Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association
"serving those affected by eating disorders"

Low Cost

Counselling

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders - such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating - have many causes, including stress, painful issues and body image. An eating disorder is a serious emotional and physical problem. While the eating disorder may begin by the person focusing on food and weight, it is usually about much more than food.

A person suffering from an eating disorder, often uses food and the control of food to make up for feelings and emotions that are too painful to deal with. By concentrating on the food and overeating or not eating, the sufferer can avoid these painful issues. Eating disorders can be a way of being in control of the body and life in general. They can be a reaction to an event or events that go back many years.

In some cases body image can be the cause, and trying to live up to unrealistic images seen in the media. More females than males have an eating disorder, but males are under similar pressures and can also develop eating disorders.

How can counselling help?

Counselling gives you the opportunity to explore the issues underlying your eating disorder, to work through the distress and difficulties that these cause and to explore and manage how food is used to cope with them.

SWEDA’s Counselling Service.

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association has a low cost counselling service. Our counsellors are students in their 2nd or 3rd years of ‘Diploma in Counselling’ training. All counsellors receive regular supervision from within SWEDA together with support from their training colleges.

Who is it for?

Our counselling service is available for all those affected by eating disorders. You may be experiencing anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating; you may have recovered from your eating disorder yet feel the need for support or you may be a carer - a partner, relative or friend of someone with an eating disorder and feel that you need support for yourself.

What happens in sessions?

You will be offered an initial session which will give you the chance to talk and identify areas of your life, feelings and behaviour that you would like to work on. You can also find out more about counselling and what is involved and decide whether it is the best option for you at the present time. If you decide to go forward with counselling you will be offered 6 sessions to meet with your counsellor. They will encourage and support you in gradually working towards change.

You may wish to explore and work with uncomfortable feelings, consider options regarding behaviour, work on developing self-worth, look at difficult relationships or any other aspect of your life that is causing distress.

Sessions will be weekly and will run for an hour. Each time you complete a block of 6 sessions you will have the opportunity to look at the journey you have taken and decide with your counsellor whether to continue for a further 6 sessions or come to an ending.

What will it cost?

SWEDA operates a sliding scale of costs relative to your income; this will be discussed with you when you attend your initial session. Those on benefits will be offered a minimum fee.

There is a £20 charge for your initial session. You can spread some of the initial meeting costs over the first 6 week period if you wish.

What should I do next?

If you are interested in counselling or would like more information please contact us at SWEDA.

An application form for the Low Cost Counselling is available here:-

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You can contact SWEDA for information about eating disorders and the range of services offered (including: one-to-one support, self-help support and the telephone helpline) at :-

Strode House
10 Leigh Road
STREET
Somerset
BA16 0HA

Admin./Fax 01458 448611
email: admin@swedauk.org

www.swedauk.org

SWEDA’s telephone helpline, which is staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom have a personal experience of an eating disorder, can be reached on:-

01458 448600
an answerphone is available when the helpline is closed.


support@swedauk.org
Email support and MSN Messenger contact ID

SWEDA is a registered charity (No.1056441)
and a company limited by guarantee (No.3208772)