In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Dr Anna Oldershaw. Anna is a clinical psychologist and academic, specialising in emotion-focused therapy and schema therapy. Anna is also the Chief Investigator on the SPEAKS study, which aims to support patients in navigating emotions suppressed by AN, see the façade of AN, and promote growth and recovery through emotion-based scheme therapy.

• What is SPEAKS and how the study was conducted?

• How SPEAKS supports individuals in understanding their emotions and finding out who they are, and moving away from their vulnerable selves.

• Different coping styles may lead to the development of an eating disorder.

• Trusting yourself in recovery, moving from external to internal motivation.

• The therapeutic process involved in SPEAKS, including the formulation of self.

• The facade of anorexia nervosa, where anorexia nervosa might feel like it’s helping and when it becomes a poor fit in life.

• Finding alternative coping mechanisms through the development of a healthy adult.

• The applicability of SPEAKS, and its effectiveness for individuals with a longer duration and more complex eating disorder that is often missed in traditional therapies.

• The availability of SPEAKS and the future prospects.

• The results and promising outcomes from the SPEAKS study.

To find out more about SPEAKS or Anna…

• Twitter: @SPEAKSstudy & @annaoldershaw

• Email: [email protected]

• Private therapy & training: www.emotionspeaks.co.uk

• Papers:

  • Lost self paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00219/full

  • Seeing through the facade paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.868586/full

  • Trial protocol: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/2/e050350

  • SPEAKS therapy animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gia_2y0CBvo

Please note that this episode should not be replaced by professional support and advice. If you are struggling, please reach out for support and know you are not alone.