Our blog.
Authenticity is a core part of Orri’s philosophy. Our blog is a place to share news and updates on Orri, but most importantly, discuss important topics in relation to eating disorders and recovery.
October’s theme: Resilience in recovery – growth and “letting go”
4 things to remember before heading off to university
It's completely normal to struggle during the transition to university. If you're not having a good time "all the time", that is okay! You're not a failure, it just takes time to settle in. Here are 4 things to consider as you prepare for student life in recovery.
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Managing and coping with transitions
Experiencing transitions - or change - can bring about challenges or dilemmas that have the potential to overwhelm us and our ability to cope. Here are our top tips for managing and coping with transitions.
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‘Anorexia’ – poem by our Guest Blogger
Our latest Guest Blogger shares her experience of her illness through a poem, "I am learning that shame and secrecy only allow it more control and that being more open takes away some of its power."
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Helping your child through the transition to university
Transitions have the capacity to illuminate our vulnerabilities, but within that, our opportunities. Here's our tips for parents supporting a child in the transition to university.
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Your checklist for university
A big part of recovery involves holding yourself accountable to your goals and taking proactive steps towards creating an environment that fosters your recovery. Here's a checklist for you to consider ahead of the move to university.
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Moving to university with an eating disorder – Guest Blogger
Our latest Guest Blogger shares her advice for making the transition to university and prioritising recovery, “Recovery is a mindset, and it’s possible to cultivate it wherever you are.”
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Our Dietitian’s tips for recovering at university
Moving to university can be a challenging time because it’s full of change and new experiences. Our Senior Dietitian, Paula, takes us through her top tips for keeping recovery the priority whilst settling into student life.
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When the work begins…
Our founder and CEO, Kerrie, shares her thoughts about joining an online recovery community.
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Your questions answered about online treatment
We asked our Instagram followers for their questions about online treatment.
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Common fears about online treatment
It’s normal to be apprehensive about treatment for an eating disorder. You’re asking yourself to be incredibly brave in the face of many unknowns and to hold on tight to that small voice inside that knows you deserve better. Here we respond to the common fears around accessing treatment online.
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Preparing for a day online
Our online day treatment meets clients where they are in their lives, and helps them to break free from their eating disorder. Here's how to prepare for your first day.
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Recovery is not what you expect it to be
What do you think recovery is? If you're unsure, this blog is for you.
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Coping with body image pressures in recovery
We know that a lot of people can feel an unprecedented amount of pressure during the summer months. Here, we share our top tips for coping with body image pressures and socialising during the summer months.
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Navigating expectations in eating disorder recovery
Eating disorder recovery is full of questions: how did I get here? What is recovery? When will I recover? Here, we discuss the value of having expectations for recovery, but also the importance of staying compassionate and pacing ourselves along the journey.
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Our Senior Occupational Therapist on navigating the emotions that come with exam results
We know that people living with eating disorders can feel enormous pressure around exams, and that receiving results can be a trigger for intensifying eating disorder behaviours. Our Senior Occupational Therapist discusses the emotions that can arise, and how you can mindfully acknowledge your feelings whilst maintaining eating disorder recovery.
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4 Ways to Process Exam Results
Whilst the exams are over and done with and we cannot control the outcome, we can control how we approach results day and how we process the results themselves.
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Meet the therapist: Linda Swanepoel
Linda joined the clinical team a couple of months ago, whilst still residing in South Africa. With 40 year's experience under her belt, she shares what drew her to work in the mental health field and also what led her to work in Orri's specialist (and unique) eating disorder treatment.
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Eating disorder: Friend or Foe? – Guest Blogger
Our Guest Blogger shares her experience of recognising how the eating disorder was holding her back in life and love.
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Our Senior Psychotherapist on intimacy and eating disorders
Our Senior Psychotherapist, Romy, talks to us about sex, intimacy and relationships, and discusses how we support clients with these themes in treatment.
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A recap of our webinar on Sex, Intimacy and Relationships – Guest Blogger
Our latest Guest Blogger, Ileana, shares a roundup of our recent webinar on Sex, Intimacy and Relationships in Eating Disorder Recovery.
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How your attachment style shows up in sex and intimacy
Throughout July we’re talking about Sex, Intimacy and Relationships in eating disorder recovery. Here, we look at John Bowlby’s attachment styles, and discuss how each attachment style can show up in sexual relationships.
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Our client’s experience of intimacy and relationships in recovery
Our alumni client shares her experience of intimacy and relationships in recovery from an eating disorder, demonstrating how recovery is so much more than improving your relationship to food, and in fact reaches into all areas of our lives.
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Setting boundaries in relationships
Boundaries are what we set so that we don't reach our limit. Here, we talk about the importance of boundaries in relationships, and what people living with eating disorders can do to implement them.
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How eating disorders impact relationships
This month we’re talking about Sex, Intimacy and Relationships in Recovery. As social animals, we are all impacted by these things, yet for various reasons the topics are rarely discussed in treatment settings. Here, we look at how eating disorders impact relationships.
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Meet the Eating Disorder Associate: Jemina Nkwocha
Jemina joined the team as one of Orri’s Eating Disorder Associates. Her past experience working in inpatient settings, along with her passion for supporting those living with eating disorders, makes her a fantastic addition to the team. Read on to learn more about her role at Orri.
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Orri’s Kitchen: Yoghurt Cake Recipe
On the look-out for a homemade summery snack? Our chef, Ben, shares one of his favourite recipes that he learnt whilst skiing! Not a pro baker? No fear, according to Ben this is impossible to mess up…
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Keeping motivated in recovery – Guest Blogger
"They say patience is a virtue and you certainly need it in spades during eating disorder recovery." Our latest Guest Blogger shares their thoughts around keeping motivated in recovery.
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Dietetics and eating disorder recovery
For #DietitiansWeek this year, Orri’s senior clinicians came together to discuss how to heal our relationship to food in eating disorder recovery. Here’s a recap of what was discussed.
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How to break the cycle of binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder can be extremely distressing and is characterised by eating a larger amount of food than normal in a short space of time. Here, our Senior Dietitian, Paula, shares her tips for breaking the cycle of bingeing.
