Our therapeutic approach
At Ellern Mede, our treatment approach is bespoke, person-centred and formulation-led. We provide safe and structured settings, tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the individual’s needs. Our model has been developed over two decades’ of experience working with individuals with complex and overlapping conditions.
We are committed to supporting recovery that is sustainable and meaningful to the individual, enabling them to reintegrate back into community life at a realistic pace. Our aim is to help people build resilience in collaboration with their support network, to promote long-term wellbeing, quality of life and independence.
Our treatment is shaped by structured assessment, multidisciplinary formulation and goal-based recovery planning with patients, families/carers (where appropriate) and their local community teams. We use a range of standardised outcomes measures to monitor and review individual progress, and also to evaluate the effectiveness of our the treatment we provide.
Our team are trained in specialist DBT and PBS-informed approaches, and use tools such as RAID (Reinforce appropriate, implode disruptive) plans to take steps towards their recovery goals, building positive behaviours and effective interpersonal skills.
What is a formulation?
A ‘formulation’ is a type of assessment which is facilitated by the psychology team but involves a collaborative, evidence-based process where the multi-disciplinary team, patient and their family/carers (where appropriate) create a shared understanding of their needs, strengths, goals and difficulties. Unlike a medical diagnosis, it is a joint effort that considers the patient’s own perspective..
We use the “5 Ps” Framework to structure information: Presenting problem, Precipitating (triggering) factors, Perpetuating (maintaining) factors, Predisposing (vulnerability) factors, and Protective factors/strengths.
Therapies offered
As part of the MDT treatment program, therapeutic interventions may include:
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT)
- Integrative therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Dietetic psychoeducation
- Creative therapies, including art therapy
Group work supports connection, insight and the development of practical recovery skills. Our structured group programme may include:
- Emotional regulation and DBT skills groups
- Healthy eating and nutrition groups
- Social eating groups within a supported environment
- Body image and self-concept work
- Mindfulness and grounding groups
- Future focus and identity development groups
- Movement and balanced exercise groups
Make a referral
Ellern Mede provides specialist inpatient mental health care for children (aged 8+), adolescents and adults with complex presentations, including eating disorders, trauma-related difficulties, emotional dysregulation, neurodivergence and overlapping mental health needs.
We accept referrals from NHS commissioners and international health authorities, and welcome private enquiries via self-funding or medical insurance.
All referrals are subject to clinical review to assess suitability, level of risk and therapeutic fit.