Eating Disorders Counselling in Bury Saint Edmunds

Photo of Christopher John Hope - Suffolk Psychotherapy, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Suffolk Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP32
Clients approach me when they are seeking greater fulfilment in their lives. Anxiety, fear, and stress, can sometimes affect the relationship we have with ourselves and others . Clients always need to know that they are listened to and taken seriously. This is achieved by helping clients to become more tolerant and kinder to themselves. This is what I believe is the basis to my style of Psychotherapy.
Clients approach me when they are seeking greater fulfilment in their lives. Anxiety, fear, and stress, can sometimes affect the relationship we have with ourselves and others . Clients always need to know that they are listened to and taken seriously. This is achieved by helping clients to become more tolerant and kinder to themselves. This is what I believe is the basis to my style of Psychotherapy.
01284 330954 View 01284 330954
Photo of Natalie Wiggins, MBACP, Counsellor
Natalie Wiggins
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bury Saint Edmunds IP29
Hello and welcome to my profile, thank you for visiting. I am a qualified, registered and insured Counsellor, trained and experienced in working from an integrative perspective. I offer help with a wide range of issues, in a way that is tailor made and as individual as you are, including couples work and those needing counselling for relationships. I am based in Suffolk (Sudbury and rural Bury St Edmunds) for face to face work plus online session availability, always at competitive prices. Ask me about reduced rates for counselling students to help with costs.
Hello and welcome to my profile, thank you for visiting. I am a qualified, registered and insured Counsellor, trained and experienced in working from an integrative perspective. I offer help with a wide range of issues, in a way that is tailor made and as individual as you are, including couples work and those needing counselling for relationships. I am based in Suffolk (Sudbury and rural Bury St Edmunds) for face to face work plus online session availability, always at competitive prices. Ask me about reduced rates for counselling students to help with costs.
01284 339595 View 01284 339595
Photo of Jayne Shears - EMDR and CBT Services, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
EMDR and CBT Services
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP31
I offer EMDR, CBT and Couples Counselling therapy and the aim is to help you to regain a sense of wellbeing and enjoyment in your life. During the initial assessment we will work together to understand your main problems, what is keeping you 'stuck' and then agree on an individualised treatment plan to help you move forward with clear treatment goals. CBT is an effective treatment that can help you in the here and now and EMDR is useful for getting to the root of the problem. I find that both work well, in different ways to bring about an improvement in emotional and physical health.
I offer EMDR, CBT and Couples Counselling therapy and the aim is to help you to regain a sense of wellbeing and enjoyment in your life. During the initial assessment we will work together to understand your main problems, what is keeping you 'stuck' and then agree on an individualised treatment plan to help you move forward with clear treatment goals. CBT is an effective treatment that can help you in the here and now and EMDR is useful for getting to the root of the problem. I find that both work well, in different ways to bring about an improvement in emotional and physical health.
01359 302253 View 01359 302253
Photo of Sarah Leggett - SL Psychology Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
SL Psychology Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP28
Maybe you are struggling at present to understand why things are the way they are? Sometimes we can all get stuck in patterns of relating, both with ourselves and others, that are not the most helpful or productive. Sometimes this means our relationships might suffer, or our life, career and family choices. Having therapy with an experienced practitioner can help you. Therapy is about building a shared understanding of what you are facing. If you are struggling with trauma, family issues, career issues, relationships, abuse, coping difficulties, I can help. I am also happy working with children and adolescents
Maybe you are struggling at present to understand why things are the way they are? Sometimes we can all get stuck in patterns of relating, both with ourselves and others, that are not the most helpful or productive. Sometimes this means our relationships might suffer, or our life, career and family choices. Having therapy with an experienced practitioner can help you. Therapy is about building a shared understanding of what you are facing. If you are struggling with trauma, family issues, career issues, relationships, abuse, coping difficulties, I can help. I am also happy working with children and adolescents
01449 706003 View 01449 706003
Photo of Jo Dalton, PsychD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Jo Dalton
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP28
Hello, I have enjoyed working as a Clinical Psychologist with adults since 1999 and have gained experience of working effectively with people with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, anger, mood difficulties, difficulties relating to ourselves and other people, trauma of all kinds, chronic illness and eating difficulties. I have specific training (an Advanced Specialist Diploma in Gender, Sex & Relationship Psychotherapy) and a special interest in working therapeutically with gender diverse (trans), gay and bi people or those who belong to the kink, poly community (kink aware) or sex workers.
Hello, I have enjoyed working as a Clinical Psychologist with adults since 1999 and have gained experience of working effectively with people with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, anger, mood difficulties, difficulties relating to ourselves and other people, trauma of all kinds, chronic illness and eating difficulties. I have specific training (an Advanced Specialist Diploma in Gender, Sex & Relationship Psychotherapy) and a special interest in working therapeutically with gender diverse (trans), gay and bi people or those who belong to the kink, poly community (kink aware) or sex workers.
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Photo of Susan Jennifer Cappaert, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Susan Jennifer Cappaert
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP30
