Pocklington based Clinical Health Psychologist and Psychotherapist expands private practice and launches interactive Eating Disorders website

After 17 years of private practice experience in South Africa and then as the lead clinical psychologist in a UK eating disorder unit, a Pocklington based clinician has expanded her private practice and launched an interactive website with the aim of helping the growing number of people with eating disorders and disordered eating.

‘Mindalot' is an online and clinic based service that offers help to people affected by eating disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, emerging Anorexia Nervosa, as well as help for those with disordered eating. Its founder is Dr Sharon Croskin, a psychologist and psychotherapist with 24 years' experience working with eating disorders, who chose the start of National Eating Disorders Week (23^rdFebruary to 1^stMarch) to launch this venture.

Dr Croskin said: "Alarmingly, the UK has the highest rate of eating disorders in Europe and Anorexia Nervosa kills more people than any other mental health condition. Between 5% and 20% of people with anorexia will die from it and that is why early intervention is crucial."

Figures released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) on 30^thJanuary, 2014 show a national rise of 8 per cent in the number of admissions to hospital for an eating disorder and reveal that the biggest rise was among young people aged 10 to 19.

Dr Sharon continued: "While the cost to the tax payer of inpatient treatment for eating disorders is £50 million per annum, the emotional cost to individuals and families is enormous. Families are frequently separated as the person with anorexia nervosa could be sent out of area for treatment. Individuals with less extreme presentations of anorexia and those with bulimia and binge-eating are usually treated in out patient settings if a service offers this specialist input. Early intervention is vital and for those individuals with emerging eating disorders, sometimes starting out as disordered eating, getting the right help as soon as possible can be life-changing and life-saving."

Based in her practice within Chiropractic Plus in Regent Street, Pocklington, Dr Sharon will treat patients using her years of experience in the field and her bespoke psychodynamic model which she teaches at university level. She will be joined by specialists in Diet and Exercise to offer a NICE guideline recommended holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to the challenges associated with eating disorders and disordered eating.

DuringEating Disorders Awareness Week, Dr Croskin will be giving two, one-hour talks about Dieting and Eating Disorders at the Pocklington Arts Centre YO42 2AR on Wednesday 25th February.  ‘Eating Disorders - What are they really about?'  will provide an opportunity to discuss Eating Disorders and to meet Dr Sharon and her team who will deliver the service.  This takes place at 11 a.m. The next talk is ‘Stop Dieting and Lose Weight Anyway' and this will explore the never ending cycle of yo-yo dieting and takes place at 12.30 p.m.  Dr Sharon will also be available for a no-charge 15-minute informal one-to-one consultation on Thursday 26 February from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Saturday 28th February from 1130 to 1p.m. The free consultations will take place at Mindalot's practice at 12 Regent Street, Pocklington, YO42 2QL. To book a place or for more information about the free consultations and talks please call or text Dr Sharon on 07759 313181 or e-mailmindalot@btopenworld.com   If you are unable to attend these talks or free consultation times, please contact Dr Sharon to arrange or find out about future talks.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a chance to raise awareness and understanding of eating disorders, and to challenge stereotypes and stigmas.Eating Disorders is a subsidiary of Mindalot Psychology and Psychotherapy Practice launched by Dr Sharon in March 2013 to offer support for a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, low self-esteem and phobias. See websites for more informationwww.mindalot.co.ukwww.eatingdisorders.uk.com

Ends

Photos:

1. Dr Sharon Croskin (CPsychol), B.A. (Hons), M.A., PhD

2. The home page of the Eating Disorders website

For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr Sharon Croskin, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. For more information about ‘Eating Disorders', please visitwww.eatingdisorders.uk.com

2. Eating disorders are characterised by an abnormal attitude towards food that causes someone to change their eating habits and behaviour. The eating disorder categories are: Anorexia Nervosa, when someone tries to keep their weight as low as possible, for example by starving themselves or exercising excessively; Bulimia Nervosa, when someone tries to control their weight by binge eating and then deliberately being sick or using laxatives (medication to help empty their bowels); Binge Eating, when someone feels compelled to eat excessively within a specific time frame:www.eatingdisorders.uk.com; www.nhs.uk. Source: HSCIC

3. For more information about the Government's Autumn Statement 2014, please visithttps://www.gov.uk/government/news/deputy-pm-announces-150m-investment-to-transform-treatment-for-eating-disorders

4. Dr Croskin isHCPCandBPSregistered and also coordinates and lectures Psychodynamic Therapeutic theory and practice to Clinical Psychology Doctoral Students at Hull University

5. For more information about Mindalot and Dr Sharon Croskin please visitwww.mindalot.co.uk