Irish Eating Disorders Centre

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Irish Eating Disorders Centre

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we are dedicated to helping you achieve recovery through tailored care and expert support.

The Irish Eating Disorders Centre are leading specialist in Evidence-Based Eating Disorder Treatment serving adults, adolescents, and children across Ireland with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Irish Eating Disorders Centre is a leading specialist in Evidence-Based Eating Disorder Treatment
serving adults, adolescents, and children across Ireland with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

24/04/2026

The Power of Connection: New Research on Virtual Multi-Family Therapy 🌐✨

Recovery from Anorexia Nervosa is a journey for the whole family, not just the individual. A recent study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders (Arbit et al., 2026) highlights the effectiveness and accessibility of Virtual Multi-Family Therapy (MFT-AN).

Key findings from the pilot study show:
✅ Strong Feasibility: Families showed high interest and engagement in virtual group-based care.
✅ Meaningful Outcomes: Participants saw significant improvements in global eating disorder symptoms and BMI over 12 months.
✅ Breaking Barriers: Virtual delivery helps bridge the gap for families who may struggle to access specialist clinics in person.

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we are committed to evidence-based, multidisciplinary care. We believe that by uniting families and using the latest research-backed tools, we can foster faster, sustainable recovery.

Interested in learning more about our family-based treatment options?

🔗 Visit us at: https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/

22/04/2026

🧠 Let’s Talk About Rumination Disorder

Rumination Disorder is an often misunderstood eating disorder that can affect both children and adults.

It involves the repeated regurgitation of food after eating, which may be re‑chewed, re‑swallowed, or spit out. Unlike vomiting, this behaviour is not intentional, does not involve nausea, and usually happens effortlessly or automatically.

💡 Important to know:
- It is not the same as reflux, bulimia, or purging
- It is not done for weight control or shape concerns
- It can occur alongside anxiety, neurodivergence, medical conditions, or other eating disorders

People with rumination disorder may experience:
- Discomfort or chest pressure after meals
- Social embarrassment or avoidance of eating with others
- Dental, digestive, or nutritional difficulties over time

✅ The good news:
Rumination disorder is treatable. Evidence‑based approaches often focus on:
- Increasing body awareness
- Learning specific breathing and posture techniques
- Addressing underlying stress or anxiety
- Supporting regular, mindful eating patterns

💕 If this resonates with you or someone you care about, support is available. You are not alone, and help can make a real difference.

📩 Reach out if you have concerns.

20/04/2026

ADHD and Parenting – Beyond the Label

Join Family Carers Ireland on April 23rd for an insightful session led by Dr. Clara O’Byrne PhD. This webinar is designed for parents and carers looking for essential strategies to help their children flourish.

What you’ll learn:
👉Facts about ADHD beyond the diagnosis.
👉Neuro-affirming practices and supports.
👉Insights into the brain/body connection and stress management.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, April 23
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM GMT+1
📍 Format: Online Webinar

Dr. O’Byrne brings years of expertise as a psychologist, former special school teacher, and NCSE advisor. Don't miss out on this expert guidance!

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/adhd-and-parenting-tickets-1983373924800?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

17/04/2026

At Lighthouse Psychology, our mission has always been to provide clarity and support through the complexities of neurodiversity. This World Autism Month, we are thrilled to announce a transformative collaboration that brings that mission directly into the heart of the community.

Prof. Chrissie Tizzard and Teresa Carr Buckley will be joining Alan Corcoran on South East Radio’s Morning Mix next Thursday, April 23rd. They will be sharing the vision behind our new Community Hub in New Ross, a dedicated space designed specifically for children and adults with additional needs.

We recognise that for many families, the current landscape of care is navigating a perfect storm. With private therapeutic services often costing upwards of €120 per session, and the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) remaining at €380, many households are facing impossible choices during this cost-of-living crisis.

Our goal with the New Ross Hub is to:
1️⃣Integrate therapeutic services directly with community activities.
2️⃣Provide immediate relief for families under financial strain.
3️⃣Expand the Rainbow Youth Club (Dreambig Foundation) at the Sea Scouts Hall on Marsh Lane to reach more young people.

We are appealing to the business community and local fundraisers to help us protect the most vulnerable. Your support will go directly toward providing access to essential services for families who cannot afford to wait on years-long lists or pay premium private rates.

Join us on South East Radio next Thursday, April 23rd, to hear the full interview and learn how we are rolling out these short-term therapeutic solutions.

We have an upcoming promotional video featuring Prof. Tizzard and Teresa Carr Buckley, where we detail the long-term impact of this project.

There are exciting times ahead for the Dreambig Foundation SE and Lighthouse Psychology.

15/04/2026

✨ Availability Just Opened for Couples Counselling ✨

Supporting a loved one through an eating disorder can feel overwhelming. Couples counselling offers a safe space to:
💛 Strengthen communication
💛 Navigate challenges together
💛 Build understanding and emotional connection

If you and your partner want support in your journey, now is the perfect time to reach out.

🌐 [https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/]
Appointments are limited, secure your spot today.

13/04/2026

This is your sign to stop and take a breathe! Smell something pleasant and take some time describing the scent 👃

10/04/2026

Understanding the link between Autism symptoms and mealtime behaviours. 🍽️🧩

A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders has explored how specific autism-related symptoms, such as social communication styles and sensory needs, directly impact mealtime behaviours like food refusal and limited dietary variety.

