Healing from Anorexia: Is Becky Grace Therapy the right place for you?

I have been reflecting on client work recently. I work alone in private practice, however I do have a network of clinicians including dietitians that I do collaborate with to provide you with additional support. However, it is not the same level of expertise and skill mix that you would get seeing a multi disciplinary team of Eating Disorders Services. However, I also know (having worked in an NHS ED Service) that the process and support in ED services can feel quite restrictive, medicalised and not always neurodivergent/gender friendly or trauma informed. In fact, they can be rigid and potentially traumatising in of themselves. Institutional trauma from these services is real - but there also little other options to mitigate the health risks that come with anorexia.

I aim to be trauma informed and trained and non-pathologising. However, to be 100% trauma informed, I would need to not have any safety measures at all in place in private practice. It is a rock and a hard place, knowing that if I know none of the details of the potential health risks you may face, I don't have a full picture of what is going on. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental health difficulty, and I take that risk very seriously in private practice. It may also be difficult to engage in cognitive work, if you are in a semi-starved state. Therapy may have limited use beyond stabilising you and ultimately we would need to work towards weight restoration at your pace. I cannot have these risks in my solo practice. I have in my clinical practice had clients die by suicide and/or health risks from all mental health difficulties. Your safety is paramount to me.

If you have Anorexia or restrictive eating, I have selection criteria to see you, so that we are both on the same page before we start of what to expect when starting therapy with me.

Is Private Therapy the Right Fit for You?

Private therapy works best when you are medically stable and able to engage in outpatient support. Here are some key considerations:

✅ Medical Stability: Therapy in private practice is best suited if your body is medically stable. If you’ve had recent hospitalizations, are at risk of fainting, or have other serious health concerns, it may be safer to receive support through a specialist service.

✅ Emotional Readiness: Therapy can bring up difficult emotions. If you are experiencing extreme distress, thoughts of suicide, or find it hard to tolerate challenges, you may need extra support from a team rather than just one therapist.

✅ Support System: Outpatient therapy is most effective when you have supportive people around you or are open to working with additional professionals (like a GP, dietitian, or psychiatrist) as needed.

If you're unsure whether private therapy is the right fit, we can explore your options together and make sure you get the support you need.

Feel Good Norfolk Network - Photography by Nathan Eve Photography

The intake form for you will look a little like this:

Medical Considerations

(This section helps ensure you are medically safe for outpatient therapy.)

• Have you been medically assessed in the past 3 months? (Yes / No)

  • If yes, do you have clearance from a GP or specialist for outpatient therapy? (Yes / No / Unsure)

• Current weight and height (if comfortable sharing): ___________

• Have you had any recent hospitalizations due to your eating disorder? (Yes / No)

  • If yes, when and why? ___________________________

• Do you experience dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, or other physical concerns related to eating? (Yes / No)

• Are you currently being monitored by a GP or another healthcare professional? (Yes / No)

Your Relationship with Food & Body

• What diagnosis (if any) have you received regarding your eating difficulties? _______________

• Do you currently restrict food, binge eat, or purge (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise)? (Yes / No)

  • If yes, how often? ___________________________

• Are there specific fears, rules, or thoughts that make eating difficult for you? _______________

• How would you describe your relationship with your body? _______________

  
  

Psychological Wellbeing

(This section helps us understand whether therapy in this setting is suitable for you.)

• Have you had thoughts of self-harm or suicide in the past month? (Yes / No)

  • If yes, do you feel safe right now? (Yes / No)

• Are you currently under the care of a psychiatrist? (Yes / No)

• Do you experience extreme distress or panic around eating, weight, or body image? (Yes / No)

• Are you currently taking any medications for mental health? (Yes / No)

  • If yes, which ones (optional)? _______________

    
    

Support System & Daily Life

• Do you have supportive friends, family, or professionals around you? (Yes / No)

• Are you open to working with a multidisciplinary team (GP, dietitian, psychiatrist, etc.) if needed? (Yes / No / Unsure)

• What do you hope to gain from therapy? _______________

I do hope these blog post is helpful for you in finding the right therapist for you. I'm always happy to hear from you by email should you wish to discuss further!

Becky