About Us
At The Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Our clinic was founded on the belief that every person deserves a personalised approach to recovery, tailored to their unique journey. With a team of experienced professionals, we combine evidence-based therapies with a holistic, client-centred philosophy to support lasting change. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we are here to guide you every step of the way toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Our Mission
At The Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic, our mission is to provide compassionate, sustainable care that supports lasting recovery for every individual. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses the whole person, ensuring that our clients not only recover but thrive.
Our History
Founded in 2023 by Richard Palmer, The Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic was born out of a deep commitment to helping more people access high-quality care. As an independent eating disorder psychotherapist, Richard was always fully booked, often having to turn away clients. Driven by a passion for making expert care available to everyone, he established the clinic to ensure that more individuals could receive the compassionate, specialised support they deserve. Our clinic was founded on the belief that everyone deserves the best chance at recovery, and we’re here to provide that.
Our Philosophy of Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, guiding our approach to client care, team well-being, business practices, and environmental responsibility.
For Our Clients: We strive to make recovery sustainable by offering affordable services, being transparent about fees, pacing treatment to match the client’s needs, and focusing on holistic care for long-term recovery.
For Our Team: We ensure our team members are supported with manageable caseloads, fair pay, and comprehensive benefits, including holiday leave and flexible working. This creates a healthy work environment that allows our team to provide the best care possible.
For Our Business: We price our services to ensure the long-term viability of the clinic, allowing us to continue providing high-quality care. By offering additional services, such as training, we generate extra revenue, which helps keep our treatment fees as low as possible.
For the Environment: We are committed to being environmentally responsible by adopting green practices that benefit the planet. We also believe that a connection with nature is essential for mental well-being, and we incorporate this belief into our approach to care.
Meet Some Of Our Team:
Richard Palmer - Founder and Clinical Lead
Hi, I’m Richard and I am the proud founder of The Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic. My passion for helping people recover from eating disorders comes from both my personal lived experience and witnessing the challenges faced by those close to me.
I firmly believe that recovery is possible for everyone. My approach is centered around individualised care, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I combine evidence-based treatments with a tailored therapy style that suits each client’s unique needs.
I value honesty and authenticity in my practice. It is crucial for me to create a safe and trusting environment where clients can be open and feel genuinely supported throughout their recovery journey.
LeeAnn Matthews - Specialist Therapist (Adults)
I’m LeeAnn, an experienced therapist with a strong focus on supporting individuals dealing with eating disorders. My motivation to specialise in this area stems from personal experiences, as I have witnessed the struggles of loved ones in their relationship with food. Additionally, I spent valuable time volunteering on the helpline for Somerset and Avon Rape & Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS). This experience heightened my awareness of how food can be used as a coping mechanism for managing difficult emotions. It sparked my curiosity and deepened my knowledge of eating disorders and their connection to traumatic life events.
I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors surrounding food and body image. Through a collaborative and personalised approach, I empower individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms, rebuild their relationship with food, and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.
As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with the latest research and therapeutic techniques in the field of eating disorders. By combining my training, practical experience, and genuine compassion, I aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those I work with.
I look forward to joining you on your journey towards healing and supporting you in developing a healthier relationship with food and yourself. Together, we can navigate the challenges and unlock the potential for lasting transformation.
Maria Vellanz - Specialist Therapist (Adults)
Hi I’m Maria, an eating disorder specialist therapist.
Eating disorders are complex, isolating and consuming illnesses that no one should endure alone.
Having personally navigated my own path to recovery, I understand the significance of having the right support system. It can truly make an incredible difference. I firmly believe that no one should face these struggles alone.
Each individual’s journey with eating disorders is different – and so each and every client has specialised support tailored especially for them. I believe in openness, respect and trust, and making therapeutic, working relationships that are both collaborative and safe..
Tiluka Bhanderi - Specialist Dietitian
Hi I’m Tiluka, a registered dietitian specialising in eating disorders and disordered eating.
I am also a qualified yoga teacher and use somatic healing techniques, mindfulness and guided meditations to help clients reconnect with their bodies.
Alongside working for The Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic, I also work in the NHS and an eating disorder charity where I deliver workshops and see clients on a one-to-one basis.
I believe in meeting clients where they’re at and discussing achievable steps to help reach their goals.
I have a special interest in eating disorders and disordered eating in South Asian women and I’m passionate about encouraging voices from ethnic minorities to be heard.
Amanda Brooke-Webb - Specialist Therapist (Children and Teenagers)
Hi, I’m Amanda, I am a qualified therapist with a specialism in eating disorders and working with children and young people. I am passionate about supporting the mental health of young people and children. I provide a safe place and essential support for a child or young person living with an eating disorder so that they recover and develop a healthy relationship with their body and food to live a happy life where they can be their true unique self.
This passion for supporting children and young people is driven by more than 20 years’ experience as a teacher. Children’s mental health is clearly a huge issue today and there has been a sharp increase in the number of children and young people with eating disorders. I have had first-hand experience of this through many years in the classroom and this is the area I feel I am best placed to help with. Being a teacher has given me invaluable knowledge of children and young people’s development and insight in how to work with them in a compassionate and creative way. I have worked with a wide range of children with varying backgrounds, cultures and needs including ASD (autism spectrum disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health needs).
I believe that through therapy, children and young people can find their voice, their safe space and support to navigate and achieve a healthier life of their choice. My aim is to help them develop healthier coping mechanisms, improved self-esteem, resilience, confidence, a happier future where their mental health is stronger as a result. All young people and children deserve to be heard, supported and to blossom whatever their needs or situation.
I have a private practice where I see clients who do not have eating disorders. I may be able to help if you’re looking for therapy for your child and they don’t have an eating disorder. Please click here for more information.