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we know that for many children, "picky eating" is often a complex interaction of neurodiversity and sensory processing. This study highlights the urgent need for individualised interventions that respect a child's unique profile rather than using a "one size fits all" approach to nutrition.

⚠️ A Note on the Findings: It is important to note that this research was conducted specifically with children in Eastern China. Cultural factors, local food types, and regional dietary habits play a huge role in mealtime dynamics. Because of this, we don't yet know how closely these findings would be reproduced in an Irish context or with Irish children.

We continue to advocate for more localised research here in Ireland to better support our neurodivergent community.

Read the full study here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-026-07316-1

08/04/2026

We recently caught up with Louise, our Psychologist and Psychotherapist, whose work spans neurodevelopmental assessment, forensic psychology, and aviation psychology. Working with children, adolescents, and adults, Louise’s approach is also shaped by ongoing Doctoral research.

When we spoke, Louise shared a theme that consistently arises in her clinical work: how people respond in moments of sudden overwhelm.

“In aviation psychology, this is known as the startle response,” she explains, an automatic reaction to unexpected events that can briefly disrupt thinking and decision-making. “In high-risk environments, even a few seconds of cognitive ‘freezing’ can have significant consequences.”

But as Louise highlights, this response isn’t limited to aviation, it’s universal.

“In school environments, children can experience similar responses to sudden demands, sensory input, or social pressure. These moments are often misinterpreted as defiance or inattention, when in reality the nervous system is briefly overloaded.”

Research shows that startle can affect information processing for up to 30 seconds, something Louise believes is highly relevant in understanding behaviour in educational settings.

“That’s why, when I’m assessing someone, I don’t just focus on what’s happening now. I take a developmental perspective, going back as far as behavioural reactions in utero, and then looking at early activity levels, responses to separations from care givers, and recognising patterns of responding to stress over time. It gives a much more clinically meaningful picture of a person.”

By bringing together insights from aviation and clinical practice, Louise aims to reframe how we understand behaviour.

“Ultimately, behaviour isn’t simply a choice, it reflects how the brain and body are coping in that moment, for a person of any age, and we need to start recognising and acknowledging that across different environments.”

06/04/2026

Congratulations Dawn on winning our Easter competition! And thank you everyone for all the fabulous entries!

We look forward to seeing what else our talented community creates for our next competition 👀

03/04/2026

Easter & Eating Disorders: A Gentle Reminder 🌿
Easter is often marketed as a season of connection and renewal but if you’re navigating an eating disorder, the reality can feel more overwhelming than joyful. Between the chocolate, the large family meals, and the shift in routine, it’s a lot to carry.

Here is your reminder for the weekend:
❗Stick to your structure. You don’t need to "save up" calories for a big meal. Regular, consistent eating is the best way to keep your body and emotions steady.
❗Redefine the celebration. If the dinner table feels like too much, find meaning elsewhere. A quiet walk, a creative hobby, or spiritual reflection are all valid ways to mark the day.
❗Protect your peace. You aren't obligated to engage in "diet talk" or comments about bodies. It is okay to change the subject or physically step away.
❗Honour your progress. Healing isn't linear, and "getting through it" is a victory in itself.

Easter is about renewal and that includes your recovery. Be kind to yourself. You are doing the hard work, and you aren't doing it alone. 🤍

01/04/2026

Making Easter Compassionate and Manageable for Every Individual

Easter is often celebrated as a time of renewal and connection, but for those living with an eating disorder, the heavy focus on chocolate, large family meals, and "treat culture" can feel overwhelming.

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we believe that recovery means reclaiming your right to experience holidays without fear or shame. Here are a few ways to make your Easter celebrations feel safer and more grounded:
🐰Prioritise Comfort over Tradition: If a formal dinner feels like too much pressure, it is okay to advocate for a more relaxed setting. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and secure in your body.
🐰Plan the Day, Not Just the Menu: Structure can provide safety. Knowing the "who, what, and when" of the day, beyond just the meal times, can help reduce anxiety about the unknown.
🐰Focus on Non-Food Rituals: Shift the spotlight away from the kitchen. Consider activities like spring walks, crafting, or gardening to celebrate the season of growth in ways that don't revolve around food.
🐰Boundaries are a Gift: It is okay to decline conversations about diets, "sugar detoxes," or body changes. You have the right to change the subject or step away from triggering table talk.
🐰The "Safe Harbour" Strategy: Identify a quiet space or a trusted person you can check in with if the festivities feel heavy. Having an "exit strategy" for overwhelming moments is a tool, not a failure.
🐰Self-Compassion First: Recovery isn't about being "perfect" during the holidays. If things feel difficult, be gentle with yourself. Participation on your own terms is a valid and brave way to celebrate.

Easter doesn’t have to be a source of distress, it can be a time of gentle reflection and self-care.

Need more guidance?If you or a loved one would like tailored support to navigate holiday transitions and your recovery journey, our team is here to listen: https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/

30/03/2026

🐰 Easter Competition Time! 🐰

🩵 Send us a photo of your best egg - painted, drawn, decorated, whatever works for you.
📅 Deadline: 11:59PM Sunday, April 5th
🎁 Prize: A €50 voucher or a fabulous art set - winner chooses!
📣 Winner announced: Monday 6th at 6pm!

We’ll be sharing all the entries on our social media, so everyone gets to see the amazing artwork.

📩 Send a photo of your artwork to us via Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn messages — we’d love to see what you come up with!

Address

First Floor, Ardkeen Shopping Centre, Dunmore Road
Waterford
XE0A

Website

https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/

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