Do you have times in your life when you feel unable to cope and are struggling with your thoughts and feelings, finding it difficult to make sense of why you may feel anxious, troubled or distressed. Counselling provides a unique opportunity to understand why things are difficult, sad or painful and for personal growth, so that you can make positive changes in your life which will impact your well-being. I offer a professional, confidential service for you to explore openly and safely. Contact me by telephone or email for a free telephone consultation where we can discuss your concerns.
Do you have times in your life when you feel unable to cope and are struggling with your thoughts and feelings, finding it difficult to make sense of why you may feel anxious, troubled or distressed. Counselling provides a unique opportunity to understand why things are difficult, sad or painful and for personal growth, so that you can make positive changes in your life which will impact your well-being. I offer a professional, confidential service for you to explore openly and safely. Contact me by telephone or email for a free telephone consultation where we can discuss your concerns.
01268 269977 View 01268 269977
Photo of Joe Carter, MBACP, Counsellor
Joe Carter
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP33  (Online Only)
Being human can be tricky. We can all get stuck. Stuck in our heads and our feelings, in relationships, work, obsessions and compulsions, stuck in unhelpful behaviours and unhelpful ways of seeing things. But, we can all get unstuck. Practicing since 2002, I would be seen as an integrative therapist and counsellor, integrating multiple therapeutic models and approaches. So, we have many ways to make better sense of life situations: 12-Step Recovery Programme, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Humanistic, Person Centred and Psychodynamic approaches; Integrative Counselling.
Being human can be tricky. We can all get stuck. Stuck in our heads and our feelings, in relationships, work, obsessions and compulsions, stuck in unhelpful behaviours and unhelpful ways of seeing things. But, we can all get unstuck. Practicing since 2002, I would be seen as an integrative therapist and counsellor, integrating multiple therapeutic models and approaches. So, we have many ways to make better sense of life situations: 12-Step Recovery Programme, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Humanistic, Person Centred and Psychodynamic approaches; Integrative Counselling.
028 9694 3391 View 028 9694 3391
Photo of Nicola Harbridge, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Nicola Harbridge
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP28
I support people to make positive changes so they can heal, thrive and live fulfilling and meaningful lives. Its time to become the person you have always wanted to be! Discovering what is important for you as an individual and learning to identify and use your inner resources to cope in times of stress, anxiety, bereavement, depression and emotional upheaval such as divorce, redundancy or retirement are just a few of the benefits of counselling. Often just talking through a traumatic experience or difficult feelings with another person can be incredibly therapeutic and will empower you to reach your potential.
I support people to make positive changes so they can heal, thrive and live fulfilling and meaningful lives. Its time to become the person you have always wanted to be! Discovering what is important for you as an individual and learning to identify and use your inner resources to cope in times of stress, anxiety, bereavement, depression and emotional upheaval such as divorce, redundancy or retirement are just a few of the benefits of counselling. Often just talking through a traumatic experience or difficult feelings with another person can be incredibly therapeutic and will empower you to reach your potential.
01787 323756 View 01787 323756
Photo of Fairlie Winship, BACP, Counsellor
Fairlie Winship
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bury Saint Edmunds IP33
Hi, I'm Fairlie. Welcome to my profile. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope; are depressed or anxious; or are experiencing relationship issues, I can help you to move through this difficult time and feel better in life. Perhaps you wish to release emotional pain, process past traumas, or ease psychological discomfort? All these are possible, and more: I can help you to find a fresh perspective, develop positive coping skills and build self esteem so that you can feel better in life. Bringing together my therapeutic experience with your presence and willingness, we will build you a reliable therapeutic toolkit.
Hi, I'm Fairlie. Welcome to my profile. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope; are depressed or anxious; or are experiencing relationship issues, I can help you to move through this difficult time and feel better in life. Perhaps you wish to release emotional pain, process past traumas, or ease psychological discomfort? All these are possible, and more: I can help you to find a fresh perspective, develop positive coping skills and build self esteem so that you can feel better in life. Bringing together my therapeutic experience with your presence and willingness, we will build you a reliable therapeutic toolkit.
01379 778352 View 01379 778352
Photo of Edward Silver Ba (Hons), MBACP, Psychotherapist
Edward Silver Ba (Hons)
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bury Saint Edmunds IP32
I offer a choice of In Person Psychotherapy & Outdoor Walk & Talk Counselling from my private practice in the rural setting of Gosbeck, near Ipswich, Suffolk, (IP6). Or Remote Online and Telephone Counselling. With over 15 years experience I am able to support the following; Childhood Abuse & Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Depression, Loss & Bereavement, Separation & Divorce, Affairs & Betrayal, Issues around Adoption, Infertility, Addiction(s), PTSD, , Stress, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Low Self Esteem, Long Term Illness, Dissociation, Bereavement, Sexual Identity, Spirituality
I offer a choice of In Person Psychotherapy & Outdoor Walk & Talk Counselling from my private practice in the rural setting of Gosbeck, near Ipswich, Suffolk, (IP6). Or Remote Online and Telephone Counselling. With over 15 years experience I am able to support the following; Childhood Abuse & Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Depression, Loss & Bereavement, Separation & Divorce, Affairs & Betrayal, Issues around Adoption, Infertility, Addiction(s), PTSD, , Stress, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Low Self Esteem, Long Term Illness, Dissociation, Bereavement, Sexual Identity, Spirituality
01283 248695 View 01283 248695

