Eating Disorders Edinburgh - Startup of the Year
Company: Eating Disorders Edinburgh
Company Description: Eating Disorders Edinburgh fills a large gap in the Scottish healthcare system, working with non-Anorexic Disorders within an Intersectional framework. I collaborate with Female, Trans, and Non-Binary clients struggling with the diagnosis and symptoms of ARFID, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Body oR Muscle Dysmorphia, Emotional Overeating, Obesity, Over-Exercise, Orthorexia, and EDNOS.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Startup of the Year - Consumer Services Industries
Nomination Title: I am honoured to serve the over 1.1 million Britons struggling with non-Anorexic Eating Disorders - I am, Eating Disorders Edinburgh
Eating Disorders Edinburgh launched (unintentionally!) just as the global pandemic hit in March 2020. A passion project turned career, as a new mother I stepped away from my salaried specialist position at a coveted organisation to follow my heart in sub-specialising in Eating Disorders. But frankly, I would have had no idea what an incredible first year I would have had.
At EDE, I work with the 93% of Eating Disorder clients and patients who do not suffer from Anorexia Nervosa, and therefore, will not be seen by our wonderful NHS. From ARFID to BED, Bulimia Nervosa, and Dysmprhoic Disorders, I cater to those struggling to find permission to process their traumas and adverse life experiences elsewhere.
In 2020/21, EDE has collaborated with a wealth of clients and patients towards and into recoveryand made a large profit in its first year, set to exceed my expectations again in this financial year. I was also honoured to be asked to become a Sub-Specialised Media Spokesperson for the BACP, and have my first clinical journal article being published in September 2021.
Alongside this, I managed to complete my additional training in Schema Therapy, and write numerous press releases for the BACP.
Since launching in March 2020, I havequickly become a known and trusted professional in the small world of Eating Disorders in Scotland! Seen as an 'undesirable' sector to work within, with EDE I have managed to make Eating Disorder Therapy enjoyable, intersectional, and progressive, all within a beautiful "non-clinical" setting in the heart of Edinburgh's vibrant West End.
Since launching;
-I have collaborated with a wealth of clients, who aside 2, haveallgone forward to recover, or into further recovery pathways
-I was asked to become a Media Spokesperson for the BACP, and subsequently released numerous blog posts and press releases
-A clinical journal approached me to write an article for them from my sub-specialist lens to support other therapeutic professionals encountering non-Anorexic Eating Disorders
-EDE has been nominated for a Scottish Business Award
-I completed my additional training in Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders, further pushing my practice into its sub-specialist niche
-My first e-course 'First Steps to Freedom' launched
-Most importantly, I managed to juggle a new business as a new mother in a global pandemic and did not simply survive, but thrived - I thank my patients and clients for this opportunity every single day
Eating Disorders support in the U.K is almost non-existent, with the pitiful amount of NHS and research funding going towards the most immediately life-threatening diagnosis - Anorexia Nervosa.
However, this leaves over a million people in the U.K with nowhere to turn.I'm so proud to fill this gap, and incredibly grateful that my clients and patients have allowed me to collaborate with them!
I am a black sheep in the industry. Trained formally as a Pluralistic Counsellor (BACP), I moved into Trauma work, before sub-specialising in Eating Disorders. Very few practitioners work specifically with Eating Disorders in Scotland, and even fewer practice Schema Therapy. Dr Susan Simpson is a huge inspiration to me, but as a Clinical Psychologist, her work inevitably takes a path filled with Anorexia Nervosa.
At EDE I truly believe I have created a safe, beautiful space like no other in Scotland. With the non-clinical aspects of my work, teamed with my Schema Therapy training, it's no surprise my client group is incredible intersectional and diverse. Eating Disorders are typically seen as "problems" or "white teenage girls", and I do believe I have been successful in busting this myth, creating a safe space for all - no matter their intersections!
Do I have more to do? Absolutely. My practice may sit at a mid-range price point, but this will still be unaffordable for many. Accessible Group Therapy is EDE's next goal!
https://www.eatingdisordersedinburgh.co.uk/e-course
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/andrew-flintoffs-new-documentary-bulimia-battle-gives-people-permission-seek-help-claims-edinburgh-counsellor-2988579
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2021/27-january-understand-the-reasons-for-binge-eating/
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/blogs/2021/1-march-a-national-health-promotion-or-a-weapon-of-shame/
https://www.keepedinburghthriving.com/news/man-helps-others-recover-from-lockdown-eating-disorder
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2021/13-april-counselling-can-support-people-recovering-from-anorexia/
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/blogs/2021/16-april-when-bmi-blocks-support-for-people-with-eating-disorders/
The attachments I have added show the scope of my involvement in the Eating Disorders world in my very first year of launching. Of course, I have a long way to go, and many more to help directly and indirectly, but I couldn't be more passionate about it! Whilst a small fish in a big business pond, I know it's finally time to acknowledge that EDE has done incredible things.