Fiona Yassin is the International Program Director at The Wave, holding multiple credentials including being a registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor in both the U.K. and UNCG (Registration number #361609 National and International Council of Psychotherapists). She is EMDR trained (EMDRIA) and practices as a Trauma therapist (Registration number #10000054651).
Fiona’s expertise includes being a member of the International Chapter of IAEDP, with training in CBTe (Oxford Group), FREED (King’s College, London), TF-CBT, RO-DBT, and GPM. Her specializations cover the treatment of Eating Disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as families in High Conflict Divorces and Psychiatry across the female lifespan.
Additionally, Fiona holds the distinction of being a Fellow of APPCH, a senior accredited Addiction Professional, and a member of The Association of Child Protection Professionals. She is also trained in MBT (Child and Family and Adult) and Reflective Parenting with The Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families, and is a Member of The Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorders Association.
Fiona holds an MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health awarded by King’s College London, where she received The Dean’s Award. She is currently completing an MSc in Psychiatry at Cardiff University Medical School and is a PhD Candidate in Mental Health Research at Lancaster University. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending time with her three cats, going for long walks on the beach, and appreciating the beautiful animals in her garden.
When a young person experiences mental health problems, many parents are unsure where they can find the most effective support. Parents often think that young
One of the most important parts of residential treatment is the transition back to school or home. Young people can make huge progress during their
Eating disorders are serious mental health disorders that usually develop during a young person’s teenage years. For children and adolescents at boarding schools, symptoms of eating disorders may be first noticed by teachers or other students. Eating disorders are relatively common at boarding schools, and most schools have specific protocols regarding support, care, and boundaries.
If a young person develops an eating disorder, it’s not the fault of the family. Eating disorders develop as a complex result of social, biological,
Many people prescribed with Ozempic eat less food than before and, as a result, have a lower body weight. In the past two years, it’s become a well-known medication that is promoted across social media platforms, including TikTok. This has led to serious concerns about its potential for misuse among people with eating disorders.
Most people with anorexia nervosa can recover with professional treatment, especially in the earlier stages of the disorder. But some young people require more intensive care than others. In particular, some adolescents and young adults need inpatient or residential treatment to stay safe and have the best chances of recovery.
While medical emergencies are frightening, with urgent medical care, young people can be kept safe and recover. Long-term treatment for eating disorders supports young people to recover physically, psychologically, and socially – and prevents medical emergencies in the future.
The cognitive interpersonal maintenance model is a theory about the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa. It describes the way that personality traits, ways of thinking, and difficulties forming relationships with others make people vulnerable to developing the disorder.
Families usually constitute young people’s closest relationships and support systems. That’s why family therapy is so important in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Working with young people and their families, family therapy sessions support families in overcoming unhelpful behaviours that may reinforce eating disorder symptoms, replacing them with positive systems of relationships that nurture lasting change.
Families are not to blame for the development of eating disorders. However, eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can strain the relationships within any family. It’s common for families affected by eating disorders to face challenges relating to one another and caring for a young person with an eating disorder.
Like any person with an eating problem, children under 12 with early-onset eating disorders should receive professional support as soon as possible. Early interventions are associated with better outcomes, and treatment approaches have been adapted by researchers and professionals to effectively support young children.
Eating disorders usually develop during adolescence. But they are also common among young adults and adults, including among mothers. Food and body concerns that may not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder – but are still harmful and distressing – are even more common.
Some types of picky eating can harm a young person’s development. Picky eating may also be a symptom of underlying mental health concerns that require attention and support.