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Our tips for handling mealtimes this summer
Summer is finally here, and with the weather warming up, it's likely you'll find yourself at some sort of picnic or BBQ. Whatever the setting, mealtimes in recovery can be hard. Here are our tips for navigating summer socials.
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Men get eating disorders too.
The myth that “men don’t get eating disorders” is harmful and outdated. Here are our thoughts for Men's Health Week.
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Meet the therapist: Eve Jones
Eve is an Art Psychotherapist and recently joined the team, bringing with her a splash of colour for our treatment programmes. Read on to hear more about her role and how she supports people in recovery from eating disorders.
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Eating disorders do not discriminate
June is Pride Month. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges that put them at greater risk of developing an eating disorder.
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Coping with the exam and assessment period
The exam and assessment period is often a time of high anxiety. Pressure to revise and to ‘do well’ can exacerbate symptoms of an eating disorder as we attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions and uncertainty. Here are our thoughts.
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Food and recovery with Orri – all you need to know
We know just how daunting it can be to consider treatment for an eating disorder. Our CEO and founder, Kerrie, shares all you need to know about food and recovery at Orri. Together, we take things step by step and at your pace.
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Breaking the cycle of bulimia
Throughout the month of June we’re talking about food and recovery. Today we’re talking about bulimia, and specifically about how to break out of the cycle of bingeing and purging that many find themselves in.
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Meet the Consultant Family Therapist: Karen Carberry
Karen is Orri’s Consultant Family Therapist and has been with the team since day one! We sat her down to learn more about her role and specialist work with our clients.
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Meet the Eating Disorder Associate: Haley Justice
Haley is one of Orri’s Eating Disorder Associates (EDAs) and has been part of the team since Orri reopened its in person service in April. We sat her down to learn more about her role and interest in supporting those living with eating disorders…
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A mindful moment with our Yoga and Body Awareness Therapist
Do you have 9 minutes to spare? Our Yoga and Body Awareness Therapist, Pippa, guides us through a mindful practice and shares how mindfulness can support eating disorder recovery.
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Mindfulness – where to start?
People often come to the practice of mindfulness in response to the realisation that they may not be engaging fully in the present, or having experienced their emotions as overwhelming and sudden. You may be wondering, where do I start?
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3 ways we use mindfulness at Orri
Throughout the month of May we’re reflecting on the use of mindfulness as a tool for eating disorder recovery. Here are 3 ways we use mindfulness in treatment.
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Connect with nature
It's Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is #ConnectWithNature. Here are our thoughts...
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What is mindfulness and how does it support recovery?
The path of recovery asks us to become aware of our internal experience; our thoughts, our beliefs, our emotions and how these inform our actions, behaviours and relationships.
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Black Out, a poem by our client
Forging a space for creative expression is a huge part of our therapeutic approach at Orri. Here, one of our clients kindly shares a poem she wrote and brought to a group therapy session.
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“Braving love and hope…” a poem by our client
Poetry “forces us to confront our innermost thoughts and feelings…it provides a comfortable format to be able to share them with others”. Today, we share a poem written by one of our clients for a group therapy session with Senior Occupational Therapist, Kendra.
read moreMeet the Chef: Ben
Chef Ben joined the team just a few weeks ago, yet he's already stirred much enthusiasm in the kitchen! We sat him down to discover the inspiration behind the apron. Today, he shares his Asian inspiration, near-dessert disasters, and offers a glimpse into how he works with our Senior Dietitian, Paula.
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Maternal mental health
Maternal mental health has traditionally been a challenging area to approach, as it is often surrounded by silence and a reluctance for exploration. People can feel very uncertain about what to say and how to approach it. Here are our thoughts for Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week...
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Coping with socialising and social eating
Lockdown has ended and life is beginning to return to “normal”. But for those living with eating disorders, “normal” might feel pretty daunting. Especially with the promise of pubs and restaurants reopening and the return of social eating. We spoke to our Senior Occupational Therapist, Kendra, for her top tips.
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What is MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults)?
MANTRA stands for the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults and is one of the modalities we use at Orri to support our clients with their eating disorder recovery. Click here for a deep-dive into the approach.
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Surviving 27, by our client
Our client shares a poem she wrote for her 27th birthday, "My body is now stronger, I am starting to find my voice."
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BBC Five Live Interview: Kerrie Jones and Naga Munchetty
Following the tragic and untimely death of Nikki Grahame, Kerrie Jones, CEO & Founder, spoke with Naga Munchetty from BBC Radio 5 Live about the impact of lockdown on eating disorders, and how to support loved ones who are struggling.
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4 ways to keep your recovery on track now lockdown has ended
We’re gradually dipping our toe back into a semblance of “normality” here in England. But what if you found lockdown life actually peaceful and helpful for your recovery? What if the prospect of returning to “normality” is really daunting?
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Lockdown has ended, but you don’t have to engage with negative talk around food
As is often the case with milestones in the year, sadly there has been a lot of negative talk around food in light of lockdown ending. We spoke to our Senior Occupational Therapist about how to cope with negative food talk whilst in recovery.
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#RecoveringTogether and reopening
No one should have to recover from their eating disorder alone. As we prepare the building for Monday’s reopening, we’ll be shining a light on how we have been – and always will be – #RecoveringTogether.
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“How to save a life” from our client
A client shares her heart-warming experience of Orri's online treatment programme, "The approach everyone takes is so different to any other treatment I have had before."
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When does exercise become an addiction?
It can be difficult to spot a harmful relationship to exercise as our culture celebrates activities that are perceived to be contributing to our health and wellbeing. If we’re unable to spot the intention beneath the activity, as well as how it may be negatively impacting areas of a person’s life, important opportunities for intervention can be missed.
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Treatment that keeps you safe after lockdown
The pandemic challenged so many aspects of our safety. With lockdown ending, the world is gradually dipping its toe back into “normal” waters. Feeling “safe” in these waters is so important from a psychological perspective. Here's how Orri will keep you safe in treatment...
