Eating disorders and counselling

Many of us are unaware of the personal relationship we have with food but most of us will turn to food, or away from it, at times of distress.

Problems can begin when a person uses food as their primary method of coping with difficult circumstances. 

Disordered eating may involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of a person’s physical, psychological and emotional health. It is often described as an outward expression of internal, often unexpressed, pain and confusion.

Disordered eating is complex and rarely attributable to just one factor. Common triggers include bereavement, bullying, abuse, trauma, low self-esteem, family issues and some illnesses. Idealised unrealistic body images in the media also play a role.

Though anyone can develop disordered eating habits, most likely to be affected are females between 15 and 25 years old. The number of males developing disordered eating is on the rise. 

Types of disordered eating

Three common diagnoses for disordered eating are:

Also known simply as anorexia, this is characterised by extremely low body weight, distorted body image and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Characterised by self-starvation and excessive weight loss, it is potentially life-threatening. People with anorexia nervosa may go to extreme lengths to limit food or calorie intake in an effort to attain a very specific, and unhealthy, body image. They may also exercise excessively.

Also known simply as bulimia, this is characterised by secretive cycles of binge eating followed by activities to compensate. Someone with bulimia will eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, then attempt to get rid of the food or calories through vomiting, using enemas or laxatives or exercising excessively. Bulimia can be life-threatening.

Sometimes called compulsive eating, this is characterised by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating to the point of being uncomfortably full. While there is no immediate purging (getting the food out of the body, as in bulimia) there may be sporadic fasts and diets as an attempt to compensate for over-eating.

Disordered eating of any type can be accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, regret and depression. Eating disorders often lead to secondary health problems like damage to the teeth, reproductive system and digestive system.

Our clients have reported great results!

Mr K
“I was attending sessions at One Therapy practice for about 1 1/2 years. I am very happy with the result, sessions there really helped me. I am really grateful to my therapist. Someone recommended him to me as a high professional and it proved right, thank you.”
Mrs M
“I can only provide positive comments on my sessions with (my therapist). This was my first experience with a therapist, and she managed to make me feel comfortable. And I must say that the sessions were helpful and efficient.”
Mrs E
“My therapist was extremely helpful, considerate and understanding. I felt she properly understood what the issues I had were, and their underlying causes, and I feel I benefited considerably from the sessions with her.”
Mrs N
“I immediately felt completely at ease as they were very professional while showing genuine care and interest in helping me. I was able to confront many issues which I had so far chosen to ignore despite their negative effects on my personal relationships and happiness. I would have no hesitation in recommending (One Therapy) to anyone looking to improve their relationships and self-esteem.”
Mrs L
“I learned a lot about myself and about the relationships I make with other people. I was able to see where I was going wrong and I now make better personal choices. Thank you, again.”
Mrs R
“I can’t thank you enough for the help and support I got from my appointments. I would highly recommend therapy to anyone now. Therapy helped me in more ways than I could have imagined. Please tell (my therapist) how grateful I am for her help.”

Together with you, we can make things better

Counselling for eating disorders takes time and commitment, but it really helps. Your counsellor will support you in understanding the underlying causes and the immediate triggers of your disordered eating. They will help you to find other ways to cope when things get difficult. 

Disordered eating can be about exercising control. People who don’t have control over other areas of their life can find comfort in controlling their eating. We will help you to gain control over other areas of your life and to express your distress in healthier ways.

Our therapists understand why people develop eating disorders; they won’t judge you. They are warm and empathic and will treat everything you say as confidential.

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What to expect in counselling

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Counselling for individuals

Personal counselling can be about anything that is on your mind.

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Couples counselling

Couples counselling provides space for couples to discuss problems in their relationship and find solutions.

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Our therapists

We have over 30 qualified and experienced therapists to choose from.

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One Therapy London

Counselling, psychotherapy, couples counselling in London since 2006

Nina Jacobson - Therapist
Nina Jacobson

Nina is an integrative psychotherapist who creates a safe, non-judgmental space in which clients feel comfortable to explore their thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour Nina recognises that it can be useful to talk to someone outside your circle of friends and family to gain an understanding of your challenges and emotions She helps clients think about their...

Oxford Circus

Damla Ciftcioglu - Therapist
Berrak Damla Çiftcioğlu

Damla offers psychodynamic psychotherapy in a supportive and confidential environment where you can explore the emotions, behaviours and challenges shaping your life Her approach focuses on understanding the deeper, often unconscious factors influencing your thoughts and experiences Whether you’re navigating a specific situation or grappling with long-standing personal...

Oxford Circus

Lara Vasey

Lara is an integrative therapist who offers short- and longer-term therapy to individuals Starting therapy can feel daunting, but Lara’s warm demeanour helps her clients feel more comfortable She creates a confidential and non-judgemental environment, which enables her clients to open up about their thoughts, feelings and experiences With empathy and curiosity, her...

Kensington / Notting Hill

Gregory Hamlin - Therapist
Gregory Hamlin

Gregory is a psychodynamic therapist offering both short-term and long -term therapy to individuals He appreciates how difficult it can be to seek help and therefore places great importance on creating a warm, empathic and safe space for clients to explore whatever is on their minds Gregory helps individuals uncover and understand the underlying patterns that shape...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Michelle Taylor
Michelle Taylor

Michelle is an accredited psychodynamic therapist providing a calm and confidential space to allow her clients to unravel their deepest anxieties whilst feeling understood Michelle has particular experience working with adults experiencing bereavement and loss, anxiety, and depression Michelle also works with clients with work related issues, relationship issues and those...

Oxford Circus

Therapist Antonella Bonetti
Antonella Bonetti

Antonella is a psychodynamic therapist offering short- and long-term therapy to adults She also sees couples facing issues within their relationship Since obtaining her Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy, Antonella has worked in different organisational settings (charities, NHS and university counselling services) helping people from...

Bloomsbury

Therapist Asma Gharbi
Asma Gharbi

Asma offers psychodynamic, humanistic and integrative therapies to individuals and couples She tailors her approach to meet the needs and preferences of her clients She offers short and long term therapy Asma provides a non-judgemental space for her clients, where they can feel safe to explore their feelings, make sense of their experiences and forge deep lasting...

Oxford Circus

Kensington / Notting Hill

Therapist Stamatia Lorentzou
Stamatia Lorentzou

A senior therapist, Stamatia has been with One Therapy London for many years She holds a doctorate in counselling psychology and is a registered psychotherapist Stamatia knows it can be difficult to understand or cope with the strong feelings that life’s experiences can sometimes bring Talking with an experienced therapist is a way of thinking things through and...

Bloomsbury

Therapist Shelly Klein
Shelley Klein

As a psychodynamic therapist Shelley brings a wealth of experience to her work and supports her patients to talk about those aspects of their lives they are finding painful, upsetting or difficult to deal with, in a confidential, non-judgmental and peaceful setting Shelley is particularly interested in working with those who are experiencing depression, bereavement, high...

Bloomsbury

Jayne Levy - Therapist
Jayne Levy

Jayne has a gentle and empathic approach, allowing clients to feel comfortable and relaxed as they begin therapy She offers a non-judgmental and confidential space where clients are safe to express their feelings and thoughts and explore some of the difficulties and challenges they may be experiencing As a humanistic integrative therapist, Jayne is guided by her...

Oxford Circus