Irish Eating Disorders Centre

02/03/2026

Meet the Team: Isabela

We’re delighted to introduce Isabela, our Psychologist, whose work is grounded in empathy, clinical depth, and a strong commitment to understanding each individual’s unique profile. She has a particular passion for neurodevelopmental assessment and is dedicated to providing clear, comprehensive, and compassionate diagnostic evaluations.

Isabela holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Hospital Psychology. She brings over 12 years of professional experience and remains deeply committed to ongoing learning and continuous professional development, consistently refining and expanding her clinical expertise. Her background in psycho-oncology strengthened her ability to support individuals and families through complex emotional experiences with sensitivity and care.

She specialises in Autism and ADHD assessments and is deeply passionate about diagnostic work. In addition to psychological assessments, Isabela is trained in EMDR therapy and provides trauma-focused intervention for children, adolescents, and adults.

Her approach integrates evidence-based practice with a holistic understanding of emotional regulation, sensory profiles, developmental history, and lived experience. She believes that assessment is not only about identifying challenges, but about recognising strengths, validating experiences, and guiding meaningful, tailored support.

Outside of her clinical work, Isabela treasures time with her family and values the balance between professional dedication and personal connection. Originally Brazilian and Italian, she has made Ireland her home, embracing it not only as the place where she works, but where she has built her family life and chosen to grow her roots.

We’re truly grateful to have her expertise, warmth, and dedication as part of our team.

27/02/2026

Is the "healthy eating" pressure at home making things harder? When we strive for the "perfect" diet, the rigidity can sometimes backfire, especially for autistic children. New research (JADD, 2025) shows a strong link between Orthorexia in parents and fear-based ARFID in children.

When "good food" rules become too intense, they can create a cycle of anxiety and restriction. Helping your child often starts with a gentle look at the food culture within the home.

At Lighthouse Psychology, we offer compassionate support for families living with ARFID and ASD. No judgment, just a path toward peace at the table.

25/02/2026

Finding light in the darkness 💡

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we know that the journey toward mental wellness isn’t always a straight line. There are days when the world feels heavy, and finding hope can feel like an uphill battle.

That’s why we want to share a beautiful resource with our community: https://reasonstostay.co.uk/

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, but you don’t have to face it alone.

This letter was written by someone in the world that cares. It was delivered to you at random when you opened this page.

23/02/2026

Feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts? Try counting backwards from 100 by threes.

20/02/2026

Are you tuning in to the Winter Games? ❄️🎿

As we marvel at the incredible feats of athletes on the world stage, there is a silent struggle often happening behind the scenes. Did you know that athletes have a three to five times increased risk of developing disordered eating compared to the general population?

In this video, Olympian Alice Merryweather shares her personal journey with an eating disorder that started after the 2018 Winter Games. Her story is a reminder that even the strongest among us can struggle.

If you or a loved one are struggling, you don't have to "power through" alone. We are here to help.

https://youtu.be/VXSBUuM-_hI?si=_e_5_wcWyPQuwTmX

"The Olympics are such a high for most athletes who go," Merryweather said. "What no one really prepares you for is how you feel after."More local videos her...

18/02/2026

Understanding OSFED: Why "Other" Doesn't Mean "Less"

When we talk about eating disorders, names like Anorexia or Bulimia often come to mind first. However, the most frequently diagnosed eating disorder in both adults and adolescents is actually OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder).

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we want to clear up a common misconception: OSFED is not a "mild" version of an eating disorder. It is a serious, complex, and potentially life-threatening mental illness that requires professional support and early intervention.

OSFED in Ireland: The Current Landscape
Recent data highlights that OSFED is a significant and growing concern within the Irish healthcare system:
Prevalence: OSFED (formerly known as EDNOS) accounts for approximately 19% of diagnosed cases in recent HSE data.
A Rising Trend: OSFED cases are part of a rising trend in Ireland, affecting people of all genders and ages.
Gender Neutrality: While historically thought to primarily affect young women, men now account for roughly 25% of all eating disorder cases in Ireland, with OSFED being a common diagnosis among them.

What Exactly is OSFED?
OSFED is a diagnosis given when a person presents with many symptoms of other eating disorders, such as restrictive eating, purging, or bingeing, but does not meet every technical requirement for those specific clinical labels.

The Reality: The medical complications, psychological distress, and "eating disorder thoughts" associated with OSFED are as severe and dangerous as any other diagnosis.

