our philosophy
Eating disorders are usually a way of helping us to manage our lives in some way, fulfilling unmet needs that take time, compassion, trust, patience & practice to uncover, heal or replace with other, more welcome strategies. In this context, the idea of treatment & even recovery itself can feel frightening. Healing is an individual, experiential process that needs time to play itself out as we navigate work, life & relationships.
Eating disorders can bear a burden of shame that may leave us feeling inherently bad, worthless or powerless, disconnecting us from others & even ourselves, despite the fact that social support seeking is a key pillar of recovery1. Healing involves rebuilding trust & connection in spaces where we feel safe to share our vulnerability. Then we can begin to ask for help.
We often struggle with low self-worth, yet find creative ways to manage this - a drive for perfectionism & attainment or dedication to others or good causes. The time, money & perceived social cost can feel high in this context. Rebuilding our own, innate sense of worth is an essential, yet gradual process that needs integrating into our daily lives to become secure.
Living with an eating disorder is painful & isolating. Managing our disorder alongside our lives, often as if nothing was amiss, takes singular strength & resilience. Recovery may feel like one of the hardest things we will ever achieve, yet we have already demonstrated the strength & skills we need to get there.
Social Support
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Active Tackling
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Identity
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Purpose
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Meaning
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Integration
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Social Support · Active Tackling · Identity · Purpose · Meaning · Integration ·
our approach
Person-Centred
Whilst our approach is evidence-based, we do not claim authority over the ‘right’ way to recover, or even what recovery means to you. We provide a secure framework & supportive foundation from which you can forge your own path, providing the conditions to help you remain accountable to it, for as long as you need.
Collaborative
We work together with you to design & protect the structure & supports you need at home. Whilst Ianthe House does not offer treatment directly, commitment in 1:1 therapy & weekly group therapy as a House is required of our community. We are here to support you in finding the right treatment options and practitioners for you, if you don’t yet have these in place.
Integrated
We offer an affordable, accessible option for long-term supported recovery at home –an inspiring, connected & compassionate environment & community, where recovery is integrated rather than abstracted from life, & where the process itself (healing, connection, growth, purpose & belonging) is celebrated as well as nurtured.
Connected
We approach your journey as peers, together with your recovery circle and wider community, through the ups & downs. We’ve walked the recovery path too, and are here to walk beside you. At Ianthe House you can expect to find connection & community, but this community, in the end, is you. We very much look forward to meeting you.
our story
Ianthe House is founded in personal experience of disordered eating & the pursuit of recovery. We understand the feelings of isolation, fear & shame that accompany eating disorders, at once separating us from others & cutting us off from one of the most important life-lines needed to heal. We have experienced feeling unworthy of recovery & how difficult it can feel to prioritise treatment when the financial, social & career cost seem insurmountable. We have asked ourselves the question ‘what if, after all that, we are still not better?’ –the fear of exposure, loss of security & independence, the fear of ‘failure’. We have tried & failed many times over. In the face of perhaps the greatest fear of all, we have asked ourselves ‘who would we even be, without our disorder?’ & wondered if we were strong enough to let it go.
Yet, we also know recovery – the realisation that with or without our eating disorder, we are worthy; with or without, we belong; that nothing essential about us changes, apart from the freedom to access a new sense of presence, connection, power & joy.
our promise
safety + trustworthiness
Meanwhile, it is our mission to provide a place of safety, security & belonging from which trust can grow —where you feel welcome as your authentic self, worthy of support, safe to be vulnerable & strong enough to ask for help.
agency + independence
Houses are democratically run by you & your circle. Whilst there are guiding principles & frameworks to support recovery at home, you will discover & refine what works best for your collective recovery. Structure, environment & support can be adapted to meet your needs.
connection + community
We cultivate & nurture the conditions for a supportive peer-led community grounded in compassion, unconditional positive regard, confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, accountability, mentorship, role-modelling, trust & belonging.
co-creation + collaboration
We are not a care provider but your partner in recovery. We understand that recovery may feel like one of the hardest things you will ever do, & that everyone's path will be unique. We provide space, time & support for your process, at your own pace & around your needs, dreams & responsibilities.
confidentiality + discretion
Sadly, eating disorders still carry stigma. Whilst moving society towards deeper understanding is an important goal - your disclosure, or otherwise, to whom & at what time - must always be your own choice. The most important thing is your recovery, health & wellbeing. We are committed to protecting your privacy & keeping the nature & location of Ianthe Houses confidential.
structure + support
Whilst agency & independence are central to your recovery experience at home, there are some mandatory rules & expectations. These protect a set & setting conducive to recovery & a culture that reflects the values of our community.
