Find an Eating Disorders Therapist

Understanding eating disorders and how they can affect you

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve persistent difficulties around eating, weight and body image. They often intersect with mood, anxiety and stress, and can change the way you experience day-to-day life - from mealtimes and social activities to working and relationships. People of any age, gender or background can be affected, and symptoms can vary widely. For some people the core issue is extreme restriction of food, for others it is repeated overeating or compensatory behaviours, and for many there is a distressing preoccupation with body shape or weight.

Because eating disorders affect both behaviour and emotions, recovery usually involves addressing thoughts, feelings and practical eating patterns together. You do not need to reach a crisis point before seeking help. Early conversation with a trained clinician can make a difference in how quickly you regain balance and confidence around food and your body.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for an eating disorder

It can be hard to know when to seek support. You might notice changes in eating patterns, such as skipping meals, rigid rules about food, frequent dieting, binge episodes or the use of purging behaviours. You may find yourself preoccupied with calories, weight or exercise to the point that it affects your mood, work or relationships. Avoiding social events that involve food or feeling ashamed, anxious or guilty after eating are also common indicators that professional help could be useful.

Physical changes can accompany these behaviours, including shifts in weight, energy levels or sleep, but you should also pay attention to emotional signs - persistent low mood, increased anxiety, irritability or withdrawal from friends and family. If you feel stuck in cycles that you cannot change by yourself, or if you are worried about the effect of eating behaviours on your health or wellbeing, a specialist therapist can offer assessment and tailored support.

What to expect in therapy sessions for eating disorders

When you begin therapy you can expect an initial assessment where the therapist will ask about your history with food, weight and body image, as well as other aspects of your life that affect your wellbeing. This conversation helps them understand your experience and agree goals with you. Most therapists work collaboratively, so you will shape the focus and pace of sessions together.

Early sessions often centre on stabilising everyday routines around eating and sleep, identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and developing strategies to manage urges and emotional triggers. Your therapist will help you practise new skills between sessions and review progress regularly. For adolescents or where family dynamics are relevant, family involvement may form part of the programme. Therapy may take place weekly at first and change as you make progress, with periodic reviews to adjust goals.

Practical considerations in sessions

Therapists who specialise in eating disorders often coordinate with other professionals if you need nutritional guidance or medical monitoring. If you have concerns about physical health, your therapist can help you find appropriate local resources and support a joined-up approach. You should expect clear discussion about confidentiality, boundaries and what to do if you are in urgent difficulty. Good practitioners will explain their approach, typical session length and fees at the outset so you know what to expect.

Common therapeutic approaches used for eating disorders

A range of evidence-informed approaches are used to address eating disorders. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy adapted for eating disorders - sometimes called CBT-E - focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours around eating and body image and is commonly offered for a variety of presentations. Family-based approaches, such as the Maudsley model or Family-Based Treatment, are often recommended for adolescents and involve parents in supporting recovery from restrictive eating.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is used when emotional dysregulation and self-harm behaviours are present, as it teaches skills in distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Interpersonal Therapy concentrates on relationships and life events that may maintain disordered eating, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help you build a life aligned with your values while learning to relate differently to urges and negative thoughts. Many therapists integrate nutritional education and meal planning in collaboration with dietitians where needed.

How online therapy works for eating disorders

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to attend sessions from home or another place that feels comfortable. Sessions typically take place via video call, and some therapists offer messaging between sessions or resources you can work through independently. Online work can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for many people, provided you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet setting where you can speak openly.

When choosing online therapy, consider practicalities such as whether your therapist has experience delivering remote support for eating disorders, how they manage meal support remotely, and their plan for urgent situations. Many therapists will combine online sessions with in-person appointments if you require physical monitoring or specialist medical input. You should agree a plan for keeping your work focused and for any contacts outside sessions should you need immediate help.

Choosing the right therapist for eating disorders

Finding the right therapist matters because eating disorder work can be emotionally intense and sometimes lengthy. Look for clinicians who specifically mention eating disorder experience and training in their profiles. Many UK therapists display registration with professional bodies such as the BACP, the HCPC or the NCPS, which indicates recognised standards of practice and ongoing professional development. You can give priority to those who work with your age group or who have particular experience with the issues you face, whether that is binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, or a combination.

It is reasonable to ask about a therapist's approach to risk management and how they work with other professionals. You might prefer a therapist of a particular gender or cultural background, or someone with experience of the NHS or private sector. Practical matters such as fees, session length and cancellation policies are also important. Many therapists offer a brief initial conversation or assessment session so you can gauge whether their style and proposed plan fit your needs.

Questions to consider before you book

Think about what you want from therapy and how you prefer to communicate. Ask potential therapists about their experience with the particular eating disorder behaviours you are experiencing, whether they work with families or partners, and if they have experience offering remote meal support or collaborative care. Consider whether you want a short-term focused programme or longer-term psychotherapy. Trust your instincts - a good therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of helpful progress.

Finding help and taking the next step

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but taking a first step is an important move towards regaining balance and control. Use the listings above to compare accredited therapists who specialise in eating disorders, read their profiles for approach and experience, and arrange a short call to ask questions. If you are worried about your immediate safety or physical health, please contact your GP or local emergency services for urgent assessment.

Recovery usually involves steady, practical changes and compassionate support. With the right clinician and a clear plan, you can build skills to manage eating behaviours, improve your relationship with food and body, and return to the activities that matter to you. Browse the profiles to find a therapist who feels like the right fit and book an initial appointment when you are ready to start.