Online Therapists

Photo of Sara Koczwara, MBACP, Counsellor
Sara Koczwara
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London E8  (Online Only)
I worked with a wide variety of clients and have experience in helping people with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, abuse, addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, gender and identity issues, and sexual problems.
My name is Sara and I am a Humanistic Integrative Therapist. I strongly believe that with the right support and guidance people are able to overcome any difficulties in their life and live in a healthier and more fulfilling way. One of my core values is trust and I see it as a vital part of the therapeutic process and any relationship.
I worked with a wide variety of clients and have experience in helping people with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, abuse, addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, gender and identity issues, and sexual problems.
My name is Sara and I am a Humanistic Integrative Therapist. I strongly believe that with the right support and guidance people are able to overcome any difficulties in their life and live in a healthier and more fulfilling way. One of my core values is trust and I see it as a vital part of the therapeutic process and any relationship.
020 4538 2975 View 020 4538 2975
Photo of Kirsten Shirke, BACP, Psychotherapist
Kirsten Shirke
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
London SE9
I have many years experience in helping people with a broad range of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings and emotions you can't understand? Do you struggle with relationships or feel isolated and alone? Do you have a difficult relationship with food? Have you harmed yourself or struggled with thoughts of ending your life? Have you experienced trauma, abuse, violence or loss? Have you turned to drugs or alcohol to help cope with difficult memories? Are you going through work stress or chronic pain? I will work with you to explore your feelings and help develop an understanding of your experiences in relation to the whole person that you are, working towards building a different and brighter future.
I have many years experience in helping people with a broad range of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self harm.
Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings and emotions you can't understand? Do you struggle with relationships or feel isolated and alone? Do you have a difficult relationship with food? Have you harmed yourself or struggled with thoughts of ending your life? Have you experienced trauma, abuse, violence or loss? Have you turned to drugs or alcohol to help cope with difficult memories? Are you going through work stress or chronic pain? I will work with you to explore your feelings and help develop an understanding of your experiences in relation to the whole person that you are, working towards building a different and brighter future.
020 3962 0857 View 020 3962 0857
Photo of Hannah Tottenham, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap., Psychotherapist
Hannah Tottenham
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
London SW17
Waitlist for new clients
Whether due to recent events or past ones, many people struggle with grief, loss, food and body, and traumatic experiences, leaving them feeling stuck, overwhelmed and needing support. My professional expertise is in working with clients struggling with trauma and PTSD; struggling with eating disorders, body image and identity; child and adult bereavement; clients undergoing cancer treatment; end of life care; and carers. This breadth of experience has informed my understanding of the universality of inner conflict and distress, and how the tools of self-exploration and insight are essential to effect change in the here-and-now.
Whether due to recent events or past ones, many people struggle with grief, loss, food and body, and traumatic experiences, leaving them feeling stuck, overwhelmed and needing support. My professional expertise is in working with clients struggling with trauma and PTSD; struggling with eating disorders, body image and identity; child and adult bereavement; clients undergoing cancer treatment; end of life care; and carers. This breadth of experience has informed my understanding of the universality of inner conflict and distress, and how the tools of self-exploration and insight are essential to effect change in the here-and-now.
020 4530 8418 View 020 4530 8418
Photo of Renata Harris, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Renata Harris
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Hello, I'm Renata. I am a Psychologist and Psychotherapist (17+ years), and a BPS supervisor. I had extensive personal therapy myself. I aim to equip you with skills and self-acceptance to heal. I offer NICE recommended, holistic and relational therapy to get your life back on track, in a safe and validating space. I have worked in the NHS as a Psychology Lead in an eating disorders service for over 10 years. I have experience in working with most mental health diagnoses as well as neurodiversity, addiction, bereavement, anxiety, low mood, stress, family and marital problems, issues with anger, self-esteem, and relational issues.
