Counselling and Psychotherapy

Our Counselling and Psychotherapy Service offers a safe, supportive space where you can talk freely and without judgment.

What is Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Our Counselling and Psychotherapy service offers a safe, supportive space where you can talk freely and without judgment. We use a range of therapeutic approaches and understand the complexities of eating disorders—supporting both the emotional and physical aspects of recovery in a way that works for you.

How does Counselling and Psychotherapy work?

Support is delivered by our team of trained Specialist Support Officers, Counsellors and Psychotherapists, creating a safe, non-judgmental space to explore emotions, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and work towards recovery goals at your own pace.
Therapy at First Steps ED is not one-size-fits-all. Our team is trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, and we work with you to find the right method—or combination of methods—that suits your needs. These include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps you recognise and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, often using practical tasks between sessions.

  • Attachment Therapy – Explores how early life relationships affect emotional well-being and adult connections, with a focus on building security and self-esteem.

  • Person-Centred Therapy – A non-directive approach that puts you in control of your sessions, with your therapist acting as a compassionate guide.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy – Encourages self-awareness by exploring how past experiences influence present thoughts, behaviours, and relationships.

  • Humanistic Therapy – Aims to boost self-esteem and positive self-image by helping you explore your values, strengths, and personal growth.

  • Integrative Therapy – Combines different therapeutic styles to tailor support specifically to your individual goals and experiences.

Who is Counselling and Psychotherapy suitable for? 

This service is open to anyone aged  aged 16+ affected by eating disorders, disordered eating, or related mental health challenges.

I like that I could so the service online, it meant that I could make it every week and that I wouldn’t be unable to make it. I also think that this made me more comfortable as I was in the comfort of my own bedroom.

Service User , First Steps ED
Access to our services depends on your location—some areas are funded and free to access, while others are available through our highly subsidised Private Practice.
Private Practice session fees range from £25 to £70, depending on the type of Counsellor or Psychotherapist and the support required.

Sessions with both placement and qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists are available face-to-face or online, depending on location and what works best for you.

Compassionate
You don’t need a diagnosis or formal referral to access support—just a readiness to take the first step.
At First Steps ED, we have two types of Counsellors and Psychotherapists offering one-to-one therapy:
Placement Counsellors and Psychotherapists
These are trainee Counsellors or Psychotherapists who are currently working towards full qualification. They have received confirmation of their ability to complete their placement practice and are gaining practical experience through placements in clinical settings as part of their studies.
Qualified Counsellors and Psychotherapists
These are fully trained professionals with completed counselling qualifications and experience in supporting individuals with eating disorders and related challenges.
All of our Counsellors and Psychotherapists are highly trained, experienced, and passionate about delivering compassionate, person-centred care. They use a range of therapeutic approaches and understand the complexities of eating disorders—supporting both the emotional and physical aspects of recovery in a way that works for you.
Important:  Please note that First Steps ED services are for people with mild to moderate eating disorder and comorbid mental health issues. We do not provide a crisis or emergency service.  If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, please visit the NHS website , contact your GP or for immediate assistance call 999.

Next steps

If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, please submit a referral using the button below. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 1021685 or info@firststepsed.co.uk.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Referrals can either be made by yourself, by a parent/ carer, or professional support worker. After making a referral, we aim to make contact within 10 workings days.

Don’t worry if you’re not yet ready to work with us in a one-to-one setting, take a look at our online self-guided resource that you can work through in your own time.

“My Specialist Support Officer has been absolutely brilliant. He has been incredibly supportive and has helped me through some very testing times. He has given me multiple, useful, and sustainable strategies to help combat my eating disorder. I’d like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he has done for me.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“This service has made an incredible difference to my recovery. The management report that I received was fantastic, and it gave me a space to speak openly, honestly, and freely. Honestly, the experience has changed my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the support that I have received from First Steps.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I don’t find myself ruminating on things anymore, which is fantastic. Thank you for all of your help, I find myself going back to our conversations whenever I need to remind myself of what’s really important. You really helped me a lot and I feel my quality of life is so much better because of it, I’m confident you are doing the same for others too.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“It’s a valuable resource for support in a comfortable, non pressurising environment, giving me something to come away with, advice to think about and apply into practice.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“It made me realise that other people are experiencing the same as me which made me feel not alone and seeing others also try to recover motivated me to do the same.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I really like how people interact in the chat and I am able to relate to things other people are struggling with. It makes me feel less alone.”

Service User, First Steps ED

“I thoroughly enjoy the sessions and find them extremely helpful – it makes me feel less alone in all of this.”

Service User, First Steps ED
“It’s provided a constant reminder and push to keep being active in recovery and it makes me feel less alone when I’m struggling.”
Service User, First Steps ED