Treatment for Eating Disorders

Rachel McGuire

RGN, Dip H.E Mental Health,

Transpersonal and Integrative Psychotherapist UKCP registered

Beat (formerly Eating Disorders Association) estimate that there are over 1.6 million people suffering from a diagnosed or undiagnosed eating disorder throughout the U.K and 20% of them are seriously ill.

Eating Disorders can affect anyone of any age, sex and cultural background.  They are unlikely to result from a single cause but are more likely to result from a combination of factors. 

I am a Nurse Specialist with over 15 years of experience working with young adults and their families with eating disorders and associated difficulties in inpatient settings and on an outpatient basis. 

Many eating disorders are atypical which means problematic eating behaviours are present but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder and so sufferers can believe that they are not, ‘ill enough,’ or, ‘thin enough,’ to deserve help and support.  This is not the case.  The need for sensitivity, discretion and understanding is paramount as sufferers as well as feeling undeserving of help can feel ashamed or embarrassed at the difficulties they are experiencing and so find themselves living a life of denial and deceit.

Parents and families can believe they are to blame in some way and so may have concerns about how or where to seek support from outside sources.

I offer a private and confidential service which is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and family.  This may involve consultation, motivational assessment, education, meal management advice, counselling and psychotherapy, C.B.T. techniques and creative imagination work.

Eating Disorders are not just about food, eating and wanting to look a certain way.  They are complex and often compensate for or serve to hide, other unexpressed or unresolved worries and concerns.

For more information or if you have questions you may wish to ask please contact Rachel at the Verulam Clinic

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling and Psychotherapy involves working in a safe, confidential, warm and integral manner using a variety of skills and approaches to help individuals establish a trusting relationship where they may address issues or areas of their life where there is a desire for understanding and transformation.

I am a trained and registered Transpersonal Counsellor and Psychotherapist who meets with clients at the Verulam Clinic in St Albans.  I am also a qualified Psychiatric Nurse and so draw upon my experience and training to enhance the work which I do with individuals.

In counselling a client and I may work proactively to resolve difficult conditions more quickly than the exploratory investigative process which is psychotherapy.

Counselling may help individuals to develop strategies and solutions while focusing on strengths and abilities. Psychotherapy which may last months or years, allows for focus on the thought processes, beliefs and ways of being in addition to addressing specific problems.

Psychotherapy allows a person to be known in a deep and personal way that may enable both the therapist and individual to see how evidence is gathered to support beliefs, some of which may have caused suffering and struggles.  It also allows for exploration into new ways of thinking and being that may lead to a more balanced and enjoyable way of life that is more appropriate for who you are today.

If you feel you have some discontent or areas of your life that are causing some dissatisfaction and distress please do not hesitate to make contact to see if I may be of some support in facilitating resolve and change.

Areas that Counselling and Psychotherapy may help with; Bereavement, Grief, Loss, Relationship Difficulties, Anxiety, Esteem Issues, Anger, Abuse, Spiritual Crisis, Depression, General Dissatisfaction with Life, Life Crisis, Indecision, Identity, Eating Disorders.

For more information please contact the Verulam Clinic and ask for Rachel