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Bulimia Nervosa

Private bulimia nervosa treatment, therapy and support at Schoen Clinic

Bulimia nervosa (also known as just bulimia) is an eating disorder and mental health condition.

If you think that you or a loved one might be suffering from bulimia, we are here to help. As experts in bulimia recovery and treatment, we are on hand to help you with bulimia recovery.

woman leaning over a table looking concerned about eating chocolate

What is bulimia?


When someone has bulimia, they regularly engage in compulsive binge eating and have impulsive cravings for food. Unhealthy compensatory behaviours are often used in an attempt to prevent weight gain after this. These commonly involve 'purging', also known as self-induced vomiting, and the use of laxatives and diuretics. Binges usually occur at least twice a week for at least three months and can happen multiple times each day.


What are the common signs & symptoms of bulimia?


Somewhat underweight, average weight, overweight, or even obese people can have bulimia nervosa. However, if they are underweight, they are diagnosed with bulimia nervosa rather than anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type. Because they do not appear to be underweight and because their habits are concealed, others who are close to them might not be aware that a person has bulimia nervosa.


As with other eating disorders, there is no definitive cause of bulimia. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing bulimia:


  • Experience of trauma, including abuse

  • Early puberty

  • Genetic vulnerability shown by a family history of eating disorders or other mental health disorders

  • Low self-esteem

  • Depressive symptoms

  • Anxiety

  • Weight concerns based on the thin ideal body type


There are various factors that can lead you to believe that you need to manage your weight, and these factors may develop gradually before they cause you to engage in unhealthy behaviours like binge eating. You might think that by following these eating habits, you can lose weight or keep your weight stable.


You can develop impulsive eating patterns when you feel compelled to gorge on huge amounts of food because you crave it. Following that, you could have a range of negative feelings and thoughts that cause you to "purge." Shame, disgust with oneself, embarrassment, dread, worry, and a downward spiral of critical self-talk are some of the emotions experienced.

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If you're looking for highly specialised support or treatment for bulimia, please reach out to our team.


We have a dedicated hospital for children and teens with bulimia in Birmingham, a specialised hospital for adults with bulimia in York and a mental health and wellbeing clinic in London offering bulimia support for most ages.


Email our caring team today to get started.

Highly specialised bulimia treatment, therapy and support


Bulimia treatment starts by establishing a link between physical and mental health. Using psychoeducation, psychological therapies and awareness of triggers, our team of specialists can support you in your bulimia recovery.


Through a mix of group and one-on-one bulimia therapy sessions, we will help you develop skills for controlling intrusive negative thoughts and unpredictable impulse control. When you receive highly specialised bulimia therapy, your overall physical and mental wellbeing will be taken into account.


The most effective treatment for bulimia is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is designed to help you manage the thoughts and feelings that feed your condition and normalise your eating habits. Antidepressants can also help by reducing the desire to overeat and purge.


Bulimia treatment typically involves a mix of:

  • Individual therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Nutritional rehabilitation

  • Behaviour changes

  • Medicine for depression or anxiety, if required.


Here at Schoen Clinic, we know that everyone is different and we offer a variety of treatment options to help children, teens and adults at varying stages of bulimia progression. We take into account physical, psychological and social factors to give you the best chance of success.


At Schoen Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals struggling with bulimia nervosa. Along with assisting you in changing your eating habits, we provide you with the knowledge and confidence that you need to challenge some of the assumptions which contributed to your bulimia and change how you handle emotions.


Outpatient bulimia treatment


Outpatient bulimia treatment at Schoen Clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care tailored to the unique needs of individuals battling bulimia nervosa. Our outpatient bulimia treatment offers a flexible and personalised approach, aimed at supporting patients in their journey towards recovery and long-term wellness.


At Schoen Clinic, we understand that bulimia nervosa is a complex disorder that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. Our outpatient options combine evidence-based therapies, nutritional counselling, and medical monitoring to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the disorder.


Central to our outpatient bulimia treatment is the integration of various therapy modalities, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT). These therapies are designed to help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs surrounding food and body image, and improve interpersonal relationships. Through individual and group sessions, patients receive the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of recovery and cultivate a positive sense of self.


Outpatient treatment for bulimia is available at Schoen Clinic Chelsea.


Inpatient bulimia treatment


Inpatient bulimia treatment at Schoen Clinic provides a specialised and comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of severe bulimia nervosa. Our inpatient programmes offer a structured and supportive environment where individuals receive round-the-clock care and supervision to address the physical, psychological, and nutritional aspects of their illness. Catering to children, teens, and adults, our residential bulimia hospitals provide a safe and nurturing space for individuals to focus on their recovery journey.


Understanding the complexities of bulimia nervosa, our inpatient treatment approach integrates evidence-based therapies, medical monitoring, and nutritional rehabilitation. Led by a multidisciplinary team of experts including psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses, and medical doctors, we collaborate closely to develop personalised treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient. Through individualised therapy sessions, group therapy, and structured meal support, we help individuals confront the underlying issues driving their eating disorder and develop healthier coping mechanisms.


Inpatient bulimia treatment at Schoen Clinic offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to healing, guiding individuals towards lasting recovery and improved quality of life. Our goal is to provide the necessary tools and support for individuals to regain control over their lives and embrace a future free from the grip of bulimia nervosa.


Inpatient treatment for bulimia is available for children and teens at Schoen Clinic Newbridge, and adults over the age of 18 at Schoen Clinic York


Daycare bulimia treatment


Schoen Clinic provides daycare bulimia treatment as a flexible and supportive option for individuals who can return home each evening while benefiting from structured therapeutic interventions during the day. Our daycare programs offer comprehensive treatment and support for individuals grappling with the challenges of bulimia nervosa, allowing them to maintain their daily routines and connections with support networks outside of treatment hours.


Designed for individuals who may not require round-the-clock care or more intensive inpatient/residential treatment, daycare bulimia treatment at one of our Schoen Clinic hospitals offers a blend of therapeutic support and independence. Throughout the day, patients participate in evidence-based therapies, group sessions, and skill-building activities tailored to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of their illness. Guided by our expert team of clinicians, including psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, and therapists, individuals receive personalised care to suit their unique needs and treatment goals.


Structured to promote sustainable recovery, our daycare bulimia treatment programmes empower individuals to develop the skills and strategies necessary to overcome their eating disorder while building independence and self-reliance outside of treatment hours.


Daycare treatment for bulimia is available for children and teens at Schoen Clinic Newbridge, and adults over the age of 18 at Schoen Clinic York


Private short-stay bulimia support


Schoen Clinic offers private short-stay bulimia support tailored to individuals seeking focused care during crucial stages of their recovery journey. Our short-stay programmes are designed to provide specific benefits such as respite, additional support, early intervention, or assistance for those experiencing relapse. Whether individuals require a brief period of intensive treatment to stabilise their condition or seek extra support to overcome challenges in their recovery process, our short-stay programmes offer personalised care within a supportive and nurturing environment.


Many individuals opt for short-stay bulimia support at Schoen Clinic to take a break from the demands of daily life and concentrate on their recovery. Our private short-stay bulimia support provides individuals with the opportunity to step away from stressors and triggers in their environment, enabling them to fully engage in therapeutic interventions and self-care activities. During their short stay at one of our specialised hospitals, patients receive expert support and guidance from our experienced team of clinicians, empowering them to rejuvenate, reflect, and recommit to their journey towards wellness.


Private short-stay bulimia support is available for children and teens at Schoen Clinic Newbridge, and adults over the age of 18 at Schoen Clinic York

How we help people with their bulimia recovery journey


At Schoen Clinic we work with you as a person, not as a label.


