Getting started
It can be hard to take the first step to get help. We want to make it a little easier by letting you know what to expect.
Getting in touch
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. Kerry can answer almost any question that you have. However if she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll ask one of the clinical team and let you know.
Our website is also full of information that might be helpful, whether you want to find out more about our team, what services we offer, or the types of therapy that are available.
If you want to go ahead, we can then book you in for an assessment.
First appointment
Before your first session, we’ll ask you to fill in a brief questionnaire about your current situation, what you would like, and when you are available for appointments. You do not need to do this, but it will help us match you to the most suitable clinician.
We offer assessments at all our clinics. They are typically 50-60 minutes long (individual) or 60-90 minutes long (family). At the assessment, we’ll ask you more details about your current situation, your history, and what you would like from therapy. We will then be able to make recommendations about treatment and answer any questions you have.
Please note that we offer 30 minute sessions, 50-60 minute sessions and 80-90 minute sessions for follow-on treatment.
In therapy
Treatment varies from person to person, and we are able to give personalised recommendations following assessment. But here is a brief overview of what you might expect from therapy.
Session number and length
The number of sessions necessary for treatment vary from person to person. We are happy to discuss our recommendations in your assessment session. However, treatment for BDD is typically 10-20 sessions, treatment for bulimia is typically 16 - 20 sessions, and treatment for anorexia is typically 40 sessions. If you have had previous treatment or you have been unwell for a long time, it may be longer, whilst people with milder eating disorders/ body image issues may need fewer sessions.
Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long, and we recommend weekly sessions.
Building a treatment plan
Most people come and see us for weekly therapy sessions. However, some people benefit from a more cohesive treatment plan. Again, this is something we will discuss during your assessment session, but this may involve:
Dietetics
Occupational Therapy
Family Therapy
Medical Monitoring
Physical health monitoring
Sometimes people require physical health monitoring because of their eating disorder. This may include blood tests, ECG, monitoring your pulse and blood pressure, or managing medication. Our Consultant Psychiatrist is able to undertake basic observations (pulse, blood pressure and management of medication) but will usually liaise with your NHS GP where further medical monitoring is required (bloods and ECG). Some people prefer to access a private GP and we are happy to make recommendations if you would like.
Psychiatry
If we are concerned that you are at significant risk (either medically or psychologically) we may ask you to agree to be under the care of a psychiatrist. Where physical or medical risk is present, it may be important to have someone have oversight into this in order to make recommendations to help ensure your safety.
If you are already open to an NHS Eating Disorder Service, you may be seeing an NHS psychiatrist. We are happy to offer therapy to you, providing your NHS service is in agreement and that you are not in therapy elsewhere. Alternatively, we are happy to get you booked in with our Consultant Psychiatrist who is able to meet your medical needs whilst you are under our care.