Jessica
ED Recovery Coach
Jessica Bragg
Approach/Philosophy:
I believe that every instance of an eating disorder is unique, and goes hand in hand with a very personal struggle that can often feel misunderstood. However, I also believe that with the right support and a person-centred approach to recovery, the web of torment that an eating disorder spins around an individual, and their support network, can become untangled. I think that it is important to have an open and honest relationship with clients; helping them to be realistic about the limitations of their illness whilst supporting them to take meaningful steps towards recovery.
Experience:
Following recovery from my own battle with an eating disorder, I volunteered with my local eating disorder service to run recovery talks for the current patients. I also volunteered for Time To Change Wales as a wellbeing champion, delivering anti-stigma and discrimination presentations and workshops to local organisations. Whilst completing my BSc, I facilitated peer support groups for students struggling with low mood and anxiety for Student Minds Cardiff. I then developed an interest in the British Psychological Society and subsequently sat on their student committee for 2 years as the Wales representative, moving on to join the pre-qualification group under the division of clinical psychology as their publicity co-lead. Upon graduation, I went to work as an eating disorder support worker for children and adolescents in an in-patient hospital. Currently, I work as a parents and carers advisor for Beat alongside my work with Bev, whilst completing my MSc in child and adolescent mental health.
About me/Qualifications:
I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Cardiff University, where I spent a year working with the Service for High-risk Eating Disorders as a placement student. I am registered for graduate membership with the BPS and am also in the process of completing a master’s degree in child and adolescent mental health in the UCL institute of child health within Great Ormond Street Hospital. I have worked with both children/ adolescents and adults with eating disorders of varying presentations, mostly providing meal support, guided-self help interventions, coaching programmes and interactive workshops. I also work closely with parents, partners, and carers of a loved one with an eating disorder, helping them to navigate recovery with their loved one through implementing new skills and improving communication.
Any publications:
Bragg, J. H. (2019). The other side of services: Reflections on placement in the Cardiff and Vale Service for high-risk eating disorders, PsychTalk, 94.
