Occupational Therapy

UK’s leading experts in eating disorders and body image difficulties

WHAT IS OT?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is designed to enable people to live their lives to the full, by providing specialist practical advice and techniques. Eating disorders can have a huge impact on daily occupations such as self-care, work or studies, leisure and social activities, meal planning and preparation, food or clothes shopping, and managing with eating meals in the home and out in the community. OT focuses on enabling people to increase their abilities and independence in these daily living tasks that may have been lost or diminished during the course of an eating disorder. Additionally OT may be appropriate for assisting clients with difficulties or co-morbidities that exist alongside an eating disorder, including anxiety, depression, phobias, autism or physical health difficulties.

WHEN IS OT HELPFUL?

Occupational Therapy can be a complement in recovery treatment by helping provide practical skills that align with integrating recovery into your daily life, thereby making sure that the work done in therapy is transferrable to every area of your life such as university, work, relationships etc. OT may be offered when clients feel they have had a lot of therapy already and would be interested in trying a different approach. It can also be useful following or alongside therapy to tackle specific feared or avoided situations. Our OT, Kendra, uses evidence-based research and skilled approaches including holistic assessments, goal-focussed interventions, and exposure-based therapy. The aim of OT intervention is to listen, support and encourage clients to re-engage or learn new skills in any area of their life that they feel is important to them and their future. Positive adaptive thinking styles are encouraged and the development of a meaningful identity outside of an eating disorder is supported.

WHAT CAN OT HELP WITH?

Examples of things OT can assist with are:

  • Improving structure and routine in your daily life.

  • Advising on health and well-being, such as supporting with managing anxiety through relaxation, mindfulness and grounding techniques.

  • Supporting with encouraging a safe and balanced relationship with exercise (if medically appropriate)

  • Offering support and advice around relationships in general, including communication techniques and assertiveness. Support with exploring sex and intimate relationships, including gender identity and sexual orientation.

  • Increasing your independence with eating outside the home, or preparing for a social occasion. This may include practical sessions in the community, such as visiting a restaurant or cafe and can help you to build your confidence in these challenging areas. It is also possible to arrange remote cookery sessions using zoom or skype from your own home, practising the whole process of creating a meal plan and cooking and eating a balanced meal together.

  • Assisting you with securing paid or voluntary work, or returning to work after some time off. This can include assistance with job searches, applications and interview techniques.

  • Supporting a return to leisure activities or finding new activities to promote enjoyment and increase self-confidence.

  • Support addressing body image concerns such as clothing selection and navigating social spaces on "bad body image" days

  • Help providing practical skills to ensure relapse prevention and consistency in sticking to your recovery plan

Specialist Team

The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical Psychologists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Trainee Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dietitians

  • Family/Couple Therapists

Diverse Treatment Options

The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.

Personalised Care

At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.
 

Testimonials

Testimonials

“I never thought my disordered eating would be something I'd be able to begin tackling, let alone come out the other side of, but thanks to the staff at The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image I've been able to do both. The team were always judgement-free and supportive through what was a difficult journey at times, but I can safely say that they have immeasurably improved my life for the better.”

January 2024

“I can't thank The London Centre enough for changing my life, when I really thought it wouldn't be possible. I felt heard and understood, and I am now in a place where I can confidently put all the tools I learned into practice.”

January 2024

I would highly recommend The London Centre. The staff were incredible and the treatment really helped. I'm so glad to have my life back on track and really owe it to the excellent quality of therapy.

March 2024

 

How it works

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.

 

Step 1

Contact Us

Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.

Step 2

Assessment

Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.

Step 3

First Session

Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.
 

Featured

Blog
Understanding The Functions of an Eating Disorder
Understanding The Functions of an Eating Disorder

As a specialist eating disorder clinician, I am often frustrated by the many misconceptions and misunderstandings associated with eating disorders.  Not just the misconceptions about who gets an eating disorder (it's not only white, teenage girls!), but also the lack of understanding over why people might develop an eating disorder (it’s not just because they spend too much time on social media!).

Breaking the Cycle: How Past Treatment Experiences Can Hinder Seeking Help and Why Specialist Outpatient Support is Key
Breaking the Cycle: How Past Treatment Experiences Can Hinder Seeking Help and Why Specialist Outpatient Support is Key

For many people struggling with an eating disorder, negative past experiences of treatment can hugely impact their likelihood to seek treatment or support in the future.  Examples of this we see frequently in our clinic are trauma, or fear related to intensive forms of treatment such as inpatient care, or anxiety related to past treatment experiences where individuals have felt judged, criticised, or misunderstood. 

Understanding Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Understanding Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents

It can be overwhelming and understandably challenging as a parent or caregiver to witness a child or adolescent struggling with an eating disorder. Eating disorders impact every aspect of a young person's life, including how they see themselves and even their sense of control in a world that sometimes feels unpredictable. However, with understanding, early intervention, and a supportive environment, there is hope to find a way back to health, and yes, recovery is possible.

FAQs

 

  • The fees do vary depending on, which clinician you see. For a full summary of our fees, what health insurance company policies we accept, and details about making payments please click the link. (https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/fees)

  • Our Team PA, Kerry, is available to answer any questions you may have prior to booking an assessment. If you would like to discuss treatment options or have a general conversation prior to booking, you are able to schedule a call with Mini Jones, our Clinic Lead who is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns. For further information, or to request a call back, please click the link provided to get in touch via email, phone, or through our online contact form.(https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/book-an-appointment)

  • It is important to note that we do have a 24 hour cancellation policy on all booked appointments. Any cancellations received within 24 hours remain fully charged.

    We request payment for an initial assessment appointment in advance of your appointment, which you can make over the phone using a debit or credit card or via the secure payment link sent to you with your invoice. For any further treatment sessions, and unless covered by private health insurance, we will invoice you sessionally which is payable upon receipt, however, we offer a maximum 30-day period in order to receive payment.

    All appointment reminders will be sent to you via our client management system ‘Cliniko’ - notifications@cliniko.com please do add this email address to your inbox contacts to ensure all communications are received promptly.

  • Therapy is most effective when a series of appointments tailored to your individual requirements can be established. The NICE guidelines are between 20-40 appointments but we are guided by our clients depending on their needs, preference, and motivation to adopt change. We will always remain flexible to accommodate your preferences.