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Online or in person treatment?
Our London centre is opening its doors once more on Monday 12th April. Our online treatment, first launched during the first lockdown, will remain alongside. You may be wondering, which treatment is better suited for me? This blog post looks into each one a little deeper!
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Dealing with negative body image and lockdown ending
If you're struggling with the idea of being seen again once lockdown ends, here are some things we want you to know and some tips from our Senior Occupational Therapist, Kendra...
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What is group therapy and how does it work?
Group therapy is a daunting prospect. Sitting around in a room filled with (initially) strangers and sharing your feelings? That takes courage! So what is it and how does it work? We sat our Senior Psychotherapist, Romy, down to learn more...
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Body, a poem by our client
Our client shares a poem she wrote about her relationship to her body during recovery from anorexia. We hope that when you read this you know that you are not alone. There is hope that things can and will get better.
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Meet the Admissions Assistant: Tanya Bhayani
Tanya is Orri's Admissions Assistant and joined the team in 2021. She's already made a huge impact on our clients.
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Meet the Registered Mental Health Nurse: Victoria Hall
Getting to know Orri's Registered Mental Health Nurse, Victoria. Here, she shares her inspiration for her role and what destiny had in store for her career.
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Reflections on Eating Disorders Awareness Week
We were in awe watching the response to Eating Disorders Awareness Week this year. So many safe spaces were carved out to facilitate important discussions, and in the process, highlighted key themes around treatment and recovery that we endeavour to explore further as part of our outreach work at Orri.
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“Somewhere” – a poem by our client
A poem written by one of our clients.
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Break Up Letter: inspiration from our client
Our brave client's break up letter to her eating disorder.
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Mindfully approaching cravings in recovery from Binge Eating Disorder
Our Psychotherapist, Justine, shares her thoughts around mindfully managing cravings when in recovery from Binge Eating Disorder.
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The Not so Hungry Caterpillar – Guest Blogger
Our latest Guest Blogger reflects on her journey of recovery, demonstrating the immense power of being brave and asking someone if they’re ok, “I don’t see myself as having lost 40 years of my life, I feel privileged that I have now been recovered for 5 years and they’ve been great!”.
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Our Consultant Family Therapist’s Recommended Reading for the BAME Community
For Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Karen and Kerrie hosted a webinar with the co-editors of the new book, Treating Black Women with Eating Disorders, A Clinician’s Guide. Here are Karen's recommended readings for the BAME community, as shared during the webinar.
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A workbook for Binge Eating Disorder
For Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we're sharing our top tips for breaking out of the cycle of binge eating disorder.
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“I have the tools I need to carry on in my recovery.”
For Eating Disorders Awareness Week, we spoke to our client, Richard, about his journey with binge eating disorder and starting his recovery journey at Orri.
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Treating black women with eating disorders
For Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the co-editors of the groundbreaking new book, Treating Black Women with Eating Disorders: A Clinicians Guide, share their reasons for coming together to write the book. "Our hope is that it will encourage increased cultural sensitivity training, further collaboration, research and education for an underrepresented population."
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Redefining your relationship to food when suffering from Binge Eating Disorder
For our Senior Dietitian, Paula, thinking about food differently and redefining our relationship with food is an essential piece of work in recovery from Binge Eating Disorder. Here are some ways she supports our clients in treatment.
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Binge eating disorder myths and misconceptions
It's Eating Disorders Awareness Week and this week we're shining a spotlight on binge eating disorder. We spoke to our Psychotherapist, Lauren, about the myths and misconceptions around the illness that can prevent people from accessing support.
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The emotional experience of having and recovering from an eating disorder – Guest Blogger
Ileana is a Psychology Master’s student at the University of Bristol. Here, she reflects on the emotional experience of anorexia and how far she has journeyed in her recovery.
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Meet the therapist: Lauren Aron
Lauren is a Psychotherapist with Orri and joined the team in January this year. We've asked her about her approach and role within Orri!
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Our Yoga and Body Awareness Therapist on making friends with your emotions
This month we are talking about the emotional experience of having - and recovering from - an eating disorder. In this blog, Orri's Yoga and Body Awareness Therapist, Pippa, shares her wisdom around making friends with your emotions.
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“To anyone with an eating disorder, remember you can recover.”
This month we are talking about the emotional experience of having - and recovering from - an eating disorder. In this blog, one of our clients generously shares her experience of her eating disorder and recovery within treatment.
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Our Senior Psychologist on why emotions are important
This month we are talking about the emotional experience of having - and recovering from - an eating disorder. In this blog, Orri’s Senior Eating Disorder Psychologist, Katie, shares her thoughts on why emotions are important.
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Understanding emotions and feelings
This month we are talking about the emotional experience of having - and recovering from - an eating disorder. In this blog, we are going to look at how emotions and feelings work and relate that to the emotional experience of an eating disorder.
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How do I start recovery when I’m not ready?
The truth is that there’ll never feel like a “right time” to recover - there’ll always be a number of excuses for why you could stay in the same situation, and the “voice” of the eating disorder might rail against any suggestion of help and support. But choosing recovery is the right thing to do.
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“Recovery is possible, I am in recovery, and I am so worth it.”
Our client shares her experiencing of finding freedom with recovery, "As the time draws near for me to finish treatment with Orri, I thought what better time than now to write a farewell blog about finding Hope, finding Belief and finding my Freedom."
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Transitions and recovery with Orri
As Eating Disorder Specialists, we recognise the impact that transitions can have on our clients and respond to those experiences through treatment. Our “stepped approach” allows clients to transition through the programme, starting with more intensive treatment in the beginning, and then gradually “stepping down” to less support as they progress in their recovery.
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“It’s worth it, because amidst the struggles good things happen too”
Our client shares her thoughts about finding hope and resilience amidst the pandemic. "One day I will, we will, recognise the unsteadiness of the ground under our feet and still stand strong, hold hope, keep going. That is resilience."
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“I came to you as a real lost soul”
Our client shares a poem about her recovery with Orri. We are consistently moved and touched by the creativity and kindness of our clients. They really are what makes Orri what it is – a safe, warm and welcoming space for eating disorder recovery.
