Specialist Eating Disorder Therapy Clinic In London
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Dr Rhiannon Dunlop
Principal Clinical Psychologist
I am a warm and compassionate Clinical Psychologist dedicated to ensuring individuals feel genuinely heard and supported. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is central to my practice, fostering a safe and respectful environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences.​
My integrative, person-centred approach draws upon various therapeutic methods tailored to each individual's needs. I am passionate about empowering clients to cultivate a sense of self and identity distinct from their challenges, helping them recognize and embrace their unique strengths.​
With a particular interest in early interventions, I am committed to providing timely support to those navigating complex relationships with food and body image, understanding that these issues can affect individuals of all ages and body sizes. I have a particular interest in working with athletes who may face unique pressures related to food and body image, including challenges such as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). My systemic approach considers the various environmental factors influencing well-being, including family, social, and cultural contexts, to foster resilience and positive change.​
I believe that developing a shared, in-depth understanding of a person’s difficulties—often referred to as a formulation—is invaluable. This collaborative process helps to promote greater self-awareness and ensures that therapy is tailored to each person’s unique needs and journey.
Background and Training
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BSc in Psychology, University of Exeter​
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Postgraduate degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for common mental health conditions, University of Southampton​
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Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsychD), University of Surrey, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Systemic Family Therapy​
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Intermediate Level training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice through the Surrey & Hampshire Family Therapy Training Collaborative​
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Training in Maudsley Family Therapy for Anorexia​
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Registered Chartered Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council​
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Since qualifying, I have specialized in working with children and young people with eating disorders and currently work as a Senior Clinical Psychologist within an NHS Eating Disorder service for Children and Young People. I primarily utilise Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, incorporating the Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) when working with older adolescents and young adults. Additionally, I integrate approaches from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy to address the complexities of each individual's experience.​
My experience also includes working in Acute Adult Mental Health inpatient and community teams, supporting individuals with complex mental health difficulties, as well as in an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service, offering assessment and treatment for common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This diverse background enables me to tailor my approach to consider the multifaceted nature of eating difficulties and co-occurring mental health challenges.​
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Publications
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Dunlop, R., Simonds, L.M., John, M. (2023). Self-disclosure by adolescents in therapy for eating difficulties: A Q-Methodology study. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 29(1), 90-102. doi:10.1177/13591045231209648
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Therapeutic Approaches Offered
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Primary Therapeutic Approaches: Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) & Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA).
Additional Therapeutic Approaches: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy.
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