Eating Disorders

Developing a complicated relationship with food, body image, and control is often a survival strategy - a way to manage overwhelming emotions or navigate a world that feels unpredictable. My approach to eating disorder recovery moves beyond just addressing symptoms; we work together to understand the underlying functions these behaviours serve, fostering a path toward lasting autonomy and ease. Whether you are struggling with a diagnosed eating disorder or a persistent, distressing preoccupation with food and exercise, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your experience.

My Approach to Recovery

On the surface, an eating disorder appears to be a cycle of negative thoughts and compulsive behaviours - whether that is restriction, over-exercise, or using food to cope with life's stressors. While many approaches focus only on these "surface" struggles, I understand that these cycles are rarely broken by standard interventions alone.

The reality is that an eating disorder often invades a person’s entire identity. It becomes a misplaced focus for your values, outweighing family, hobbies, and work because it offers a sense of control when life feels chaotic.

In our work together, we look beneath the symptoms to address:

The Inner Narrative: Challenging the "inner story" that links your worth to your weight or suggests you are "not good enough."
The Survival Response: Recognising how the "fight or flight" response can become trapped in maladaptive, short-term fixes that leave you feeling more entangled.
Root Causes: Safely exploring how family dynamics, trauma, and learned behaviours have shaped your relationship with food.
Identity & Values: Moving beyond existential stuckness to rebuild a life of meaning, ensuring you are choosing a recovery that truly serves you.

Recovery isn't just about changing how you eat; it’s about reclaiming your identity from the web of the disorder.

"It has been really helpful to have someone who understands my mindset and treats me like an individual rather than a diagnosis. I found it really difficult even to come to terms with the fact I had an eating disorder when starting this process but not only have you helped me accept it you’ve given me the motivation and belief to over come it."

Practical Information

I believe in providing a high level of clinical containment and focused attention for every individual I work with. Because eating disorder recovery involves navigating deep-seated complexities, I intentionally maintain a limited number of specialist slots for this area of my practice.

This approach ensures that I have the necessary clinical capacity to support your journey with the depth and consistency it requires.

Session Fee: £100 per hour
Format: Online or in-person (depending on availability)
Initial Consultation: A brief introductory call is available to ensure we are the right fit for your recovery journey.

A Note on Safety: While therapy is a vital component of recovery, eating disorders can involve significant physical risks. I often work alongside GPs or dietitians to ensure a holistic and safe approach to your wellbeing.

Please see my appearance on the Let's Chat Derbyshire Podcast discussing eating disorders: