It is never easy to seek help with an eating disorder.
There is fear of giving up a way of coping when alternative options are not known. A good working relationship between yourself and your therapist is vital in creating the kind of alliance which encourages and supports you to change the symptoms of bingeing, starving, vomiting and laxative misuse. In the early stages of your therapy, the emphasis is on an understanding of the part these symptoms play in your life.
The cognitive behavioural approach is a well researched and tested method which focusses on the elimination of these symptoms and on changing the thinking patterns which keep them going. This approach uses discussion, self monitoring excercises (such as food and mood diaries) and the re-introduction of regular eating. It is often a surprise to discover how regular eating can have such a positive effect on mood swings and well-being in general.
Once the various behaviours (bingeing, starving, vomiting and laxative misuse) come under control, the focus shifts to concentrate on your patterns of thinking. Of course, there is no rigid division between the two phases of this approach and the impact of your thinking on eating behaviour and attitudes towards yourself and your body will emerge from your diary accounts. Twenty sessions of one hour are suggested for this way of working, though for those who have relatively mild problems with eating, changes can be achieved more quickly.
If appropriate and wished for, deep relaxation techniques may be taught and used. This can be a powerful tool to allow the client to develop significant changes to their lifestyle and behaviours. It can also raise self-esteem and confidence.
Sessions are timetabled by appointment and fees are on a sliding scale.
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