Eating Disorder Programme

The Eating Disorders Programme was established over 15 years ago and is specifically oriented to meet the needs of people with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.

The objective of the programme is to address the physical, psychological and social issues arising as a result of an eating disorder in an attempt to resolve and overcome many of the struggles associated with it.

The Eating Disorder Programme has 3 stages, inpatient, day care and aftercare. It addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the eating disorder using group, individual and family therapy. The daily groups focus on weight modification, dietetics, body image, education, self-development and self-esteem. The programme aims to help you reach a healthy weight and to develop healthy eating patterns.

The programme is primarily based on the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach.CBT helps the patient to identify and work through the thoughts, feelings and behaviours related to the eating disorder. Psychotherapy is an integral part of the programme and participants receive individual, couple or family therapy based on their needs. All psychotherapy is based on developing a trusting relationship so that you and your family can make changes that are beneficial to your health.

Individual therapy offers you a place to explore your feelings about your eating problem and to consider ways of overcoming it. You can be assisted to increase your motivation and to develop problem-solving skills.

The eating disorders programme is structured in 3 distinct stages.

Stage 1: Inpatient Programme

This may last from 4 to 6 weeks. During this stage you can expect to participate in the following:

Methods to improve self-assertiveness and self-esteem
Enhancement of self-awareness
Body image discussion
Dietetics group: discuss nutrition, meal planning, shopping, food portions, etc.
Occupational therapy groups: weekly groups addressing lifestyle balance, stress management, and social, leisure and self-care needs.
A weekly cookery session is also included in the programme.
After 2 weeks all families are invited to participate in family meetings.

Stage 2: Day Care

After you complete the inpatient programme, you will be discharged to day care. Initially, this will be for 4 days per week but it may then reduce over a period of approximately 8 weeks, depending on your individual needs.

Stage 3: Aftercare

Once you have successfully completed the day care stage, you can commence aftercare and follow-up treatment. This includes a weekly outpatient support group and on-going individual and family therapy, if necessary. The outpatient group usually lasts for one year.

Family Therapy

In our experience, family involvement is crucial in recovery and families are an integral part of the treatment process. Family members are supported to respond appropriately to your needs and help you regain control over your eating behaviours. Family therapy gives an opportunity for you and the significant people in your life to work together in a united way and to take an active role in making useful changes in your life.

Our aim as family therapists is to work with you and your families to explore and find ways of overcoming the eating problem in order to promote your development and facilitate autonomy and independence.

Family therapy enables family members to identify the impact of the eating problem on you and your family in a safe environment. It allows you and your family to express, understand and validate each other's needs and experiences, and to utilize and enhance family resources in order to facilitate change.

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There is a very good atmosphere at St. Patrick's. Communication is very good between patients and staff and should be maintained on an informal basis. Food is very good and is a very good morale booster for everyone. I would like to thank everyone in St. Patrick's for input and kindness while I have been here

I had 10 unforgettable days with prime quality care and facilities. Most of all, I've met really nice people and hopefully not being wrong made some friends. Good work, keep it up

It was a turning point in my life and a good one. I will always have fond memories of my stay here because the overall feeling was of peace.

Today I'm sad as I leave ye all, but the sadness is one that I like, Because after 8 weeks on the bay, it's time for me to take a hike, thanks to all the nurses and students, to the staff in the kitchen and OT's too, to the lovely ladies who clean the ward, to the doctors where a bond we grew.

The Cleaners kept my room beautifully clean and the Temple Centre was spotless. The staff were so helpful and caring and gave me as much time as I needed. All in all I was very well cared for. Thank you very much

Excellent staff have finally helped me overcome my illness with the correct treatment and also using the recovery psychosis programme which opened my mind to what I suffer from. I have had this for 10 years but now I feel relaxed, free of all fear thanks to the A team. St Pats sets the standard for others to follow.

I do not have a single negative to pass on the time I have spent under the care of the staff of St. Patrick's Hospital other than to say that it varied between very good and exceptional. I came to hospital feeling broken and despairing and leave now feeling renewed and well and looking to the future.

I was most impressed with the care given to my daughter during her stay here. The ambience in the hospital is relaxed and caring. From the cleaners to the nurses, doctors and administrators everybody is on first name terms all working to a common goal of getting people better. Congratulations on a job well done