If you have concerns about someone under the age of 18 then, before any appointment can be made with ‘EDCSD’ , they must be first seen by their GP (who may also refer them to a Paediatrician and/or CAMHS team) . Eating disorders during adolescent years can be very dangerous, and have a huge impact on a young persons development, and clinical monitoring is imperative.

If you have concerns about someone under the age of 18 then please arrange an appointment with their GP and they may then make a referral to the Paedatrican Team and/or CAMHS. One symptom of some eating disorders is Asognosia, which means that the sufferer does not realise how ill they are and this can make a situation even more distressing. If you are able to encourage them to make an initial appointment to have an informal chat about their situation, this may indeed help them realise that things can be better. Ultimately, the sufferer needs to decide that they would like to make some changes, before they engage in counselling sessions.

Yes, this was one of the main reasons that ‘EDCSD’ was set up, to help people who are not ‘bad enough’ to get support and guidance from the health service.

No, please feel free to contact ‘EDCSD’ if you feel that your relationship with food is having a detrimental effect on your life in any way.

Yes, eating disorders are mental illness, and often the sufferer is only given support when they are physically compromised. You do not need to suffer in this manner and I would encourage you to seek help.

No, I am able to work with young people from 11 year upwards, however it is important that they have first been seen by their GP, and if necessary also by the Paediatric team and CAMHS.

Counselling allows you a confidential time and space to talk about you. It give you a unique opportunity to explore and become aware of events, issues, relationships, patterns in your life that maybe having an adverse effect on you. There are no ‘shoulds or oughts’, there is no ‘right or wrong’ for a counselling session to proceed, it is a unique time just for you. There are a variety of therapeutic skills and interventions that can be offered depending on what will be most beneficial for you.

You are an individual and there is not a one size fits all approach. The number of sessions that you have depends on you. You may find that a few sessions is all that you need or that it appropriate to have a break and maybe return in a couple of months. Alternatively you may feel that you are only just beginning your journey and this is fine too.

A counselling session lasts for one hour. In some circumstance it may be appropriate to have slightly longer sessions and this can be discussed with your counsellor.

Again there are no ‘shoulds’ or ‘oughts’ as to how often somebody chooses to see their counsellor. You may decide that you would like to attend once a week or fortnightly, or alternatively arrange each appointment as you need them. The time between counselling sessions is just as valuable as the sessions themselves. You may be processing new information or an awareness about yourself, that was previously out of your consciousness. On average clients attend weekly sessions.

Once you have made the decision that you would like help with your eating, you first sessions can usually be made within the week.

Due to the current situation with Covid 19, all counselling sessions are taking place on line via Zoom. It is hope to resume face to face sessions in central Exeter in the Autumn, as well as continuing to offer on line sessions.

An hour long session costs £60.

If you feel that you would like to discuss how counselling may help you, or someone you care about, with their eating please call 07980 182118.