Is Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching Safe? Addressing The Guardian's Concerns & How to Pick a Qualified Coach in Europe, England, and the UK

As a recent article in The Guardian points out, demand for eating disorder support is at an all-time high—hospital admissions for eating disorders in England increased by 84% in the last five years (between 2017 and 2022). This has left a massive gap in NHS care.

There is, indeed, a huge void in the current system. Often, the way treatment professionals approach care is not trauma-informed or inclusive enough—failing to account for race, gender, age, socioeconomic background, neurodiversity, or the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Filling the Gap: Why "Between Session" Support Matters

Recovery coaching is designed to fill this gap. We help people transition from intensive treatment back to their real lives, being "in the trenches" alongside the client.

Currently, most registered mental health professionals in the UK cannot offer support between weekly sessions. A coach, however, provides ongoing text or call support, meal outings, and real-time guidance. While a therapist helps you understand the why behind an eating disorder, a coach helps you with the how:

• How to challenge fear foods.

• How to talk back to the eating disorder thoughts in your head.

• How to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

• How to navigate the "crisis at the supermarket"—that moment at Tesco where you are paralyzed by labels and need immediate grounding.

• And, ultimately, how to get back to a healthier relationship with food, movement, and your body.
  

Addressing the Cost and Training

The Guardian reported on "coaches" charging £1,000 a month with little training. Let’s be clear: that is expensive. That price tag is only justifiable if the coach is providing extensive support outside of a standard hour, such as grocery shopping, clothes shopping, or live-in support. A coach who has a weekly, hour-long session with you and offers text support during the week should charge more than a therapist charges, but the amount should be proportional to the additional time the coach spends supporting you.

However, the real issue isn't just the price—it's the training. Plenty of people complete a weekend online course, get a random “certificate," and claim to be experts. This is unethical and dangerous, both for the coach and their clients. Lived experience alone is not a qualification. Being a "conscientious consumer" means researching whether your coach has rigorous, professional training.

Professional Boundaries and the "Safety Net"

Working with an unqualified coach is dangerous for both parties. Without rigorous training, a coach lacks:

• A Code of Conduct: They may not understand professional boundaries or how to stay "in their lane."

• Supervision: Professional coaches (like those trained by the Carolyn Costin Institute) must attend regular, anonymous supervision with senior clinicians and coaches to stay objective and safe.

• A Professional Network: An ethical coach works together with GPs, dietitians, and therapists. We do not give nutrition or exercise advice unless we are also a Registered Dietitian or a specialized PT.
  

How to Identify a Safe Coach in the UK

If you are looking for support, these are non-negotiables for an ethical coach:

• Medical Clearance: A qualified coach will ask for a "Medical Clearance" form or a GP check-up. If a client has a critically low BMI, heart complications, etc., the parties must prioritize medical stabilization first before starting to coach the client.

• Release of Information (ROI): We must be able to speak to your GP, therapist, and dietitian to make sure everyone works with the same info and works toward the same goals. We don't hide things from your doctors; we work with them.

• Inclusivity: We adapt to you. Whether you are a man struggling with a "female-coded" illness, a neurodivergent client struggling with food textures, or a trans client navigating body dysphoria, coaching should be built around your brain and life. Recovery is not "one size fits all."
  

The Gold Standard: CCI Certification

The Carolyn Costin Institute (CCI) requires coaches to undergo rigorous training and a supervised internship before certification. While the UK government doesn't currently "license" coaches, CCI coaches follow a Code of Ethics that mirrors professional therapeutic standards. We operate under regular supervision to ensure we never let our own lived experience cloud the professional support we provide you.

Try Before You Commit: 3 Free Sessions

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, I offer a free hour-long discovery call followed by two additional free sessions.

This isn't a sales pitch. It is a chance for you to see how coaching works, ask about my training, and ensure I can work safely alongside your existing medical team.