Questions about Occupational Therapy and eating disorders

Most people associate occupational therapy with physical rehabilitation, so it is a fair question. In the context of eating disorders, OT focuses on the impact the illness has on everyday life, such as daily routines, sleep, energy, work or study, social activities, and the ability to do the things that matter to you.

Eating disorders do not just affect eating. They affect how someone spends their time, what they feel able to do, and how connected they feel to their own life. That is exactly where OT comes in.

Psychology tends to focus on thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Dietetics focuses on nutrition and eating. Occupational therapy focuses on function, what you are able to do day to day, and what is getting in the way of living the life you want to.

The three approaches are complementary, and many people find OT fills a gap that other therapies do not directly address. You do not need to choose between them; OT can work alongside any other support you are receiving.

Yes. Occupational therapy has a well-established evidence base in eating disorder treatment, particularly in inpatient and community settings. It is recommended within NICE guidelines as part of a multidisciplinary approach to eating disorder care.

No. You can contact me directly; there is no GP referral or waiting list. Simply book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will go from there.

All sessions are held online via secure video call, which means I can work with clients across the whole of the UK. Online working has been shown to be just as effective as in-person for OT consultations, and many clients find it easier to engage from the comfort of their own home.

The first session is a full occupational therapy assessment, lasting between 90 and 120 minutes. We will explore how the eating disorder is affecting your daily life, your routines, your ability to engage in meaningful activities, and what your goals are.

At the end of the assessment I will share my thoughts and recommendations, and you will receive a written summary by email within a few days.

This varies depending on what you are coming for and where you are in your recovery. Most people have between 6 and 12 sessions, typically fortnightly. We always review together at the end of an agreed period, usually three months, so there is no open-ended commitment.

I will give you my honest recommendation after the initial assessment.

Absolutely. Some people find the initial assessment alone enormously helpful as it provides clarity, a formulation, and a written plan they can use independently or share with their wider care team. There is no obligation to continue beyond that.