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3 things we ask you in an assessment
We know that it’s a brave and courageous decision to reach out for help with an eating disorder. There can be a lot of fear associated with the thought of letting go of something that, ultimately, helps to you to feel safe and in control of your day-to-day life. Here's how we approach assessments at Orri.
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“In short, Orri has given me my life back”
"Before Orri I was just existing in survival mode, now with their help, support and guidance I am now living in recovery and I can finally see a life without my ED." Our client shares her experience in Orri's online treatment.
read moreA note from Kerrie: welcoming the new year
I wanted to take a moment to reach out to our community here in the middle of what has been another unpredictable month and entry into 2021. If there was ever a test of our ability to ride the waves, and be in the moment, I would say we are all collectively living it.
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Setting Intentions For Eating Disorder Recovery
The third Monday of January has been nicknamed Blue Monday because it’s supposedly the most depressing day of the year. Today we’re sharing our top tip for dealing with difficult Mondays: setting intentions.
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Therapist’s tips for helping someone you love through a transition
When our world changes considerably, be it through the experience of the pandemic or entering a new chapter in life such as university, we can experience a feeling of great loss or fracture.
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Our Occupational Therapist’s tips for managing transitions
Our Senior Occupational Therapist shares her thoughts around how transitions impact people suffering with eating disorders, as well as her top tips for managing them.
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Why Orri is different
As a social impact-led business, we exist to make tangible change in the eating disorder community. This means that we prioritise work that consciously serves the community, and solves a community need.
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“My first experience of Orri was one of nervous relief”
Our client kindly shares her experience of eating disorder recovery with Orri. "My first experience of Orri was one of nervous relief. I had never encountered people who sincerely wanted to know ME and what I wanted from treatment, and ultimately, my life..."
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The Guesthouse – a poem
This beautiful poem about welcoming our full, emotional experience as human beings was shared by one of the Orri team members. We hope that you enjoy it.
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A Poem for Recovery This Christmas – Guest Blogger
Lizzie, an expert by experience and friend of Orri, shared a poem a wrote with our clients for Christmas.
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Creating and holding boundaries over Christmas
What are boundaries and why are they important in eating disorder recovery, and particularly at Christmas time?
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6 ways to boost your mental health this Christmas
Over the weekend we received some difficult news about Christmas. A holiday that is all about coming together no longer has that emphasis and many are understandably struggling with the adjustment. If you’re feeling a little (or a lot) exhausted and beaten down by this year, here are 6 ways to improve your mental health.
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Orri’s Response: Fifth of women in England may have an eating disorder (The Times)
There’s been a sharp intake of breath in response to the recent data from the Health Survey for England 2019 Eating Disorders report. As eating disorder specialists, we’ve known that there are many more people suffering with eating disorders than usually reported. Yet, it is still staggering to learn that it’s a fifth of women and 13% of men in the UK who could test positive for an eating disorder.
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Coping with the Festive Season: Tips from our Social Media Community
The holidays are almost upon us, and whilst many people are eager to celebrate, we are aware that some people - particularly those living with eating disorders - can struggle at this time of year. We asked our Instagram followers for their tips for coping with Christmas and the festive season...
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“Where words fail, music speaks” – A Playlist for Hope
As the quote goes, “music can heal wounds that medicine cannot touch” – music is a medicine in and of itself. As we entered the second lockdown, our clients came together to share songs of hope, and now you can hear it too.
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Coping with Triggering Conversations in Recovery – Guest Blogger
The holidays can be a difficult time of year for people suffering with an eating disorder. An emphasis on reconnecting with loved ones can mean that we see family members or friends we haven’t seen in a while…and this can bring up a lot for someone in recovery. Our latest Guest Blogger shares their tips for coping with triggering conversations...
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Am I holding onto anger?
As the saying goes “if you’re not speaking it, you’re storing it - and that gets heavy”, not expressing our true feelings can cause a multitude of issues. These include: not knowing how to communicate our values and needs, a feeling of bitterness, anger that can manifest through depression, anxiety and, most importantly for this audience, ‘acting out’.
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Winter and the Second Lockdown: Turning Inwards, Finding Hope – Guest Blogger
Ileana is a Psychology Master’s student at the University of Bristol. Here, she reflects on entering the second lockdown during the winter season, considering how we might take steps forward in recovery by 'turning inward' like nature during the season of hibernation.
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Orri’s Response: Anorexia: How the eating disorder took the lives of five women (BBC News)
A mother, an Olympic hopeful, a medical student, a waitress and a writer. In a recent article, BBC News asked: "What do the lives and deaths of five women tell us about how anorexia is managed and treated?" This is Orri's response to their article.
read moreOur Psychologist’s Recommendations for the Second Lockdown
Dr Katie Kalinowski is Orri’s Clinical Psychologist. As we enter our second lockdown, here are her 3 tips for keeping recovery on track. "You are allowed to look after your wellbeing even if it doesn’t feel like you’re earning it.”
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Moving online for the second lockdown
The decision to move online was not an easy one, and we are very aware of the implications the first lockdown had on the wider eating disorder community. However, preserving the safety of our clients has always been at the heart of Orri’s approach.
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How does your body experience stress?
When we talk about stress, we have to talk about the nervous system. Initially, it was understood that there were two parts of the nervous system: the para-sympathetic and the sympathetic, however an update to our understanding of the nervous system introduced the poly-vagal theory with the introduction of a third strand of the nervous system. Here’s how stress plays a role in poly-vagal theory...
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6 ways to create a routine for winter
We're writing to you today on a crisp, grey afternoon, where the autumn season feels more and more like winter. Does it feel like this for you, too? When seasons change, our routine changes. Just as the trees let go of their leaves in order to turn inward and conserve energy, we may let go of activities that we no longer have the - mental or physical - energy for, in order to rest and restore in winter months.
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Orri’s Kitchen: Ooky-Spooky Cookie Recipe
Halloween parties may be off the cards, but we can still celebrate with baked goods! Michael, Orri's superb Head Chef, shares an Ooky-Spooky Cookie recipe for the Halloween weekend.
