Eating Disorder Therapy
Explore the evidence-based therapies we use to support recovery from eating disorders, disordered eating, body dysmorphic disorder, and body image difficulties.
Understanding Eating
Disorder Therapy
Eating disorder therapy provides a structured, supportive space to understand and change the thoughts, emotions, and behavioural symptoms that maintain eating or body image difficulties. Where necessary, therapy will also aim to explore and resolve difficulties that may have led to someone developing an eating disorder. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, what works for one person might not for another, which is why our clinicians draw on several evidence-based models.
At The London Centre, therapy is delivered by psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors who specialise in treating eating disorders and body image concerns. Each clinician works collaboratively with you to identify the most suitable approach and pace for your recovery.
Our Multidisciplinary Approach
The London Centre offers a multidisciplinary model of care, bringing together expertise in clinical and counselling psychology, psychiatry, dietetics, occupational therapy, and family therapy.
Most clients have regular weekly appointments with a single clinician, but for those who would benefit from a more holistic or structured plan, sessions may involve several members of the team – sometimes a couple or multiple sessions per week. To learn more about the different professionals within our team and how they work, please click here.
What makes The London Centre different from many other clinics is our depth of specialism. Every clinician here is highly trained and experienced in treating eating disorders and body image difficulties. While many general therapy services may offer treatment for eating disorders, few have a team whose entire focus lies in this field. We believe that effective, sustainable recovery requires specialist skills, knowledge, and experience, supported by ongoing professional development and evidence-based practice.
Types of Therapy
We Offer
There are many types of eating disorder therapy, and it can feel confusing to know which might be right. In practice, most therapists will draw on several complementary approaches, adapting them to your goals, preferences, and stage of recovery.
To give you a clearer understanding of the options available, below we’ve outlined some of the main evidence-based therapies shown to be effective in treating eating disorders and body image difficulties.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)
CBT-E (Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is one of the most widely researched treatments for eating disorders. It focuses on understanding how unhelpful thoughts and behaviours around food and body image develop and helps you replace them with more balanced patterns.
MANTRA Therapy
MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults) explores the personal, emotional, and relational factors that maintain restrictive eating. It helps individuals strengthen motivation for change and develop healthier coping strategies.
Dialetical Behaviour Therapy (DBT/RO-DBT)
DBT and RO-DBT focus on building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. They are particularly helpful when intense emotions, impulsivity, or perfectionism are contributing to difficulties with eating or body image.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT helps individuals develop self-kindness and reduce shame or self-criticism, which are often at the heart of eating and body image struggles. It supports a more compassionate inner dialogue and builds confidence in recovery.
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
SSCM combines practical support with understanding the emotional and social aspects of eating difficulties. It is a flexible, collaborative approach that focuses on restoring healthy eating patterns and everyday functioning.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy helps identify and change long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that stem from and may contribute to core emotional or identity difficulties. It combines cognitive, behavioural, and experiential techniques for deeper emotional change.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
CAT examines the patterns in relationships (including with oneself) that may reinforce unhelpful behaviours or beliefs. It offers insight into how past experiences influence the present and provides tools for healthier connection and self-understanding.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a structured therapy designed to help process distressing experiences that may underlie eating disorder symptoms or body image distress. It can be particularly helpful for those with trauma or anxiety linked to food, weight, or appearance.
Systemic (Family) Therapy
Systemic Therapy focuses on relationships and communication within families, couples, or support networks. It helps identify interaction patterns that may sustain difficulties and builds healthier, more supportive dynamics.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy offers a space for deeper exploration of the emotional, relational, and developmental factors that contribute to eating or body image problems. It can help foster long-term self-understanding and emotional resilience.
How Therapy Helps in Recovery
Therapy provides the tools, insight, and support needed to move beyond disordered eating and towards lasting wellbeing. It helps individuals challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, build self-esteem, and develop healthy coping strategies for life’s challenges. Over time, therapy promotes emotional balance, self-acceptance, and confidence in maintaining recovery.
Benefits of Therapy for Eating Disorders
Start your journey
Take the First Step
Towards Recovery
If you’re thinking about therapy for yourself or someone close to you, we can help you explore the different options and find what feels right. You can use our fast-track booking system to arrange an assessment, or if you’d prefer to speak with someone first, you’re welcome to contact us with any questions. We’ll be happy to talk things through and help you decide what the best next step might be.
