Eileen is a Consultant to the
Eating Problems Service, a company which provides advice, training
and workshops for sufferers, carers and counsellors. She also
facilitates workshops for Foundations, a charity which focuses
on raising awareness in schools. Eileen has made a special
study of nutrition and the effects of food and hormones on
mental health.
Managing a hospital eating disorders unit and writing a Health Authority approved Care Programme form part of Eileen´s experience within this field. She established the first
Therapeutic Community, outside of a hospital setting, for the
treatment of Eating Disorders in a non-medical environment.
For this Eileen was registered with the Commission for Social
Care Inspection as a Service Provider, Clinical Director, Unit
Manager and Responsible Person.
Personal Construct Psychology is Eileen´s main discipline. Her training also includes psycho-synthesis, transpersonal
psychology, movement and drama therapy, neuro-linguistic processing,
solution-focussed and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to those suffering
with eating disorders, Eileen was nominated for a National
Award by the Eating Disorders Association in 2005. ( Now known
as Beat). This was in recognition of her outstanding contribution
to those suffering with eating disorders. She
has appeared on television and is involved in a series of programmes
on the radio about raising awareness and the treatment of eating
disorders.
A client based, integrated and holistic service is offered by Eileen and she is led by the client´s need at the time of the initial assessment. An
ongoing assessment of the situation is an integral part of therapy
to ensure that the client participates in their own progress
or recovery. This ensures that the client is empowered and respected
at all times.
Eileen is also offering an experiential, 5-day seminar for any
caring professional working with eating disorders. It is crafted
specifically for: psychiatrists, GPs, therapists, nutritionalists,
RMNs, nurses, school nurses, social workers, occupational therapists
and anyone
involved in the care of vulnerable people. for more information
visit www.empatico.co.uk
A 2-day seminar is available for parents of sufferers.
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“Education
is most potent when taught in the course of real events. The
mode of emotional literacy.”
John Dewey, Philosopher.
Ongoing support is also offered for the family and friends of the client. Although
family involvement is often useful, confidentiality is of prime concern as trust
is a core issue for people with eating disorders. The sufferer will define what
can be shared unless they are in physical danger. In that situation, the family
or GP must be informed.
There is often resistance to recovery through fear of the unknown which can sometimes
leave the client in a vulnerable state.
This resistance leads to confusion as the sufferer knows at some level that they
are putting themselves at risk. At this point, the voice of the eating disorder
is stronger than the spirit of the client and the empathic support of the therapist
is essential.
“… who am I if I am not someone with
anorexia/bulimia/ overweight.?”
“… will people still like me if I become who I really am?”
Each client is treated in an individual way and therapy is planned according
to personal need.
Eileen’s approach is clear and non-judgemental.
Those suffering with eating disorders are well versed in being critical of themselves.
It is not necessary for the therapist to be harsh, but firmness and clarity are
essential when the client is bewildered and often feeling chaotic and out of
control.
This applies to those who over-eat as well as to those who restrict or purge.
The initial behaviour comes from what appears to be control. The eating disorder
takes over very quickly and the sufferer loses all control as the voice of the
eating disorder becomes stronger. The client struggles to maintain the required
image of achieving perfection in all things.
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