, suicidal ideation or intent

If you have any questions regarding the above, please feel free to contact me for an informal, free of charge 15 minute chat.

Eating disorders often result in behaviours that are very difficult to change and as a result become habitual. It takes time, patience, support and understanding to address these and the following list is not exhaustive by any means. It is not a checklist and you may experience some, a few or all of these at different times.

Restriction /Dieting – Aiming to cut down food intake (whether or not successful) by decreasing portion size, reducing meal frequency, or cutting out a food group. Many of these behaviours are “normalised” as part of diet culture but soon become problematic when they negatively impact your physical and psychological health.

Bingeing – Eating what is regarded as an unusually large amount of food given the circumstances. This is accompanied by a sense of losing control and followed by guilt, shame, anxiety etc. Bingeing can be a result of many things and your own triggers will be discussed during therapy. They can include (but are not limited to) hunger, difficult emotions, a restriction and binge cycle driven by the pursuit of weight loss or desire to change body shape.

Compulsive exercise – This is exercising with the aim to burn calories that have already been consumed (compensate) or burning enough calories so you feel you can eat “earned” foods. It is driven by a desire to lose weight / avoid weight gain and can also be a way to manage difficult emotions.

Self – induced vomiting – This is a compensatory behaviour in the hope to influence weight or shape after eating. It is often a secretive way to manage difficult emotions and can exacerbate feelings of guilt and shame. This behaviour increases the risk of potentially serious side effects - especially to the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems.

Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, slimming pills or supplements – This involves misusing medications or supplements with the aim of influencing weight loss or body shape. This is often a very secretive behaviour and can result in many unpleasant symptoms as well as posing a significant risk to physical and psychological health.

During assessment these behaviours will be discussed in a non-judgemental way. All of the above can be effectively treated and I firmly believe recovery is always possible.