We are committed to ensuring that you get the best opportunity to explore the feelings, thoughts and actions that have led to your reduction in health and well-being. Restoring your quality of life and how you view yourself and others is our priority.


We know that beneath the label of bulimia is a person who has many roles to fulfil. At our bulimia rehab hospitals and clinics, we will explore these with you and how they can pull you in different directions. Our main goal is to equip you with the skills that you need to go on to live your life freely, without being ruled by an eating disorder.


When you choose bulimia therapy with us, you will get access to a multidisciplinary team with cutting-edge psychological and psychodynamic approaches. Alongside your psychoeducation, you will be taught different skills and development techniques such as mindfulness.


Is it time to find help for bulimia?


As you consider taking the courageous step towards seeking help for bulimia, we at Schoen Clinic stand ready to support you on your journey to recovery. With a profound understanding of the complexities of bulimia nervosa, we offer a range of specialised treatment options tailored to individuals of all ages across our Schoen Clinic locations. Whether you're seeking comprehensive inpatient or residential care, structured outpatient therapy, short-stay support, or flexible daycare treatment, our dedicated team of clinicians is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the disorder.


At Schoen Clinic, we firmly believe in the possibility of recovery from bulimia with the right support and guidance. Our evidence-based treatment approaches are grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and rediscover their sense of self-worth. With a multidisciplinary team of experts specialising in the treatment of eating disorders, we offer a holistic approach that integrates medical, nutritional, and therapeutic interventions to address the complex nature of bulimia nervosa.


If you or a loved one is struggling with bulimia, please don't hesitate to reach out to us today. By taking the first step towards seeking help, you are opening the door to a future filled with hope, healing, and renewed vitality.


Contact us to learn more about our treatment options and how we can support you on your journey towards bulimia recovery. Together, we can overcome bulimia and pave the way for a life filled with health, happiness, and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions | Bulimia FAQs


What causes bulimia?


Despite the complexity of the causes of bulimia, it is believed that there are four key causes of bulimia:

  • Sociocultural factors – Including the influence of diet culture and the thin ideal.

  • Genetics – The traits which we inherit from our parents can make us more or less susceptible to bulimia.

  • Developmental factors – Our personalities and childhood trauma can be a cause of bulimia.

  • Psychological factors – For example, undiagnosed co-occurring mental illnesses, and biological factors like genetic traits.


To create the ideal bulimia treatment support and strategy in which all underlying triggers may be addressed, it is essential to understand the various possible causes. As bulimia is not tied to a single cause, it is often the case that multiple factors will be at play.

Meet our bulimia specialists


Children, teens and adults receiving treatment for bulimia at our inpatient hospitals, Schoen Clinic Newbridge and Schoen Clinic York, are under the care of a comprehensive and highly specialised multidisciplinary of specialists.


If you would like to book an outpatient appointment for yourself or a loved one struggling with bulimia we have a dedicated team of specialists available at our private outpatient clinic in London, Schoen Clinic Chelsea. Learn more about the team, or get in touch to book an appointment with your chosen specialist below.

Dr Hollie Shannon

Senior Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Dr Hollie Shannon

Gail O'Brien

CYP Primary Therapist

Gail O'Brien

Gabriele Malinauskaite

Lead Psychotherapist

Gabriele Malinauskaite

Diana Badare

Nutritionist

Diana Badare

Pilar Isla Rodriguez

Psychotherapist

Pilar Isla Rodriguez

Isabelle Nussbaum

Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Isabelle Nussbaum

Emma Johnson

Principle Systemic Family Psychotherapist

Emma Johnson

Lia Brown

Psychotherapist

Lia Brown

Dr Divina Pillay

Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Divina Pillay

Dr Edel McAndrew

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Dr Edel McAndrew

Magdalena Garcia

Clinical Psychologist & Integrative Psychotherapist

Magdalena Garcia

Dr Lorena Dumitrache

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

Dr Lorena Dumitrache
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