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Weight Management
Clinical Supervision If you're looking at this page, it is likely to be because you either have issues with food, eating, weight and size or you know someone who does.
Low body weight and loss of appetite don't necessarily mean that you have an eating disorder. Eating disorders involve a complex mix of emotional, psychological and behavioural symptoms, including unhelpful beliefs and attitudes towards food, unusual perceptions of body image, and unrealistic expectations of body weight. If your relationship with food is unhealthy you may become malnourished.
Some eating disorders are difficult to detect; some people appear to eat normally and their weight appears normal. Others may be overweight, though they appear to others to eat little. In children and young people, the picture is complicated by the fact that weight can alter significantly and temporarily at different stages of growth, so it is difficult to identify exactly what is "normal" or acceptable weight. Some may also develop food fads which may or may not indicate a "problem".
So, if you think you may have eating disorder, it is essential that you are properly assessed and if necessary, helped in partnership with a GP, nutritionist and other appropriate professionals. This is particularly so if someone, particularly a child, is at serious risk of harm.
In the case of children under the age of 18, parents, and possibly other family members, would usually be involved at some stage. Schools, too, may have a part to play. The boundaries of confidentiality are therefore discussed and agreed as part of the assessment.
The initial assessment is for one hour, though it may be extended to a second and occasionally third session. At the end of the assessment, we discuss and agree a way forward before continuing further. At this point, it might also be important to refer you to your GP for consultation.
The approach here addresses your lifestyle, your core beliefs and values (particularly with relation to food, weight, size and body image), your knowledge of nutrition and your social and family relationships/support. It also explores the underlying emotional causes and impact of the eating disorder on you and those around you.