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Recovery inspiration from our clients
Perhaps people have told you that recovery isn’t possible, or, that recovery is years and years and years away…we don’t blame you if that mindset has made you feel disempowered and discouraged (we would feel this way to). We believe that recovery is possible, particularly because we see it happen every day at Orri...
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Black History Month: Eating Disorders and Body Image
Orri's Consultant Family Therapist, Karen Carberry, shares her thoughts for Black History Month "...we are reminded that eating disorders occur across race, cultures and genders, and therefore when treating Black people in this field - who are an underrepresented group in our services - inclusivity of body images and representation across client, staff groups, and educational literature is key to enhance self-worth."
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Meet the Eating Disorder Associate: Alice Pegram
Alice is one of Orri's Eating Disorder Associates and joined the team in September upon the reopening of our face-to-face service in London! We sat her down to learn more about her role and interest in treating eating disorders...
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Menopause and Eating Disorders
Today is World Menopause Day and we are taking the day to reflect on eating disorders and menopause. At Orri, part of our social impact initiative is to raise awareness of the multitude of ways people can experience having an eating disorder. In this way, we attempt to tackle the stigma and stereotypes that surround the illness...
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Reflections on World Mental Health Day
This weekend we celebrated World Mental Health Day, reflecting on how, in light of the pandemic, mental health has been an urgent and consistent talking point over the past 6-7 months.
read moreOur Senior Dietitian’s Tips for University
We’re going through unprecedented, uncertain times. When suffering with an eating disorder, often during uncertain times we can search for certainty in things such as food, our weight or body shape. Paula is our Senior Dietitian at Orri. Here, she shares her top tips for how to keep your recovery on track whilst making the transition to university.
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Student Tips from the Orri Team
Our Eating Disorder Associates share their mental health tips for new or returning university students - or for anyone else going through a pivotal change or transition right now! We hope these words of support help you navigate your new chapters, safely, and with the reminder that you really are not alone.
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Contemplating Recovery: the stages of change
We know that people who reach out for eating disorder treatment have often thought about the decision a lot. In fact, a whole lot of recovery work takes place before even entering treatment as it takes a lot of courage to admit that there’s a problem and then to take steps towards reaching out...
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“I’m not ill enough for treatment….”
We know that a lot of people are contemplating recovery right now, and the question of being “ill enough” for treatment is something that many people contend with during this time...
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Meet The Marketing Team: Antalia
Introducing our amazing Marketing Assistant, Antalia, who joined the team during lockdown and has fast become part of the furniture!
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Shaping peace together through compassion, kindness and hope
Today we’re thinking about the importance of compassion, kindness and hope in the face of Covid-19.
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Handling mealtimes as a student.
We are right in the midst of student season. As we type, people are moving away or establishing themselves in an odd, virtual student world that no one quite knows how to navigate. With new environments and new schedules, comes new routines. For those in recovery from an eating disorder, routines are really important as they help individuals feel safe and secure in day-to-day life...
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Heading to university? This blog is for you.
The transition from school to university can be a difficult time. It typically comes at a point in life when many individuals are at a higher risk of developing a mental illness, such as an eating disorder, and the integration of new environments, routines and people can have a significant impact on our resilience. “Yes, you’re learning the subject matter for your degree, but you’re also learning about who you are.”
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5 Ways to Keep Your Recovery on Track
We hold onto the hope that someone doesn't have to "learn to live with" their eating disorder. We believe that with the right type and amount of support, and with dedication and commitment to the work of recovery, everyone can learn to live without the eating disorder. Keeping your recovery on track involves a few small - but really important - things...
read moreA note from Kerrie: Welcoming you back to Orri
"Today I sit, once again at my laptop, 6 months on, older and wiser (naturally!), and I am humbled, excited and relieved to be able to say that we are looking forward to welcoming you all to Orri this week." Kerrie shares her thoughts on reopening our London clinic.
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Should we ask about suicide? – Guest Blogger
Alice Newton-Leeming, Director of Mental Health Learning and Silver Trainer in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), discusses why we should, in fact, talk about suicide.
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My Experience With Suicidal Thoughts – Guest Blogger
"I thought I wanted it to work, I thought I wanted to die. What I didn’t realise at the time, was that yes - I did want to be alive, but no - I didn’t want to be alive living in my current state. I didn’t want to end my life, I wanted to end my suffering." Expert by experience and Orri Guest Speaker, Lizzie, shares her experience of suicide in eating disorder recovery.
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World Suicide Prevention Day: working together to prevent suicide
In this blog we’re doing something that many people struggle with…talking about suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is a day that provides an opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. We recognise that this may be difficult for some of our readers, so we are going to ask you to exercise your self-care in deciding if this is the right time for you to be reading this...
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Welcoming autumn, the season of letting things go
For many, spring represents birth and renewal; as we watch bulbs become daffodils and lambs lark in the fields. Summer symbolises freedom and youth, with long, light evenings full of opportunity and hours of warmth. Autumn, therefore, can represent adulthood and maturity, a time for reflection and letting go of what doesn’t serves us...
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For those difficult days…why recovery is worth it.
We know that it can be hard to hold onto hope in eating disorder recovery. It can be a long journey, made up of cumulative small steps forward, and some days are tougher than others. However, somehow you keep going, knowing that with a new day comes another chance to take back your life from the eating disorder.
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Checking In: Grounding Exercises for Uncertainty and Fear
Recently, we asked our Instagram community what was going on for them and, interestingly, most responded with fears around eating too much, gaining weight, constantly snacking or worries about bingeing. Collectively, we’re in a really transitional and uncertain period right now. Having a tolerance for uncertainty and learning to keep grounded during transitional periods is a skill that can be learnt...
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Exams and results: taking steps to tolerating difficult emotions
However your results go today, keep in mind that it’s perspective and resilience for what comes at us in life is what matters. Both of these things we have control over.
