Struggling with eating difficulties or an eating disorder, whether diagnosed or not, can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone, and charities like First Steps ED are here to help you through your journey with compassionate, expert support tailored to your unique needs.

How First Steps ED can support you

We offer a range of individual and group support, accessible online or in-person, either peer-led or clinically led. We also provide support to your family, friends and others who will be helping you on your recovery journey.

Getting support for eating disorders isn’t like the treatment you receive for medical conditions – there aren’t set treatment pathways or specific medicines that go with certain disorders. No one set treatment works for all people struggling with eating difficulties or disorders, and that’s why it is so important to us to understand what works best for you.

We know – from experience and research – that someone’s life experiences, culture and beliefs all determine which type of therapy will be most successful for them. That’s why it’s important that we offer a range of support options, all evidence-based, and that we fully assess people seeking support to advise on the best approach for them.

The support we offer includes:

Peer support groups

Eating disorders can feel very isolating, and so for many people, connecting with others who truly understand what you’re experiencing is a crucial part of recovery. First Steps ED offers both in-person and online peer support groups where you can share your experiences in a safe space, learn tools and techniques to help manage your eating difficulties and set realistic goals together.

These groups are led by trained facilitators who have been where you are now and have been trained specifically to support others on their recovery journey.

One-to-one specialist support

Sometimes, you might prefer speaking with someone individually. First Steps ED offers personalised one-to-one sessions where you can discuss your concerns privately with a support worker who understands eating disorders and can help you develop coping strategies for your specific situation.

These sessions are delivered by support workers who have all had accredited training in eating disorders, some of whom hold additional qualifications in counselling, psychotherapy, or related fields.

Family support

Eating disorders are complex, and therefore, your loved ones want to help but might not know how. First Steps ED provides family-based support workshops to help your support network understand eating disorders better and learn effective ways to support your recovery while taking care of their own wellbeing – evidence shows that having family support can play an important role in helping a loved one during their recovery, so this is a crucial part of the support we offer.

These are led by family support specialists who have training in family systems approaches and eating disorder recovery principles.

Nutritional guidance

Rebuilding your relationship with food is a vital part of recovery. First Steps ED’s qualified nutritionists specialise in helping people with eating disorders develop a healthier approach to nutrition without triggering harmful thoughts or behaviours.

These professionals hold relevant degrees and registrations with professional bodies such as the British Dietetic Association.

Psychoeducation and Skills workshops

Learning practical skills to manage difficult emotions and situations is essential. Through various workshops, you’ll increase your understanding of eating difficulties and disorders, develop tools to cope with challenges that arise during your recovery journey.

These are facilitated by qualified therapists and support workers with expertise in specific therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, or mindfulness.

How we make a recommendation on the best support for you

Everyone who is referred to us goes through this assessment process so we can recommend the best approach for you:

1. Making Contact: You can reach out directly yourself, or your doctor can refer you. The initial contact is simple – just a form or phone call.
2. First Conversation: A friendly staff member will call you for a brief chat about what’s going on and how you’re feeling. This is just to understand your immediate needs.
3. Your Assessment: You’ll then have a more in-depth conversation (either in person or virtually) with an eating disorder specialist. They’ll talk with you about your experiences, thoughts around food and body image, how you’re feeling physically and emotionally, and what you hope to gain from support. This usually takes about an hour.
4. Creating Your Support Plan: Based on your conversation, they’ll suggest which types of support might benefit you most. This isn’t one-size-fits-all – it’s completely personalised to what you need.
5. Beginning Support: You’ll be introduced to the appropriate team members who will support you. All the professionals you’ll meet – whether therapists, nutritionists, or support workers – have specific training in eating disorders and understand the complexities of what you’re going through.
6. Ongoing Journey: As you progress, your support will adapt. You’ll have regular check-ins to ensure the support continues to meet your changing needs.

The people supporting you

Your support team will have the right training and qualifications to deliver the service you are receiving – some support requires degree-level qualifications, and for other types, personal experience with eating disorders combined with training allows them to deliver high-quality, tailored support.

When you are offered support, you will be told about the person you will be working with and their qualifications. As a guide, here are the sorts of qualifications you might be told about – all our staff will receive specialised training in eating disorder interventions.

Support workers

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field

Therapists and counsellors

• Qualifications: Master’s level qualification in counselling or psychotherapy
• Accreditation: Registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent professional body
• Experience: Minimum of two years working with eating disorder clients

Dietitians and nutritionists

• Qualifications: Degree in dietetics or nutrition, registered with the appropriate professional bodies

Peer Support Facilitators

• Lived experience: Personal recovery journey from an eating disorder, with regular support and guidance from clinical staff
• Training: Comprehensive peer support facilitation training

Remember, recovery isn’t linear, and First Steps ED understands this. Whatever challenges arise along your journey, their team is equipped to adapt your support and help you move forward at your own pace.