Eating Disorder Coaching for Parents

What I do:

As a qualified coach and experienced mentor, with lived experience of eating disorders, I work with parents / family members with a loved one suffering from an eating disorder. I help them to develop the skills necessary to support their relative, and themselves, during a very difficult time.

As we move through life, we are continuously presented with challenges. However, nothing can prepare parents / family members for the shock of a loved one developing an eating disorder and its impact on that person, as well as on the parents and wider family’s physical and emotional well-being. 

The impact on each person is individual and the ability to respond / react to the situation varies greatly. No two experiences through the recovery process are the same for parents / wider family members or their loved one nor does any one person have all the answers – and I include myself in that!

Helping You to Help Your Person

• I will work with you to educate you and help you understand what is going on for your loved one
• We will work together on skills, tools and techniques to help support your loved one through their recovery. We will identify the strengths that you can bring to the recovery process
• We will focus on your own essential care – it is very important that you continue to look after yourself (easier said than done I know!) as well as role-modeling the importance of self-care
• Supporting parents and carers, helping them to build skills to support their loved ones, has been proven to accelerate the recovery process, as well providing knowledge and support during a very difficult time

How long will this take?

The length of time that people work with me varies, according to their needs and the level of support that they are seeking. Recovery from an Eating Disorder is not linear and is more of a marathon than a sprint! We would typically have a couple of sessions at the start, with further sessions arranged as required

Do you work alone? 

I work purely with parents and family members and not with the person suffering. Depending on circumstances, (and with full consent) I have worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team with therapists and dietitians. This has proven to be very successful in improving certain situations, such as meal-times, for all members of the family. 

Do you work purely with Eating Disorders?

I support parents, carers and family members who are worried about, and wish to support, loved ones suffering from problematic eating – whether that be disordered eating or eating disorders. 

What have parents said?  

‘It feels like someone is walking the path with you… or ahead of you…lots of practical tips’ 

‘Our daughter…was delighted with the changes at home since parents appointment with you, especially at dinner table and around food generally… you were very understanding and supportive’ (Nutritional Therapist, UK)

‘Very lonely and isolating condition…to be able to talk to someone who understands was helpful’ 

‘It helped us to have some confidence and hope going forward’