Gladys Ellis

Specialist Systemic Family Psychotherapist · she/her
MSc Systemic Family & Couple Therapy 1998

Registration

  • Professional bodies: UKCP
  • Registration number(s): 00111931
  • Public register entry: Verify via UKCP Register

Quick facts

  • Year qualified: 1998
  • Years in eating disorders: 20+ years
  • Languages offered: Shona, English
  • Consults at: Central London

Biography

I am a Systemic Family & Couple Psychotherapist, and have worked in generic and specialist CAMHS ED for over 30 years – eating disorders for over 20. I am a Consultant Family and Systemic Psychotherapist in the NHS within the highly regarded Maudsley Centre for Children and Adolescent Eating Disorders in South London team.

approach to treatment

My main aim is to help families to understand and support each other and to tap into their existing strengths and resiliencies (which can be difficult to access in times of high distress and stress brought on by the presence of an eating disorder). I would describe myself as warm, firm, directive and compassionate, but I am also able to challenge young people and families and guide them to change within the context of a supportive and trusting relationship, which is crucial to aiding recovery. I believe in being transparent in having shared clear goals in therapy.

areas of interest / specialism

My work takes a range of different formats; from providing therapeutic support, psychoeducation and skills based guidance to families or partners of individuals suffering from an eating disorder to more formal family therapy. Family therapy is the National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommended treatment of choice for children and young people. I am also experienced in Attachment Based Family Therapy in situations where there are raptures in relationships between parents their adolescent children. I also generally work systemically.

specialised Training

  • Maudsley Family Based Therapy for Anorexia (FBT-AN)
  • Maudsley Family Based Therapy for Bulimia (FBT-BN)
  • Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
  • Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT)

Senior Roles and Notable Prior Posts

  • Consultant Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, Maudsley Centre for Children and Adolescent Eating Disorders (South London NHS)
  • Generic and Specialist CAMHS Eating Disorders Services (30+ years clinical experience)
  • Outside of work, I am a warm and grounded person with two grown-up adult children. I love spending time with my large extended family, being in nature, and practicing meditation.
    Gladys Ellis

Q&A with Gladys

An assessment is an intervention in Family based therapy for eating disorders in under 18s. At the end of the assessment with me you can expect to leave with a clear sense of shared understanding of what’s wrong, highest context goals, a plan, and a road map going forward.

A common misconception is that family therapy is painful and can exacerbate family conflicts – it’s actually the complete opposite of that.