Elaine Henderson

Hello, my name is Elaine Henderson and I’m a BACP (Accred) Counsellor, qualified in 2005. In 2010 I began my journey of specialising in supporting those with eating disorders and distressed eating by training with The National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED) and qualifying as a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity.

I have established many years of clinical practice, developing a reputation of being a warm, caring, enthusiastic and approachable therapist. I have an extensive resource of training and experiences which enables me to work effectively within my specialism of eating disorders, and also with a wider range of presenting psychological health issues.

I am thrilled to be part of the Centre for Bariatric Support team as it aligns with my passion of a holistic approach to overall health, wellbeing and happiness, working with each person individually and their unique set of circumstances and life experiences.

Bariatric surgery represents a life-changing option for those living with obesity. It is also recognised that often the biggest challenges involved in the bariatric process are psychological factors, both pre and post-surgery. This includes coping with a lot of change – a changing relationship with food, eating patterns, body image, and all the aspects of a new post-surgery life.

I am passionate about empowering you to get the best from your surgery, and supporting you at every step along the way by building a raft of tools, knowledge and skills towards lasting positive change. This involves addressing both the physical and emotional factors that maintain an unhelpful relationship with food, which needs a multi-faceted approach, and includes aspects such as motivation and health psychology, cognitive and behavioural approaches, neuroscience, and physiology.  

I care deeply about providing a safe, genuine and non-judgemental space to help understand, identify and explore the root of the difficulties – find out what is going on below the ‘tip of the iceberg’, and then work together to develop coping strategies to deal with challenges and the expected ‘bumps along the path of change’. This is a collaborative approach to find the attitudes, ways of being and the good habits that will help build strengths for long-term wellbeing - and for overall bariatric success.

My aim is to combine all of my experience and knowledge with compassionate understanding to support those who want and deserve weight change to live a happy and healthy life.