The
Treatment Programme is centred in the
bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of health and illness, and
is NICE compliant. The programme is implemented in two
consecutive stages, over a total approximate in-patient stay
of 120 days. During the first phase of the programme (60
days), focus is placed on intensive group and individual
psychotherapy, supported by nutritional and physical
rehabilitation. During the second phase of the programme (60
days), the predominant focus shifts towards the development of
nutritionally sound living skills, and the practice of
emotional and social skills learnt during Stage One. Finally,
during the last two to three weeks of the programme, each
resident takes part in a mini-programme designed to a)
increase his or her knowledge and understanding of relapse
prevention, and b) facilitate his or her re-integration into
the broader community following their period of inpatient
stay.
The programme aims to restore not only the clients' physical
state, but also sensitively addresses other unresolved
emotional and psychological issues which so often underlie
eating disorders. Emphasis is placed on emotional expression
and on the cognitive processes and values that are associated
with the eating disordered mind. The elements of the programme
at the Centre comprise many different therapeutic
interventions, and research has shown that such eclectic
multi-disciplinary treatments are most successful in the
management of eating disorders. Not least, motivational
enhancement therapy to address client's ambivalence and
resistance is implemented throughout the programme.
In recognition of the broad and deep impact of eating
disorders on people’s lives, the International Eating
Disorders Centre (IEDC) provides a diverse and holistic
treatment programme, which is individually tailored to meet
the specific needs of each client.
Each
resident is given the opportunity to participate in a range of
psychotherapeutic interventions, in both individual and group
settings, during the course of their treatment. Early
therapeutic work is geared towards the identification and
resolution of issues that may underlie, or drive
each individual’s eating disordered behaviour. Later work
focuses on the development of adaptive living skills.
Throughout the programme the multidisciplinary team works with
each client, to ensure optimum outcome of nutritional,
physical and mental health.
In accordance with NHS guidelines, the Centre recognises the
importance of the spiritual self in ill-health and recovery,
and provides elective Christian-based pastoral care for
interested residents and outpatients. Alternative belief
systems are also recognised and supported within the
programme.
During the last weeks of the in-patient programme work begins
to dovetail the IEDC treatment strategies with those offered
by the CMHT responsible for the client’s ongoing care
post-discharge. This process facilitates transition from the
in-patient setting back into the community.
The
IEDC is a branch of the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital (RBH),
Aylesbury, and is located a short distance from the Hospital.
The treatment setting is non-institutional, safe and homely.
Residents are warmly welcomed to the Centre, and are
encouraged to personalise their rooms for familiarity and
comfort during their stay.
OUR
CLIENTS
The IEDC welcome men and women aged 16 years and over, who
seek recovery from compulsive eating, binge eating, bulimia or
anorexia. We are able to flexibly meet the needs of both low
weight and morbidly obese clients between the IEDC and the
Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital. We are also receptive to
dual diagnosis clients who seek treatment for a primary, or
severe secondary, eating disorder. For clients under 16 years
of age we offer a residential day care programme at IEDC, who
live out in apartment accommodation with their parent(s) in
the grounds of RBH.
WHY PSYCHOLOGY IS CENTRAL FOR RECOVERY
Although food appears to lie at the core of any eating
disorder, an individual’s distorted relationship with food is
in fact a smokescreen that distracts the sufferer, their
family and friends, and indeed health professionals from the
deeper issues at hand.
“Just
because I’m eating again doesn’t mean I’m better. I’m just
going to eat my food until I gain enough weight to leave, then
I’ll lose it all again “ Alice, 36.
Ironically, food is not the problem in eating
disorders. It is simply the visible expression of a deeper
unresolved hunger; of an anxious, painful and fearful
relationship that exists with both the self, and the world at
large. As indicated by the comment made by one of our previous
residents, initial changes in food related behaviour and
weight gain may not necessarily indicate healing in the
individual. Rather, such behaviours may reflect temporary
compliance with health professionals, family and friends,
which typically reverts once the individual is no longer
monitored.
In order to recover from an eating disorder, each individual
must be willing to go beyond their food related behaviour, to
discover the presence of the real hungers and fears that drive
their disordered eating. In facing and resolving these issues,
the individual learns to nourish the self appropriately. The
“engine” of the eating disorder is dismantled, and the
individual becomes more able to address the maladaptive habits
that characterise their eating behaviour. At this point, it
becomes critical that sufferers receive training in adaptive
living skills, including alternative coping strategies,
social/ interpersonal skills, and basic skills including food
shopping, cooking and budgeting. It is important that all
individuals are able to actively see and feel
the possibility of living without disordered eating.
The
staff at the International Eating Disorders Centre comprises a
multi-disciplinary team of professionals dedicated to the
Centre's philosophy. The team includes
