This service is designed to help individuals, and their families/carers, overcome a range of different eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa. We treat people of all ages from across Dorset (including Bournemouth and Poole).
We provide a number of evidence-based treatments, tailored to the needs of the individual. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, motivational interviewing and interpersonal therapy, as well as body image and self-esteem therapies.
Treatment takes place mainly on an outpatient basis, though some people may require day and/or inpatient treatment depending on their needs. Treatment is provided on a 1-1 basis, in groups and with families – again, linked to the requirements of the individual. Our experienced team includes specialist nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, dietitians family therapists and psychologist.
Family members and/or carers play a key role in the recovery process. If you are concerned about the eating habits of a loved one, you can contact their GP directly.
We offer guided self-help for overcoming binge eating disorders, but not specific for obesity/weight loss. We recommend you see your GP or community dieticians. Your GP can refer on to specialist services if required.
Support for carers
We work with the charity BEAT to provide carers support. Please contact us via email (dhc.
We also run a carers skills workshop is online across two days at regular intervals throughout the year. The skills explored are based upon the Maudsley Method which uses evidence-based research and personal experience to deliver helpful information to carers of loved ones with eating disorders.
The training which combines delivery of clinical research, practical skills and tips, and an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, is delivered in a supportive online environment by experienced eating disorder clinicians.
Contact us to find out more and the dates of the next workshop.
Key information about this service
If you are struggling with an eating-related problem which is affecting your health, you can access this service by contacting your GP. Referrals to the service can also be made by any health or social care professional.
We also accept self-referral and parental referral.
Trinity Court
Wi-Fi: No
Parking: Yes
Disabled access: Yes
Helplines
General mental health:
Connection: A 24/7 helpline for Dorset residents or visitors in mental health crisis: 0800 6520190.
Samaritans: 24/7 helpline offering phone, email, letter or app support. Call on: 116 123 or visit
SHOUT: Mental health text support line open 24/7 Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.
Eating disorder specific:
BEAT Eating disorder helplines open 365 days a year, 9am-8pm weekdays and 4pm-8pm weekends and bank holidays.
Students: 0808 8010811 or email studentline
Young people (under 18): 0808 8010711 or email fyp
Online 1:1 web chat: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services/helplines/one-to-one
Websites and online support groups
BEAT is a UK charity supporting you and your young person who is suffering from an eating disorder. services they offer include helplines, online support groups, information resources and training.
FEAST: Families Empowered And Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders
FEAST is a global network community of and for parents. It provides support and education on a wide range of topics to support eating disorder recovery.
http://feast-ed.org offers a free ‘First 30 days’ course, which follows the FBT approach and aims to “Transform parents into empowered caregivers in 30 days.”
Carers receive daily email contact to support them with caring for their loved one with an eating disorder and it links them into a support network.
Video links
Understanding the biology of eating disorders
Eating Disorders from the Inside Out: Laura Hill at TEDxColumbus by TEDx Talks
Recovered voice
"What if" I Actually Recovered? | Rebecca Leung | TEDxYouth@AISHK by TEDx Talks (11:21)
After anorexia: Life’s Too Short to Weigh your Cornflakes | Catherine Pawley | TEDxLeamingtonSpa by TEDx Talks (18:07)
Anxiety
Rethinking anxiety: Learning to face fear | Dawn Huebner TEDxAmoskeagMillyardWomen by TEDx talks (18:12)
Explaining family based treatment
Explaining Family Based Treatment and Its Evidence by BrainFit
This video provides an overview of Family-Based therapy, which is the NICE guideline recommended treatment for young people with Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa
Supporting meal times
Meal support and coaching by KeltyMentalHealth- this is a playlist of videos and the Eating Disorders Meal Support: Helpful Approaches for Families is especially useful
When your child refuses to eat by Kelty mental health
Help your child eat with trust, not logic: the bungee jump (Anorexia and other eating disorders) by Eva Musby
Stuck & not eating! Anorexia/eating disorders: parents’ meal support tips. by Eva Musby
Understanding the biology of eating disorders
Eating Disorders from the Inside Out: Laura Hill at TEDxColumbus by TEDx Talks
Distress tolerance skills
FEAST of Knowledge 2020 - 02 Distress Tolerance by F.E.A.S.T. Videos (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders
Recovered voice
"What if" I Actually Recovered? | Rebecca Leung | TEDxYouth@AISHK by TEDx Talks
After anorexia: Life’s Too Short to Weigh your Cornflakes | Catherine Pawley | TEDxLeamingtonSpa by TEDx Talks
Anxiety
Rethinking anxiety: Learning to face fear | Dawn Huebner TEDxAmoskeagMillyardWomen by TEDx talks
Apps
Virtual Hopebox (free)
NHS app for mental health and wellbeing. It uses principles of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).
Distraction techniques, inspirational quotes, relaxation techniques and coping tools.
Headspace (monthly subscription)
Mindfulness/meditation.
Monthly fee- but free trial and free with Spotify Premium for students.
Calm
Meditation, improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Free to download, however costs associated with a subscription service for some elements of the app.
Smiling Minds (free)
Mindfulness and meditation app.
Recommended books
Recovered voice (16+ years)
Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too by Jenni Schaefer
Goodbye Ed, Hello Me: Recover from Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love with Life by Jenni Schaefer
Surviving FBT by Maria Ganci: a short, easy read skills manual for parents undertaking Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Child and Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa. (Please be mindful that we do not recommend the meal plan section, and for meal planning and advice, please refer to the nutritional information section within this website).
Help your teenager Beat an Eating Disorder (2nd Edition) by James Lock and Daniel Le Grange
Skills Based Caring for a Loved one with an Eating Disorder by Janet Treasure, Grainne Smith and Anna Crane.