Hello, I'm Renata. I am a Psychologist and Psychotherapist (17+ years), and a BPS supervisor. I had extensive personal therapy myself. I aim to equip you with skills and self-acceptance to heal. I offer NICE recommended, holistic and relational therapy to get your life back on track, in a safe and validating space. I have worked in the NHS as a Psychology Lead in an eating disorders service for over 10 years. I have experience in working with most mental health diagnoses as well as neurodiversity, addiction, bereavement, anxiety, low mood, stress, family and marital problems, issues with anger, self-esteem, and relational issues.
01582 377599 View 01582 377599
Photo of Joanna Wajszczuk, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Joanna Wajszczuk
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London EC3V
My areas of expertise are depression and anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship difficulties, stress, bereavement, life transitions, eating disorders, OCD, anger management.
I am an accredited UKCP Gestalt Psychotherapist working in English and Polish. I have been working as a psychotherapist in private practice for over 10 years. Before becoming a psychotherapist I have worked in various mental health settings – social care, outreach support, family support, supported living accommodations, project management, NHS and Mind.
My areas of expertise are depression and anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship difficulties, stress, bereavement, life transitions, eating disorders, OCD, anger management.
I am an accredited UKCP Gestalt Psychotherapist working in English and Polish. I have been working as a psychotherapist in private practice for over 10 years. Before becoming a psychotherapist I have worked in various mental health settings – social care, outreach support, family support, supported living accommodations, project management, NHS and Mind.
020 3984 9798 View 020 3984 9798
Photo of Dr Emma Rose, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Emma Rose
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hatfield AL9
Hello, my name is Emma and I believe in creating a safe and supportive space for you to talk and share your experiences. I have 13 years experience working in the NHS, charities & counselling services and have a BSc, MSc and a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. I support people who are facing issues such as relational problems, family issues, stress, anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, anger problems, illness, life changes, bereavement, addiction, abuse, among many more. I can usually offer appointments within a fortnight. My website: www.dremmarose.co.uk
Hello, my name is Emma and I believe in creating a safe and supportive space for you to talk and share your experiences. I have 13 years experience working in the NHS, charities & counselling services and have a BSc, MSc and a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. I support people who are facing issues such as relational problems, family issues, stress, anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, anger problems, illness, life changes, bereavement, addiction, abuse, among many more. I can usually offer appointments within a fortnight. My website: www.dremmarose.co.uk
01548 800095 View 01548 800095
Photo of Justin David Duwe Bsc Ma Sac Dip Mbacp (Accred), MA, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Justin David Duwe Bsc Ma Sac Dip Dip Mbacp (Accred)
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
London WC1X  (Online Only)
Abuse, Addictions, Alcoholism, Anger management, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bereavement, Body Image issues, Bipolar disorder/Manic depression, Body dysmorphic disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, HIV/AIDS issues, Hoarding, Low self-esteem, Phobias, Relationship issues, Self-harm, Separation and divorce, Sex addiction, Sex problems, Sexual abuse, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma,.
My name is Justin Duwe, I am an award winning Psychologist, Sexologist, Columnist and Author working in private practice in Central London. I offer practical, tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.
Abuse, Addictions, Alcoholism, Anger management, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bereavement, Body Image issues, Bipolar disorder/Manic depression, Body dysmorphic disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, HIV/AIDS issues, Hoarding, Low self-esteem, Phobias, Relationship issues, Self-harm, Separation and divorce, Sex addiction, Sex problems, Sexual abuse, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma,.
My name is Justin Duwe, I am an award winning Psychologist, Sexologist, Columnist and Author working in private practice in Central London. I offer practical, tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.
020 3962 0374 View 020 3962 0374
Photo of Sophia Berouka, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sophia Berouka
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W1J
I have 12 years experience of working in different settings such as the NHS, eating disorders clinics, universities, employee assistance programmes and private practice.
My approach to psychotherapy involves trying to understand and address difficulties by increasing awareness of the more underlying aspects that lead to the development of symptoms. I will start by being curious and listening carefully at what brought you to therapy: the moments that marked your life, your relationship to others and the issues that may be making life hard for you. The specific words you use to describe your problems and the thoughts, feelings and memories that may come up during sessions are all important as they can open the way to understanding the more underlying concerns that lie behind symptoms.