The Different Faces of OSFED
To help target the right treatment, OSFED may be further specified as:
🔴Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: All criteria for Anorexia are met, but despite significant weight loss, the individual’s weight remains within or above the normal range.
🔴Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder (Low Frequency): Symptoms occur, but less than once a week or for less than three months.
🔴Purging Disorder: Recurrent purging behaviours used to influence weight or shape in the absence of binge eating.
🔴Night Eating Syndrome: Recurrent episodes of eating after awakening from sleep or excessive consumption after the evening meal, causing significant distress.

Early Intervention is Key- A diagnosis is a tool to help us understand your symptoms and find the right path to recovery. Whether you fit a specific category or your experience feels "somewhere in between," your struggle is valid and you deserve care. Early intervention is the most effective way to prevent long-term health risks and worsening symptoms.

Reach Out for Support If you or a loved one are struggling with disordered eating or body image, you don't have to face it alone.

Visit us at https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/ to learn more about our specialised support and how we can help you on the journey toward healing.

16/02/2026

📢 Important Notice for Our Clients: New Parking Rules
If you have an upcoming appointment at Lighthouse Psychology or the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, please be aware that Ardkeen Shopping Centre has introduced new parking arrangements from Monday, 26 January.

To ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible, please take note of the following:

Free Period: The first 90 minutes of parking are free.

Extended Stays: If you plan on staying more than 90 minutes, a charge of €2 per hour applies (max €10/day).

Payment Method: Payment can ONLY be made via the Easytrip app.

Enforcement: Euro Car Parks monitors the area using camera technology. While warnings may be issued initially, repeat non-compliance may lead to clamping (€80 release fee).

💡 Our Recommendation
We highly recommend downloading and setting up the Easytrip app on your smartphone before your next appointment. This ensures that if your session runs over, you can manage your parking easily without any interruptions.

13/02/2026

High-intensity care. Zero hospital beds.

Sometimes, standard therapy isn’t enough, but a hospital admission feels like too much. Our program sits right in the middle. We provide the expertise of a full clinical team and consultant-led care while allowing you to remain at home.

This isn't a waiting room for the hospital, it’s the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

11/02/2026

Is it "just a phase" or is it something more?

It’s common for parents to wonder if a teen’s changing food habits are just a part of growing up. However, certain shifts can be early signals that they are struggling:
❗Sudden "food rules" or cutting out entire food groups.
❗Skipping meals or making excuses to eat alone.
❗Hiding food or a growing fixation on body weight/shape.

When it comes to eating disorders, early intervention is the most powerful tool for recovery. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, trust it.

We provide specialist-led, confidential care with no referral needed. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

🔗 https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/

09/02/2026

Getting what you need shouldn’t mean losing your peace.

Do you ever find it hard to ask for what you need without feeling guilty or starting an argument?

At the Irish Eating Disorders Centre, we use Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help you navigate these tricky interpersonal waters. One of the most effective tools in the DBT toolkit is DEAR MAN.

This skill is designed to help you communicate your needs clearly and assertively while keeping your relationships healthy and your self-respect intact.

🔹 Describe the situation (stick to the facts!)
🔹 Express your feelings
🔹 Assert what you want
🔹 Reinforce the benefit to the other person
🔹 Mindful of your goal
🔹 Appear confident
🔹 Negotiate for a win-win

06/02/2026

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a "dialectical" approach means finding the balance between two seemingly opposite ideas. This can be a powerful tool for people in recovery from eating disorders, where "black-and-white" or "all-or-nothing" thinking often occurs.

The core dialectic in recovery is Acceptance AND Change.

We can accept ourselves exactly as we are in this moment while simultaneously working toward a healthier, more fulfilled future. It’s not an "either/or" situation, it’s a "both/and" reality.

Here are a few ways to practice dialectical thinking today:
✨ I am doing the best I can AND I need to do better.
✨ I feel overwhelmed AND I can handle this moment.
✨ I want to recover AND I am afraid of the process.

Embracing the "AND" helps reduce the pressure of perfectionism and creates space for self-compassion.

Which of these dialectics resonates most with you today? Let us know in the comments. 👇

04/02/2026

When weekly sessions aren't holding the risk, it’s time for a different approach. Eating disorder recovery requires more than conversation, it requires a scaffold of support.

Our Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP) is designed to:
✅ Stabilise risk without the need for hospital admission.
✅ Provide structure while you stay in the comfort of your own home.
✅ Deliver expert care through a highly coordinated clinical team.

🔗 https://irisheatingdisorderscentre.ie/