Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) for severe and enduring anorexia
WHAT IS SSCM?
SSCM was originally designed as a placebo comparative treatment in a clinical trial comparing cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) as a treatment for anorexia nervosa. The aim was for SSCM to be an outpatient treatment that could be delivered by a specialist eating disorder clinician, but which was not a recognised psychological therapy. Surprisingly SSCM was superior to both CBT and IPT at the end of treatment (McIntosh et al., 2005). In 2007 a further clinical trial compared an adapted form of SSCM to CBT in treating clients with severe and longstanding anorexia nervosa. Our founder and director, Dr Bryony Bamford, was instrumental in developing and delivering the adapted treatments that were investigated during this trial (Touyz et al., 2013). The results of this adapted form of SSCM in helping these clients with severe AN were extremely promising. Since then SSCM has continued to be used, and shown to be a valid and effective treatment for anorexia nervosa.
WHAT DOES SSCM INVOLVE?
SSCM utilises clinical management skills, a sustained focus on improving eating disorder symptoms, and supportive therapy techniques to guide people towards meeting their own treatment goals. There is an additional focus not just on a client’s symptoms, but on improving their enjoyment and quality of life alongside their eating disorder symptoms. SSCM is a much more flexible approach than many of the other structured skills-based approaches offered for anorexia. Within each session, core symptoms and progress towards treatment goals are reviewed, however other than that the content of each session is dictated by the needs, feelings and desires of the client; the therapist contributes less of their own agenda. SSCM is not based on a detailed psychological formulation or model, but uses a very practical, gentle and supportive approach. The role of the therapist is seen as being merely to facilitate, support and encourage the client to use skills and strengths that they already have, to move towards treatment goals. In this sense SSCM builds on a client’s pre-existing strengths rather than providing clients with a new set of skills. The content of treatment is completely unique to each client and will be a combination of the client’s knowledge about what might work for them, and the clinician’s knowledge about what might help someone to recover from an eating disorder.
WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM SSCM?
SSCM is more suited to people who want a flexible approach, where they are free to create their own agenda and talk through issues that they are already aware of. People who have engaged with a number of therapeutic approaches before with little success, who are less motivated to engage in an active therapeutic process, or who want to work slowly towards progress, rather than full recovery may benefit most from this approach. People who are acutely aware of their thoughts and are aware of all counter rational arguments but who are stuck with an anorexic ‘identity’ or paralysing fear of recovery may be better suited to SSCM, as it allows more flexibility to take a slower pace and explore issues important to the client in a gentle way.
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
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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)
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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)
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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.