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Choosing a life without an eating disorder meant confronting why I needed it in the first place – Guest Blogger
"Life is supposed to be a journey from one happy event to the next, right? The glossy side of social media tells us the story that we are only living our “best lives” when we don’t have to contend with difficult emotions..." James Downs, mental health campaigner and expert by experience in eating disorders, generously shares his thoughts and experience as our latest guest blogger for Orri.
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“And I said to my body, I want to be your friend.” – On Friendship
The saying goes that you can’t properly love someone until you love yourself. For those reading that are suffering with an eating disorder, you may be familiar with a feeling of disconnect from others; a certain distance you feel between yourself and others. It may have nestled in between your closest friendships, or, in the dynamic between family members...
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Lockdown lessons and affirmations for this latest chapter
Let’s take a moment to recognise something important: you’re here, reading this blog, having made it through lockdown to (almost) the other side. For many of us it’s been tumultuous. We experienced shock, fear, disbelief, calm, quiet, anger, confusion, anxiety, grief…a whole LOAD of emotions in the space of 4-5 months. So, as we begin to come out of this tumultuous space and enter a so-called “new normal”, what have we learned? What’s going to stay with us?
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Orri’s Response: ‘I was terrified to put on weight’ – the ‘culture of fear’ in British gymnastics (BBC News)
No one, particularly those at a young age working in such competitive, gruelling industries, should be subject to a “culture of fear” that encourages individuals to question their sense of self and worth as a human being. Pavier’s story of retiring at age 17 after becoming “a shell of a person” demonstrates the severe impact on an individual’s mental health when their bodies are micro-managed.
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4 Things To Do As Lockdown Lifts
As things begin to open up, the expectation of springing back to normality is palpable, but what if lockdown life was actually peaceful? And the prospect of returning to “normality” really daunting?
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Life with an adult-onset eating disorder – Guest Blogger
Our first guest blogger, Emily, shares her experience of adult-onset eating disorder: "My journey now is about the connection between 'logic' and all those unbearable complex emotions and feelings I have about food and my body (by which I really mean, myself and my life). I don’t think this is all too different for adult-onset eating disorders than it is for people who fall victim to this when younger."
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The power of journaling – National Writing Day
For National Writing Day 2020, Orri has launched a contributor section to our blog, meaning that those who have been impacted by an eating disorder can share their experience and thoughts to nurture hope in recovery. Nikki, Orri's Creative Arts Therapist, shares her thoughts on the power of journaling.
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A blog about recovery – by Lizzie
Lizzie, an expert by experience, shares a guest blog about her amazing recovery journey. “It’s not just about eating food, gaining weight, or being discharged from treatment. It’s about re-framing your thoughts, creating new behaviour patterns, developing self-awareness and ultimately, creating a healthy relationship with yourself, your body, and food.”
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Men’s Health Week: Men’s Health Matters, a poem by our client
Our client shares a poem inspired by Men's Health Week.
"So now we must talk and send out the message
It’s okay not to be okay.
As a man or boy; old or young
We want to hear what you have to say."
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Men’s Health Week: Men, we are here to hear you.
It’s Men’s Health Week, and whilst this week is focusing on keeping men safe during covid-19 and lockdown, we’re going to “add on” the experience of being a man with an eating disorder. About 25% of people experiencing eating disorder symptoms are male, yet there are still considerable barriers for men when attempting to access treatment, and a wide spread lack of knowledge about men who experiences eating disorders generally.
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Men’s Health Week: Through the eyes of our male client
One of our amazing clients shares his experience of being a man with an eating disorder for Men’s Health Week. "It’s perfectly normal to hold anxiety about going into treatment but by taking that crucial first step, I no longer feel like I’m fighting my ED on my own."
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Men’s Health Week: The Risks to Men’s Mental Health During Covid-19 and Messages to Overcome Them
The psychological health of the nation is taking a substantial hit during Covid-19 and this is likely to affect everyone. As Men’s Mental Health Week begins what are the specific risks to men’s mental health during this pandemic?
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Kindness Matters.
A recap of the amazing submissions from our clients for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020. How do they make you feel?
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Treatment that meets you where you are.
It should be common knowledge that there’s no one way to have an eating disorder. That there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to have a problem, and that someone’s weight or relationship to food – whatever it may look like – is not the only indication of their suffering. Our online Evening and Weekend Programmes evolved from the knowledge that there will never be a “right time” to start treatment...
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“Kindness” – a poem by our client
Our client shares a poem inspired by the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week, "kindness".
"...I get a chance to process, to think them through,
Then these acts of kindness become easier to do..."
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What role does kindness plays in recovery and body image? – by our client
Inspired by Mental Health Awareness Week and the "kindness" theme, our client shares her thoughts on how kindness plays in recovery and body image...
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Meditation on kindness
Today, we had originally planned to write a blog post on how resilience and acceptance plays a role in being kind to ourselves, however, I struggled to put pen to paper. Investigating this, I feel it is because the act of being kind to ourselves is so personal, and our stories all so unique, it’s almost impossible to put this into words...
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“To truly help others one must help oneself…” – by our client
I need you to help but I need you to heal,
I need you to grow and to let yourself feel...
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“The more we speak, the more we can help others in despair…” – by our client
It is mental health awareness week,
A time to allow everyone to speak.
To rise up from fear,
And ensure everyone can hear...
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On kindness…for mental health awareness week
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme, much to our delight, is “kindness”. This is a particularly touching and pertinent theme, not only given the context that we’re in – navigating significant adjustments and restrictive measures during lockdown – but also because for those suffering with eating disorders, nurturing and allowing ourselves to turn “kindness” inward can be quite a challenge…but it is a necessary part of recovery...
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“Kindness” – our client’s poem for Mental Health Awareness Week
It's Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is #KindnessMatters - a theme that is so pertinent to Orri because of how crucial nurturing kindness is for our recovery journeys. Our client shares a poem written for this week...
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Experiencing the Pandemic Through the Eyes of Anorexia – by our client
"As the world comes to a grinding halt the nightmare of COVID-19 is palpable. For me though it is not the nightmare of the virus itself, but the nightmare it presents to my eating disorder. I know I am not alone in fearing the current uncertainty and unknown, but that fear is compounded by the fact that I suffer from anorexia."
