Real Life: Eating disorders
Why weight doesn't reveal the full picture
In this episode, mental health advocate Fi Hollings and Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Peter Webster discuss common misconceptions surrounding eating disorders and the complex combination of experiences that may contribute to their development.
How malnutrition affects your mind and emotions
In this Real Life conversation, Venessa Scott speaks with eating disorder recovery coach Emily Spence and Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlie Baily about Emily’s experience of living with an eating disorder and the relationship between physical nourishment, emotional wellbeing and recovery.
Meet the participants
Venessa Scott
Venessa presents these Real Life episodes, guiding the conversation between our lived experience experts and specialist clinicians, asking the questions that often don't get answered.
Fi
Fi is the creator of Finding Fi, where she shares her lived experience of anorexia and recovery. She speaks openly about the realities of eating-disorder recovery and what has helped her continue moving forward. We chose Fi because she discusses complicated and sensitive experiences with honesty and care, without reducing them to someone’s weight or appearance. Her contribution challenges assumptions about what an eating disorder “looks like” and may help people whose experiences have not previously been recognised or represented to see something of themselves and feel less alone.
Peter Webster
Peter is a Consultant Psychiatrist with extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Peter is committed to providing thorough assessments and personalised treatment recommendations, ensuring that everyone receives care tailored to their circumstances and goals.
Emily Spence
Emily Spence is an eating-disorder recovery coach and co-host of the Unrestrict-ED podcast. Drawing on her lived experience, she creates supportive content about recovery and rebuilding freedom around food, movement and identity. We chose Emily because she brings vibrancy, depth and personality to conversations about eating disorders. Her vivid storytelling takes the audience through experiences of emotional disconnection, restriction and recovery while bringing hope, colour and humanity to a subject that can otherwise feel clinical or overwhelming.
Dr Charlie Baily
Dr Charlie Baily is a Clinical Psychologist currently working in the private sector. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is a member of The British Psychological Society and Health and Care Professions Council. Charlie specialises in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, anxiety and personality issues in children and adults. He has an open, accepting, non-judgemental style and works collaboratively with his clients to tailor therapy to their unique needs and therapeutic goals.
More Real Life episodes
Lived experience. Clinical insight. Practical support. We have episodes about ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and eating disorders.
Eating disorder tests
There are four different online screening tests about eating disorders, which can a helpful starting point to reflect on common symptoms and patterns.
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