Binge eating therapy in York
Support with binge eating, overeating and your relationship with food.
If eating feels out of control, it can be hard to know where to turn. You may feel ashamed, frustrated or exhausted by trying to change things on your own. You are welcome to talk about it here, without judgement.
Psychological therapy with Dr Richard Jenkinson, in Heslington, York, and online across the UK.
When eating becomes distressing
Binge eating involves eating a large amount in a short time while feeling unable to stop or control what you eat. It may happen in secret and leave you feeling guilty or distressed afterwards.
Overeating and emotional eating do not always mean you have binge eating disorder. You do not need to know which label fits before getting in touch. We can explore what is happening and what kind of support would be most helpful.
How therapy can help
We will start by understanding your eating patterns, the situations in which difficulties arise, and how they affect your life. Together, we will agree a focus for therapy that reflects your needs.
Depending on what is keeping the difficulty going, our work may include:
- Establishing a more regular, sustainable pattern of eating.
- Understanding the links between eating, emotions and restrictive food rules.
- Working with shame, self-criticism and concerns about body image.
- Developing ways to respond to difficult feelings and setbacks.
The aim is to reduce distress around eating and help you develop a more manageable relationship with food.
An approach tailored to you
My work draws on enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E), alongside compassion focussed therapy (CFT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) where these fit your needs. We will discuss the reasons for the approach we choose.
NICE guidance on binge eating disorder recommends guided self-help as a first step for adults, with eating-disorder-focused CBT when appropriate. We can consider the level of support that is right for you, including whether another service would better meet your needs.
About Dr Richard Jenkinson
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with experience of working with eating disorders in both inpatient and community settings. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, with time to understand your experience rather than make assumptions about it.
I know that talking about eating can feel exposing. You do not need to arrive with everything worked out, or know exactly what to say.
Your appointments
In York: appointments take place at the Innovation Centre, Innovation Way, Heslington, York, YO10 5DG. Free parking is available. See the clinic and arrival information.
Online: video appointments are available for people aged 16 and over living in the UK.
When you enquire, we will discuss your needs and whether the service is a suitable fit before agreeing the next steps.
Questions you may have
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. You can enquire whether you have a diagnosis of binge eating disorder or are concerned about overeating or emotional eating. Assessment helps us understand the difficulty and decide what support to offer.
Is this a weight-loss programme?
No. Therapy for binge eating focuses on eating patterns and the thoughts and feelings associated with them. Weight loss is not the treatment goal, and changes in weight cannot be promised.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your needs and the approach we agree. We will discuss a likely plan after assessment and review progress together, rather than promise a fixed number before we have met.
Should I also speak with my GP?
If you think you may have an eating disorder, speaking with your GP is a useful step. They can check your physical health and discuss NHS support. You can also read the NHS information about binge eating disorder.
Taking the first step
If you would like to explore therapy, you are welcome to get in touch. A brief description of what you are struggling with is enough to start the conversation.
You can also find our contact details here.
Research and further reading
My published work includes research on an inpatient CBT programme for anorexia nervosa and a review of uncertainty and anxiety in autism.