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I have a little something to say… -a poem by our client
Create a plan and structure your days
Set aside some time for fun
Whether it’s art or reading or knitting or singing
Don’t forget to step out into the sun...
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We are still connected at heart… – a poem by our client
April has disappeared
And May has suddenly appeared,
I was hoping by now that the virus had gone,
I guess I was wrong…
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Pregnancy, motherhood and eating disorders
This week is Maternal Mental Health Week, and the team at Orri are grateful for a space in which some of the more complex and unspoken aspects of motherhood can be shared and considered. The aim of this week is to raise awareness of the impact of mental illness both during and after pregnancy. For many this is a difficult area to approach, it is often surrounded by silence and a reluctance to explore for many reasons, but often because people feel uncertain about what to say and how to approach it.
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“Through this difficult time in quarantine…” – a poem by our client
Our client shares a poem that she wrote after a positive day in our online treatment programme, Orri Together. "It’s days like today that I can really recognise how special the Orri community is".
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Caring for someone with an eating disorder during lockdown
We wanted to take a (much-needed) moment to reflect on how a parent and carer - or best friend - may be feeling whilst caring for someone with an eating disorder during lockdown.
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Our client, on nurturing hope in recovery.
As we heal from the coronavirus pandemic, now more than ever we're thinking about "hope"; how we need to hold onto it and nurture it, particularly during challenging times such as these. Our amazing client shares her thoughts on what it means to nurture hope in eating disorder recovery...
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Does your eating disorder seem amplified during lockdown?
Often, we talk about the eating disorder having a “voice”. By that we mean the critical thoughts that may pop in and out of your head throughout the day (or around food/mealtimes) that really test your recovery and resilience.
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A commitment to “me”: keeping recovery on track during lockdown
We read this content because we want help and hope – that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we, ourselves, will be able to make it to the end of that tunnel and be safe and, hopefully, happy along that the way. There’s a commitment to doing the “right thing” for our recovery, even when the eating disorder voice is loud and overwhelming (…let’s take a moment to appreciate your patience and resilience during those days).
read moreNurturing Hope – together.
Never more than now have we needed the strength and courage to hold ‘hope’. Hope that we can weather these strange and uncertain times, hope that our loved ones and ourselves can find the least difficult pathway through this period, and the hope that we can hold on to the things that are important in our lives.
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Managing Covid-19 and Your Recovery
If you’re reading this and having a really tough time managing both your eating disorder recovery and quarantine, know that:
1. You are not alone.
2. You are not a “failure” if things are particularly difficult right now.
3. The most important thing is that you’re trying. Remember this.
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Connection is why we’re here.
There is probably no other theme more pertinent. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Orri made the difficult decision to suspend our face-to-face service and move to an online version of our specialist day treatment to preserve the safety of our clients. Whilst this is certainly an adjustment – for our team, clients and their loved ones – we are so grateful for our community.
read moreA note from Kerrie: Good Morning Virtual Orri
Kerrie, our Clinical Director and Co-founder, shares her thoughts on the first day Orri's specialist day treatment moves online.
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Considering eating disorder treatment for your child
You may have stumbled across this blog because it is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, or, you may have come across it whilst undertaking thorough research on behalf of your loved one. Whatever your situation, we’d like to acknowledge the courage and patience it takes to be a parent of someone who is suffering with an eating disorder.
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The importance of supporting the family in eating disorder treatment: Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Why is parent or carer involvement significant when it comes to someone’s eating disorder recovery? Because the illness exists outside of treatment and therapy and can seep into all areas of a person’s life: into social experiences, family life, relationships, work or schooling. As a parent, you likely play some sort of role within these areas of your child’s life.
read moreA note from Kerrie: Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Here at Orri we are marking Eating Disorder Awareness Week with our team and our clients. My reflection for us, and for many who read this - sufferers, carers and professionals – is that every week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week. As eating disorder professionals, we work alongside brave and courageous clients and their families and loved ones...
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How to support a friend with an eating disorder: Eating Disorders Awareness Week
It can be hard to know “what to do” when you see someone you care about going through hardship. Often, we can feel helpless and worried that we’re not doing enough to support them. Here are our suggestions for supporting someone who is suffering with an eating disorder.
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Defeating Anorexia: inspiration from our client
We understand that deciding to recover from an eating disorder is often a daily, deliberate choice – especially in the beginning. If this sounds familiar, this illustration is for you.
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Perfectionism and balancing the nervous system
The internet defines a “perfectionist” as “a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection”. Interestingly, a perfectionist trait is listed as one of the symptoms of someone suffering with an eating disorder. But why is this so? And how does the opposite – procrastination - feature alongside this?
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Being brave and taking risks: a common theme in recovery
When we think of “bravery”, often an image of a courageous warrior about to go into battle appears in our heads. But what does it mean when we are brave?
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I Need: our clients’ poem for recovery
Forging a space for creative expression is a huge part of our therapeutic approach at Orri. Here, one of our amazing clients kindly shares a poem she wrote during her time with us.
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When you’ve been unwell for a while…
We asked our Instagram followers to suggest topics they’d like to read about on our blog. A topic that came up at least twice was “how to start recovery when you’ve been unwell for a while”, or, “going from chronic to wellness”. At Orri, we believe that holding onto hope is a crucial aspect of our treatment and approach and that it is possible to recover.
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How to communicate with those we love
Simply put, we all want to feel seen and heard – sufferer and carer alike - but sometimes the “issue” itself can become a seemingly impenetrable wall and honest conversation feels inferior as a means of breaking it down. Regardless, we believe that communication can happen when we truly meet and see one another.
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How to stop your habit of comparing
Today, we’re drawing attention to the topic of comparison because comparison-checking is often a big feature of our clients’ recovery journey. The act of comparing so often brings more bad feelings than good - but it is possible to stop or reframe this experience.
read moreOrri’s Response: Anorexia is the deadliest mental illness. Why is the NHS still not taking it seriously? (Guardian)
NHS figures recently revealed that hospital admissions for eating disorders have risen 37% across all age groups in the last two years. Tom Quinn, Director of External Affairs at Beat, shared his thoughts in a Guardian opinion piece. We wanted to share our response.
