Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders
WHAT IS SCHEMA THERAPY?
Schema therapy for eating disorders is an approach taken for people who are experiencing long-standing emotional difficulties, such as struggling to manage emotions or experiencing relationship difficulties. Eating disorders or body image issues can often be used as a way of trying to manage these difficulties, by numbing the emotions or giving a sense of control or success in a different area of life. In these cases, just trying to get rid of the eating disorder/body image issue is often ineffective, and can even lead to the underlying problems worsening. Instead, schema therapy is designed to identify unhelpful patterns that may have developed in childhood and to find more helpful ways to cope with these.
For those seeking schema therapy in London, this approach is based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), or schema focused CBT, focuses much more on early childhood experiences, integrating ideas from attachment theory, object relations theory, and Gestalt psychology. The relationship between you and the therapist is seen as a key driving force in therapy.
SCHEMA, COPING STYLES AND MODES
Schemas (sometimes called “early maladaptive schemas”) are extremely stable, self-defeating themes or patterns that develop during childhood or adolescence and that we repeat throughout our lives. They consist of beliefs, feelings, and memories about the self, others, and the environment, which we accept without question. It is thought that schemas develop when childhood needs are not met.
When a person holds a negative schema about themselves, they then develop certain coping styles. These are strategies that have been developed to help the person cope with the schema and the distress that comes with them, and often seem useful at first (particularly in childhood). However, they quickly become less helpful, often serving to maintain or worsen the problem.
Modes are emotional states that we all use from time to time. They can sometimes lie dormant for a long time, being activated by certain triggers. Sometimes people will stay in a more dominant state or mode for a period of time, whilst others may find themselves flipping between modes much more quickly.
The boxes below explain these in more depth, including examples of the types of schema, coping styles, or modes you may experience.
WHAT DOES SCHEMA THERAPY INVOLVE
Schema-focused therapy aims to show you how to get your emotional needs met in a healthy way.
Early sessions are used to identify core schema and draw links between these, your life history, and your current problems. This will include completing questionnaires. Unhelpful coping styles are identified, and you will be encouraged to stop using them in order to get back in touch with the underlying feelings.
Subsequent sessions focus on finding different ways of managing these emotions and developing different ways of relating to yourself and others. Techniques include traditional cognitive behavioural therapy techniques (such as thought challenging or behavioural experiments) and more experiential techniques such as imagery, letter writing, and chair work. The experiential techniques help you access unmet emotional needs in the session, allowing you to experience having your needs met and validated by your therapist. This can both heal old wounds and strengthen the internal “healthy adult” so that you are more able to cope in the future. This process is sometimes referred to as ‘limited re-parenting’.
For more complex difficulties, schema mode therapy may be more helpful, enabling therapeutic work to be transdiagnostic rather than focused on specific symptoms. Schema therapy for eating disorders can also address body image issues by working through emotional and psychological patterns.
Schema therapy in London tends to be longer in duration than CBT (it can be 18 months in duration or longer), but the number of sessions needed will depend on the difficulties experienced and the goals set.
Specialist Team
The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:
Psychiatrists
Clinical Psychologists
Counselling Psychologists
Trainee Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Dietitians
Family/Couple Therapists
Diverse Treatment Options
The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations for bulimia rehab.Personalised Care
At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies, we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs, including inquiries on how to cure bulimia or how to treat bulimia.Testimonials
How it works
Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our bulimia therapy is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.
Step 1
Contact Us
Before making an appointment, you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email, or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.Step 2
Assessment
Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician for bulimia counseling and bulimia diagnosis.Step 3
First Session
Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.Featured
FAQs
-
The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)
-
Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)
-
It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.
We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.
All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly. -
Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.