Getting Help For An Eating Disorder
If you think you could be suffering from an eating disorder, reaching out for help can be full of worries and anxieties. With this in mind, we take care to promptly respond to each client query and offer a free informal assessment to those who we believe could be suited to our recovery programme.
We recognise that the idea of an assessment can feel worrying. Perhaps you’ve had negative experiences in the past; maybe you’re questioning whether you are ‘sick enough’, or perhaps you are finding the search for help a bit overwhelming.
Years of experience in this field means we know these worries all too well. And whilst entirely understandable, we are no ordinary eating disorder clinic! This is not a regular or clinical eating disorder assessment. The initial appointment is entirely informal and is just about getting to know you.
Here’s how it all works:
1. Understanding your experience
The first thing we want to understand is your individual experience of an eating disorder. We never assume to know what you’ve been going through. Instead, we ask you to share a little about your experience and what has urged you to reach out today.
We understand that eating disorders affect all areas of life– family, friendships, relationships, home life, work, education and so much more. Sharing a bit about how your life looks right now and the difficulties you face, allows us to work out how best to support you.
2. Your goals and dreams for recovery
Although we are a multidisciplinary team incorporating numerous therapies into our practice, our primary delivery of treatment is in the form of coaching. This is because we believe that empowering and supporting you through recovery leads to the best possible treatment outcomes and allows you to take control of your recovery. It also allows us to implement goal-setting and forward-focused work into treatment.
With that in mind, we ask you what your goals are for recovery. Where would you like to be four months from now, having been through your recovery programme? What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
3. A little more about you
Next, we ask if you have had any support in the past, to see where you are in the recovery process. Whether you’ve had any support or not has no bearing on whether we can help you, it’s just about understanding your journey so far.
And finally, we ask if there is anything else you would like us to know? This is an opportunity for you to share your worries or tell us anything on your mind about yourself, the eating disorder or this process. Everything you share is of course held in the highest confidence with your eating disorder specialist.
4. All about us
Now that we have learnt all about you, we share all about us and our recovery programme. We take you through how it all works, which you can learn more about here.
Following your assessment, you will receive an email from your specialist, with full details of your proposed programme. You will then have time to consider whether you would like to continue this journey with us.
FAQs
Who attends the eating disorder assessment?
Just you and one of our specialists. You may bring someone with you to the assessment if you feel it would be helpful, or if they are included in the decision around treatment options. However, it is encouraged to attend at least part of this session by yourself, so that you can get a feel for your practitioner.
Am I sick enough for help?
There really is no such thing as ‘sick enough’ when it comes to eating disorder recovery. If you have noticed a problem with food and or body image developing, then we recommend reaching out.
What is the purpose of the assessment?
This is not an assessment of you; this is simply about assessing whether you’re suitable for the programme and for you to get a feel for your practitioner. We will point you toward something better suited if it doesn’t work out.
How long does an assessment take?
We allocate 20 minutes for your initial assessment with an eating disorder specialist, which is a supportive time frame to get to know you better.
Where does the assessment take place?
Your assessment takes place online via Zoom. If you don’t feel comfortable having your video camera turned on, you can keep it turned off or opt for a telephone call instead.
I’m not sure if I am ready
Eating disorders take so much from every sufferer. Part of the illness will always keep you feeling that you aren’t ready. If you are considering reaching out, then this is the time to start.
Start here
Ready to start your recovery with us? Fill out your application form, and a member of our team will be in touch to book in your initial call.