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5 things to consider when thinking about body image
Today we’re discussing all things “body image” with our clients - quite a timely topic considering the pervasiveness of diet culture come the start of a new year. Whether someone is suffering with an eating disorder or not, most people struggle with negative body image to varying degrees throughout their life.
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You don’t need a “new me” in this new year
If you’re reading this at the beginning of January and feeling overwhelmed with the prospect of a new year - and any expectations that may come alongside that – we’d like to firstly reassure you that it’s okay to just be you.
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Meet the therapist: Nikki Thornton
Nikki joined the Orri team as an Eating Disorder Associate in April 2019 and now works as our Creative Arts Therapist. We sat her down to learn more about her approach and role within Orri…
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I’m Recovering This Christmas: Attending Social Events
First and foremost, it’s important to highlight that anxieties and fears felt around social events at Christmas are not exclusive to those in recovery from an eating disorder. Rather, a lot of people feel anxiety during these events, particularly when those in attendance are people you haven’t seen in a while.
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I’m Recovering This Christmas: Receiving and Buying Gifts
This is less a blog post about gifts and more a blog post about how you feel - about yourself. Why? Because underneath the experience of receiving gifts is the belief that you are worthy of receiving those gifts.
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I’m Recovering This Christmas: Dealing With Downtime
People in recovery often struggle to find meaning during time that has no productive direction. There’s a fear that overwhelming emotions or critical thoughts may sneak in. If this resonates with your experience, that’s okay. Here are some tools to have in your Christmas toolbox.
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I’m Recovering This Christmas: Handling Mealtimes
As you’re reading this blog, we’re supporting our clients through the festive season and sharing some of the tips below that you might also want to consider as we count down to the ‘big day’. Know that you, too, can do this.
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A New Choice for Recovery: Developing Intensive Day Treatment for people with Eating Disorders
Orri’s Chief Executive, Helen England, joined the team in September of this year. Here, she explains why 2019 was such a significant year for eating disorders in the realm research and campaigning, but how there’s much to be done to improve access, transitions to and quality of eating disorder treatment.
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Meet the Chef: Scott Fitzgerald
Being a Head Chef for an eating disorder clinic is quite a unique role! We sat down with Scott to learn more about his work and how he collaborates with our clients and Dietetics team.
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Orri’s Response: Mental health beds shortage ‘causing distress’ (BBC)
Hospital admissions for eating disorders are on the rise and are frequently many miles from a patient's home. Given the risk of mortality is higher for this group than for other mental health conditions, accessible and effective treatment is vital if the risk of lives being lost or impaired is to be reduced.
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Being curious about the vulnerability we feel when being slow
We discuss the vulnerability that’s often felt in being slow. How, so often, it feels weak or threatening to resist the urge to keep going and allow yourself to pause...
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Navigating relationships with an eating disorder
In this blog, we’re focusing on relationships; what it feels like to navigate relationships whilst you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, and how we work with our clients to help them to develop meaningful relationships and heal from past wounds.
read moreOrri’s Response: Over-65s unable to access some clinics (BBC)
The BBC recently reported on the lack of eating disorder provision for those aged over-65. As providers of Specialist Day Treatment for those suffering with eating disorders, we wanted to share our response to the news article.
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Finding Freedom From the Rules and Routines of an Eating Disorder
In this week’s blog post we’re discussing last week’s treatment programme theme: the rules, rituals and routines that come alongside living with an eating disorder.
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Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.
Recovery is full of questions: how did I get here? What is going to happen? What if this had happened, or that had happened instead? This weeks’ treatment programme is all about the “Woulds, Shoulds, Coulds” in eating disorder recovery.
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Why you should welcome ambiguity in eating disorder recovery
Change happens everywhere in eating disorder recovery. The illness has an impact on someone’s mind and physical body, meaning that there are many things ‘in flux’ as someone progresses in treatment. Today we discuss why it's important to accept ambiguity in recovery.
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Why boundaries are important in eating disorder recovery
Someone suffering with an eating disorder may find that they have boundaries that are deliberately rigid so to protect the eating disorder. By maintaining rigid boundaries, we keep people at a distance; avoiding intimacy and close relationships and often feeling unwilling to ask for help. So why are healthy boundaries important and how do we develop them?
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Meet the therapist: Kendra
Kendra is an Occupational Therapist and joined the team in September 2019. We sat her down to learn more about her approach and role within Orri.How long have you been a clinician for and what were you doing before Orri? I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in...
Everything you need to know about Mentalization-based Therapy for Eating Disorders
Orri’s Director of Research and Development, Dr Paul Robinson, along with his peers Finn Skarderud and Bente Sommerfeld, have pioneered this developed approach to treating eating disorders (also abbreviated as MBT-E) and we run a weekly group at Orri for our clients. Learn more about it here.
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5 things to keep in mind when in recovery from an eating disorder
The summer months can be a challenging time for people suffering with eating disorders. Calendars can get busier as people take advantage of the sun, and body image concerns may increase as we require a different wardrobe or feel pressured to join in with summer trends. Here are 5 things to keep in mind as we soak up the last few weeks of summer...
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Meet the therapist: Elaine Rutherford
Elaine is Orri's Yoga and Body Awareness Therapist and has been part of the team since day one! We sat her down to learn more about her approach and role within Orri...How long have you been a clinician for and what were you doing before Orri? I have been teaching...
Meet the therapist: Romy Wakil
Romy is a Psychotherapist and joined the team in April 2019. We sat her down to learn more about her approach and role within OrriHow long have you been a clinician for and what were you doing before Orri? I qualified in 2015 and have been practicing in the field of...
Meet the Senior Psychologist: Katie Kalinowski
Katie is a Senior Psychologist and joined the team in May 2019. We sat her down to learn more about her approach and role within Orri.How long have you been a clinician for and what were you doing before Orri? I qualified as a Psychologist in 2014 and have been...