Your questions
Do you have questions and/or doubts?
These are totally normal. Most people considering therapy have worries and concerns. If you are asking yourself, “Do I really deserve help? What will it be like? Or will I still be in control?” The answer is: yes, you deserve help; therapy is collaborative; and you’ll never lose your say in what happens or how we pace the work.
Here are some answers to common
questions that might help:
Understanding the Problem
1. How do I know if I really have an eating disorder?
Many people are unsure whether their behaviours are “serious enough. ” They may not recognise that eating disorders include all shapes, sizes, and types of eating distress – not just anorexia, visible weight loss or excessive bingeing. If you’re unsure, a reflection tool can offer a gentle starting point for understanding your experiences around food, without needing to label or diagnose yourself.
2. What if I don’t fit into one label (like anorexia or bulimia)?
This is common. Many people meet criteria for OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder), which is just as valid and serious. And you don’t need a diagnosis to get help.
3. Can I get help if I’m not underweight?
Yes. Around 85% of people with eating disorders are not underweight. Therapy is based on distress and behaviours, not BMI.
About Therapy Itself
1. What kind of therapy do I need?
2. What happens in the first session?
Usually an assessment: talking about eating habits, feelings, health, and what you want from therapy. It’s a conversation, not a test. We’ll discuss motivation, goals and what kind of support feels right.
3. How long does treatment take?
It depends on you and how long you've been struggling, but typically 20–40 sessions (around 6–12 months). Recovery can take longer, but therapy often helps you stabilise and find your footing early on.
4. What if I’m not ready to change?
That’s okay. I expect ambivalence so you don’t need to be 100% ready. The disordered eating behaviours serve a purpose so can feel helpful. Approaches like MANTRA and CFT help you understand why recovery feels hard and build motivation gently.
5. What if I’ve had therapy before and it didn’t ‘work’?
That’s okay and quite common. Perhaps one part of the issue was addressed, but another part wasn’t. Perhaps the type of therapy you were accessing didn’t suit the way that you and your brain work. Perhaps the therapist didn’t have enough experience with eating disorders.
Concerns About the Process
1. Will I be forced to gain weight or eat certain foods?
No one forces you. In therapy, changes are collaborative and gradual. I will work with you to find a pace that is challenging but that you can manage.
2. What if I relapse or slip up?
Relapse or setbacks are part of recovery, not failure. Therapy teaches tools to recognise early signs and rebuild stability.
3. Can therapy really help me?
Yes, eating disorders are treatable. Many people recover fully or find long-term stability. The earlier you seek help, the better the outcomes.
Practical and Confidentiality Questions
1. How do I get therapy on the NHS?
Start by talking to your GP. They can refer you to an NHS Eating Disorder Service or a community mental health team. Some people also access therapy privately through therapists like myself.
2. Is therapy confidential?
Yes, what you share is private. The only exceptions are if there’s serious risk to your safety or someone else’s. I will explain these boundaries clearly before we start working together.
3. Can I bring a family member or friend to sessions?
Yes, especially early on if it helps you feel supported. Family can also receive guidance separately if needed.
Does anyone really get better?
1. Does anyone really get better?
Absolutely. Thousands of people recover every year including my own clients. Recovery isn’t about perfection – it’s about freedom, health, and peace of mind.
2. What if I’ve had an eating disorder for years?
3. What if I’m scared to let go of my eating disorder?
That fear is completely normal and we will explore it safely. Recovery isn’t about losing control, in fact quite the opposite, it’s about finding real control over your life again.
Working with neurodivergent clients
1. Can you work with me if I’m neurodivergent?
Yes! We know that neurodivergent people, especially those who are autistic or have ADHD, are over-represented among people with eating disorders. That doesn’t mean neurodivergence causes eating disorders, but certain traits can make someone more vulnerable. For example, some neurodivergent people don’t notice hunger until it’s extreme or struggle to recognise fullness. Others may have rigid ways of thinking, fear of doing things ‘wrong’ and high self-criticism that can turn eating into a rule-based system that’s hard to loosen once it's started. I have specific training and experience to support neurodivergent people and make use of resources to adapt my approaches.
Reflection tool
If you’re not sure whether to reach out, take a quiet moment to notice:
Does food or your body take up a lot of space in your thoughts?
Do you feel anxious, guilty, or out of control around eating?
Are you often comparing yourself to others or setting strict food rules?
Do you hide or downplay your eating habits from people who care about you?
If you said yes to even one of these, it might help to talk to someone. You don’t have to be certain, just curious enough to take that first step.