My name is Nicola Birkin, and I have worked in area of Eating Disorders for twenty years in the NHS, and as a Specialist Practitioner in Eating Disorders for the past thirteen years.
Recently I have taken on the role as Specialist Therapist at the Inpatient Clinic (Eating Disorders), not only offering Therapy but also leading the development of a Day Service. I work three and a half days a week at the clinic, leaving me time for my private work, both of which I find very fulfilling.
I became interested in supporting individuals with Eating Issues when I began working at Vincent Square Clinic, an Eating Disorder inpatient unit in London. Over the next four years I gained vast experience of working with individuals with eating problems, before moving to Yorkshire.
Following two years of working in an acute inpatient setting for females I became a Specialist Practitioner in Eating Disorders in the Community, before moving to York.
My aims
I am very aware of the impact that eating disorders, and eating issues have on an individuls life. I also have acute knowledge of the limited support that is available in this area. My ultimate aim is to be able to provide support and guidance to a wider range of individuals. I believe that recovery from eating disorders, and disordered eating issues is possible with the right support, and I am passionate about helping individuals achieving this.
Credentials & Therapies
My Degree Certificate Qualifications are;
Eating Disorders (including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Research) Post Graduate Certificate.
Psychology BSc (Hons).
Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons).
My Professional qualifications are as follows; Certificate in ‘The Maudsley Model Cognitive Interpersonal Therapy for Treating Anorexia Nervosa’ (MANTRA); Certificate in ‘Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for Eating Disorders’ (SSCM Eating Disorders;); I am qualified in eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and I obtained Certificates in ‘EMDR with Eating Disorders’; ‘Eating Disorders and the Ego’, ‘EMDR and Attachment’ and ‘The Embodied Child” and I am working towards accreditation in this area. I am also currently undertaking the completion of a certificate in CBT-E. I have a certificate in introductory Systemic Practice; Certificates in Counselling level One and Two, and a certificate in Mindfulness. I can offer individual and group Guided Self Help treatment options.
I am registered with the NMC and also registered with the EMDR association, UK. I have full DBS clearance for work with both children and adults.
Eating Disorders Therapy (EDT) 