Support for parents and carers
We’re here for you too
Working together for recovery
Does your loved one have an eating disorder?
As eating disorders are often accompanied by feelings of shame and secrecy, it can be difficult to recognise when someone is struggling. Some signs can be:
They’re isolating themselves from friends or family
They have a preoccupation with food or eating
They’re fearful of gaining weight, or are pursuing weight loss through food restriction, exercise or purging
They may be very ritualistic with food, or have rigid routines
They’re exhibiting secretive behaviour, perhaps concealing things
They’re exhibiting low confidence, low self-esteem, or anxiety
They have a distorted perception of their body shape or weight
They’re not responding to hunger cues
They’re struggling with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or OCD
We know how terrifying it can be to become aware of symptoms that point to an eating disorder.
Witnessing a loved one, who was perhaps once so vibrant and free, now seeming distant and disconnected from their usual self is concerning. We are here to provide the support and care needed during this challenging time.
Get help today
This might be your first time reaching out for eating disorder treatment, or, you might feel like you’ve had lots of support before. Wherever you find yourself, we’ll meet you there.
Caring for someone is a unique and challenging role
Caring for someone with an eating disorder can be incredibly challenging, as it not only requires a lot from us, but also touches our own vulnerabilities and fears.
There can be a lot of tension as we witness those we love going through hardship, and at times we may feel powerless in helping them. We may notice feelings of grief, confusion, fear, or guilt, and this can negatively impact our relationships.
People talk of eating disorders as “family illnesses”, referring to the fact that the experience of the eating disorder is not just isolated to the individual with the diagnosis, but rather, impacts all family members in different ways.
We believe that involving parents and carers is incredibly helpful for recovery because the eating disorder exists outside of treatment, impacting areas of a person’s life. You have a unique opportunity here to support them.
“From our first meeting I knew my child would be in the safest hands. Orri gave my daughter the confidence and strength to face recovery. I will be forever grateful.”
– Parent
How we’ll support you
Family Therapy
Family therapy at Orri is a profound opportunity to reconnect, come together, and draw upon your unique strengths and values as a family. It offers a supportive space where each member can share their experiences and feelings through open and honest communication facilitated by an expert Family Therapist.
Individual Carer Psychotherapy
Our Individual Carer Psychotherapy sessions are confidential and safe spaces for you to explore your experience and your experience of your loved one’s eating disorder with a qualified and experienced Family or Systemic Therapist.
Parent & Carer Support Group
Our fortnightly support group offers education and practical guidance on how to support a loved one living with an eating disorder, whilst ensuring you are caring for yourself. The group discussion is based around themes that arise organically for attendees.
How we’ll support your loved one
Day Treatment
An intensive programme, working with our expert clinicians in our beautiful London clinic.
Outpatient Services
Specialist one-to-one therapy sessions with our expert clinicians.
Continued support in recovery
All clients are invited to join our free, monthly alumni group. This group is led by one of Orri’s expert clinicians and offers previous clients of Orri the opportunity to come together and receive support as they navigate life in recovery.
Orri is rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC which puts our treatment in the top 1% in the UK.
91% of our clients complete day treatment and are discharged to lower intensity services in recovery.
Our treatment leads to significant psychological improvements, with 76% of clients seeing a reduction in eating disorder symptoms.
Our day treatment can keep people out of hospital and receiving treatment in the community, with 38% of clients otherwise at risk of hospitalisation. This is significant as hospitalisation can isolate individuals from their families, expose individuals to challenging environments, and disconnect people from their life outside treatment.
Client satisfaction is high, with 98% of clients willing to recommend Orri to someone in need.
Both in-person and online programmes enable significant recovery improvements, with no difference in outcomes.
What you can do today
- Look for advice from a specialist eating disorder professional.
- Educate yourself and the rest of the family on eating disorders and the fact that they are not just about food, but are often rooted in emotional distress.
- If you have a history of an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns, seeking help or support for yourself.
- Seek support if you are struggling to parent or care for your loved one.
- Talk with the other family members about how you can work together and speak in a unified, supportive voice.
- Pick a time to talk when emotions aren’t running high. Where possible, avoid focusing on food or the symptomatic aspects of the eating disorder. Focus on the emotions.
- Research and evaluate treatment options. As yourself which approach feels comfortable and in line with your values.
- Consider support for siblings who can also be impacted.
- Communicate with your loved one’s treatment team. Share your concerns and observations at home.
- Find a community of people in a similar situation to you and seek their support.
- Last but not least: do not neglect your own self-care. Making time for yourself and modeling self-care as a behaviour can actually assist with recovery.
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