I have 12 years experience of working in different settings such as the NHS, eating disorders clinics, universities, employee assistance programmes and private practice.
My approach to psychotherapy involves trying to understand and address difficulties by increasing awareness of the more underlying aspects that lead to the development of symptoms. I will start by being curious and listening carefully at what brought you to therapy: the moments that marked your life, your relationship to others and the issues that may be making life hard for you. The specific words you use to describe your problems and the thoughts, feelings and memories that may come up during sessions are all important as they can open the way to understanding the more underlying concerns that lie behind symptoms.
020 3973 9225 View 020 3973 9225
Photo of Charlotte Scholey, MA, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Charlotte Scholey
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
London SE15
I support adults and teenagers who may be struggling with: low mood, anxiety, depression, education worries, neurodiversity, disordered eating, eating disorders, coercive control, sexual abuse, domestic violence, adult children of alcoholics, relationship issues, body issues, identity issues.
I believe the therapeutic journey is something that we create together. There is not a "one size that fits all" or one method that works for every person. It is important that the therapy is tailored and beneficial to you as an individual. It can be really challenging to even reach out or look for support, I offer a free consultation call with all enquiries, please feel free to drop me an email to organise yours.
I support adults and teenagers who may be struggling with: low mood, anxiety, depression, education worries, neurodiversity, disordered eating, eating disorders, coercive control, sexual abuse, domestic violence, adult children of alcoholics, relationship issues, body issues, identity issues.
I believe the therapeutic journey is something that we create together. There is not a "one size that fits all" or one method that works for every person. It is important that the therapy is tailored and beneficial to you as an individual. It can be really challenging to even reach out or look for support, I offer a free consultation call with all enquiries, please feel free to drop me an email to organise yours.
020 3818 1053 View 020 3818 1053
Photo of Clare Green, MBACP, Counsellor
Clare Green
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hertford SG13
Waitlist for new clients
I am able to help with a vast range of issues including complex trauma, anxiety and panic, depression, difficulties with relationships or with parenting, personality problems, narcissistic abuse recovery, substance abuse, eating disorders and addiction.
My name is Clare and I am a fully qualified psychotherapist. My prior interest with healing & alternative therapies led me to persue studies in counselling and psychotherapy. I am a naturally warm, compassionate, kind & relatable person believing everyone has the right to live a fulfilled life with meaningful relationships. I believe that no matter the difficulties we may have experienced in the past, we all have the capacity to heal. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapy. I have also completed training in DBT, Schema Therapy, Mindfulness & Meditation and adopt a holistic approach in my practice.
I am able to help with a vast range of issues including complex trauma, anxiety and panic, depression, difficulties with relationships or with parenting, personality problems, narcissistic abuse recovery, substance abuse, eating disorders and addiction.
My name is Clare and I am a fully qualified psychotherapist. My prior interest with healing & alternative therapies led me to persue studies in counselling and psychotherapy. I am a naturally warm, compassionate, kind & relatable person believing everyone has the right to live a fulfilled life with meaningful relationships. I believe that no matter the difficulties we may have experienced in the past, we all have the capacity to heal. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapy. I have also completed training in DBT, Schema Therapy, Mindfulness & Meditation and adopt a holistic approach in my practice.
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Eating Disorders Counsellors

What happens in therapy for eating disorders?

In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviours, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behaviour affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.

What therapy types help with eating disorders?

Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counselling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioural disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.

What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?

The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behaviour, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.

What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?

Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognise they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.

How long does therapy last for eating disorders?

Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behaviour has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.