A colorful logo for a company called full of beans

The SPEAKS Study

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…

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.

Recent Posts

Cover photo for The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know with Chelsea Roff

The Assisted Dying Bill & Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know

By Hannah Hickinbotham • March 10, 2025
The UK’s Assisted Dying Bill raises serious concerns for individuals with eating disorders. Could they qualify as terminally ill? Explore the risks, safeguarding gaps, and why better treatment, not assisted death, is needed.

Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders

By hannah • March 9, 2025
Reclaiming Women's Health by Breaking Myths Around PCOS & Eating Disorders

Navigating ARFID with Compassion: Kindsight, Communication & Support with Julie White

February 10, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Julie White. Julie is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Neurodiversity Coach, and peer support facilitator, raising awareness of mental health and neurodiversity.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Sexual Health with Bethany Ashley Smith

February 3, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Bethany Ashley Smith. Bethany is a psychotherapist who is on a to help people feel more confident and independent in their healing journey. Bethany has spent 20 years combining her own lived experiences, working as a mental health nurse and her professional expertise in trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationships. As a neurodiverse, mixed-race woman who’s walked her own recovery path, Bethany brings empathy and understanding to her work.

APPG Report "The Right to Health: People with Eating Disorders are being failed" with Nicky Smith

January 22, 2025
In this week's episode, we speak with eating disorder advocate, Nicky Smith, about report released by The All-Party Parliamentary Group, “The Right To Health: People with eating disorders failed”.

The Implication of GLP-1 Medications on Eating Disorders with Zuzanna Gajowiec

January 13, 2025
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Zuzanna Gajowiec. Zuzanna is a Clinical Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Ireland’s first Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C). With over a decade of experience, Zuzanna is dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery, focusing on physical healing, body image, and family connections.
Show More
Share by: