Eating Disorders

"Relationships to food mirror other disconnections in life"

Margo Maine

I work with adults experiencing eating disorders and disordered eating, offering a thoughtful, compassionate approach that is tailored to each individual. My work recognises that eating difficulties often serve an important emotional function and are closely linked to experiences of anxiety, control, relationships, identity and self-worth.

People may seek support for anorexia, restrictive eating, binge–purge behaviours, emotional eating, or long-standing difficulties with food and body image. You do not need to fit a specific diagnosis to benefit from therapy; many clients come with a sense that their relationship with food feels distressing, exhausting, or out of control..

My approach to eating-disorder work

My work with eating disorders is integrative, meaning I draw on a range of therapeutic models depending on what feels most helpful for you. This includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, relational work, and evidence-based approaches such as MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults).

MANTRA can be a valuable framework when working with eating disorders, particularly where patterns such as perfectionism, emotional avoidance, anxiety, or difficulties in relationships play a role. Rather than being used rigidly, MANTRA principles may be woven into the wider therapeutic work — helping us understand what maintains the eating difficulty, while remaining attentive to your personal history, emotional world and lived experience.

At the heart of the work is collaboration. Therapy is not about forcing change, but about building understanding, safety and trust, so that change can become possible at a pace that feels manageable.

What therapy can explore

In eating-disorder therapy, we may explore:

The emotional and relational meaning of eating behaviours
How anxiety, control or self-criticism may be involved
Early experiences and attachment patterns
Difficulties expressing needs or emotions
Body image, identity and self-worth
Ambivalence about change and fear of letting go of coping strategies

Sessions offer a confidential space where these themes can be explored without judgement.

What to expect

Therapy for eating disorders can be short-term or longer-term, depending on your needs and circumstances. Some clients come alongside other support (such as medical or dietetic input), while others use therapy as their primary space for psychological work.

I work with adults in person in Hendon, North London, and also offer online therapy across the UK. Whether sessions are face-to-face or online, my aim is to provide a steady, reflective space where you feel supported and understood.

If you are considering therapy for eating-related difficulties and would like to discuss whether this way of working might be right for you, you are welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation.

Additional Support and Information

Alongside one-to-one psychotherapy, many people find it helpful to explore additional support and reliable information about eating disorders. Beat is the UK’s leading eating-disorder charity, offering free, accessible resources for anyone affected by disordered eating — whether you’re living with an eating disorder yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more. Their website includes evidence-based information about different eating-disorder experiences, practical guidance on what symptoms can look like, and links to helplines, online support, self-help tools and local services. You can visit their Get Information and Support pages for further reading and links to these resources here: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/