Administration
We are a tight knit community here at the Cullen Centre and we have the pleasure to work along with the clinician, with our patients’ needs always at the forefront. We thrive on the ideals of building a supportive community and we pride ourselves in looking after our patients. Our door is always open, and we welcome all. If you have a query or if you feel you would like to discuss anything that matters to you, feel free to come to us and, happy to be of assistance, we will guide you through your journey as a patient here in the Cullen Centre.
Psychological Therapists
Psychological Therapists are trained in the delivery of psychological therapy. They have skills in understanding the underlying reasons that someone may have developed an eating disorder in the first place and work collaboratively with individuals to improve quality of life and overcome emotional and behavioural challenges. Clinicians understand that no two people are the same and will work to tailor treatment to the individual. Therapists are able to take a “whole person” approach, and understand the interplay between important factors such as personality, developmental experiences, wider mental health and neurodiversity. Likewise, therapists understand that it can feel scary to think about recovery and will work alongside the individual in a caring and sensitive way. Within the Lothian Eating Disorders Service, therapists specialise in a range of evidence-based psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Schema Therapy.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have chosen to specialise in mental health. They are able to identify specific illnesses and recommend treatments that might help. Those treatments might include particular medicines. Although they specialise in recognising and treating mental illnesses, Psychiatrists can also help to identify other health problems and direct people toward other NHS services. Working within the Lothian Eating Disorder Service team, psychiatrists specialise in identifying mental health problems that someone might be experiencing. As well as eating disorders, this might include other difficulties such as low mood or anxiety. The team psychiatrists can prescribe medication or review existing medications. They also monitor the effects that eating disorders can have on an individual’s physical health and can offer advice about physical symptoms an individual has noticed.
Art Psychotherapist
Our Art Psychotherapist helps individuals use art-based activities within a therapeutic framework to help people express emotional experiences that may be hard to put into words or difficult to understand. When images are explored with the therapist, this can help people with complex issues make sense of their experiences, feel heard and understood, and gain a sense of control over their recovery. The creative focus also encourages a flexible approach to situations, helping individuals move away from rigid thinking. No artistic skill is needed — just a willingness to explore and create in your own way.
Dietitians – Eating Disorder Specialists
We are specialist dietitians who support people with eating disorders.
Our role is to help you understand and manage your relationship with food in a safe and supportive way.
How We Work
- We work within a psychological framework
- We offer psychoeducation about nutrition (this means learning how food affects your body and mind).
- We provide practical support with things like meal planning and structured eating.
Tailored Support
Everyone’s experience with food is different.
We listen without judgment and talk about food beliefs with compassion and respect.
What We Assess
During your assessment, we may look at:
- Your nutritional status and needs
- Your eating patterns and behaviours
- What you know about food and nutrition
- Any food rules or beliefs you follow
- Skills like meal planning, shopping, and cooking
- Your motivation to make changes
- How mental health challenges affect your eating
Working Together
We create a nutrition plan with you and the wider care team (MDT).
We stay involved to support you and the team as the plan is put into action.
CPN & HCSW
Our Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) play a vital role in providing mental health care within the community, focusing on assessment, treatment, and support for individuals experiencing eating disorder challenges. We work closely with patients, their families and our multi-disciplinary team to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of our patients, manage risk and promote recovery with a safe, person-centred approach.
Our Healthcare Support Workers (HCSW) are integral to our team, ensuring that patients receive the care and support they need throughout their healthcare journey. They work closely with the clinical team to ensure care is consistent, respectful, and person-centred.
Our team takes pride in acknowledging that every patient is on their own recovery journey. In turn it is paramount to us that your individual needs are met.
