Chanelle's Story

“I was under the eating disorder team in Pendle but this wasn't going well and I just kept declining.  They said that I was a lost cause and I wasn't going to get better.  I was so trapped and the anorexia had completely taken over; I had no control.  Through weekly appointments they just said if I deteriorated even slightly they were going to have to step in, section me, and force feed me to get me to  a healthier point, which wasn't going to solve much but my weight and physical complications. Then Yvonne and Sue offered support and together they saved my life; without their help I wouldn't be where I am today or maybe not here at all.  To begin with I was terrified of what was to come as I hadn't been able to see past the anorexia and thought this was just what my life was going to consist of.

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Their combined therapy was so supportive and non-judgemental; they both walked me through it all with open arms and held my hand all the way. 

 

Sue doing hypnotherapy to get to my subconscious mind to find things out that I wasn't fully aware of until the end of the session, which still baffles me - I was so wary of hypnotherapy and what would happen.  Without this though, I wouldn't have got to the root or found things out about myself and the illness.  I am so thankful that I went in with somewhat of an open mind even though the thought of going against the anorexia and the thoughts, beliefs and voices was a paralysing fear I didn't think I could get past.

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Then there was Yvonne's work.  There were things that I couldn't eat due to genuine reason and others that weren't, but Yvonne could see the difference and find ways around my barriers.  A very hard few months with structured meal schedules and photos sent through for every meal and snack so she could see what I was following and what I wasn't.  

 

Both Sue and Yvonne could see what was the anorexic voice and what was my actual voice, seeing past the illness to give the right support for me. 

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I also had my mum's support - Sue and Yvonne had a session with my mum to help her with the journey too, as it doesn't only affect the person battling with an eating disorder; it also affects the family and closest people to them.  The support of all 3 of them helped me in ways I never knew was possible, especially after over a year of help from the eating disorders specialists within the NHS.  

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Sue and Yvonne got me to where I am today.  Fast forward 10 months and I have gained weight that was never meant to be lost, gained better relationships and trust, and am eating better than I was.  Regardless of what my weight was before, I can safely say my physical complications are gone and I am now in a healthy body (what is healthy for me).  I am now learning how to cope with my new body and learning to love it.   After all the harm I put it through , I now see that I should give my body what it needs and deserves. 

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I had felt so alone and thought there wasn't anything that could help, until I started with Sue and Yvonne, they made sure I felt heard and supported.  They helped massively and I owe my life to them.  I am so grateful I got the opportunity to have their support and help along the way to get me to where I am now.  If you feel like something isn't right, if you're struggling and/or your eating habits aren't good, please reach out to them.  It is definitely worth it and you'll come out the other side - struggling way less and in a much healthier place, being able to get your life under control and on track again.  

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Both Sue and Yvonne are incredibly nice and respectful and always want what's in your best interest, especially when you're too trapped in the eating disorder mindset. 

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