About Me CBT therapist and Specialist Advanced Clinical Practitioner in eating disorders.

Hello I’m Fiona,  

With over 25 years’ experience working within both mental and physical health and more than 20 years specialising in eating disorders I’m passionate about helping people build confidence, self-compassion, and a more balanced relationship with food and themselves.

Struggles with food, body image and self-confidence can feel overwhelming and isolating. My approach is grounded in warmth and understanding, offering a supportive environment where we can work together to uncover what’s been keeping you stuck and find a path toward lasting change.

Together, we’ll explore your experiences and use evidence-based approaches to help you move towards recovery, balance, and a kinder relationship with yourself and with food. You don’t have to face this alone, change and healing are possible.

You’re not alone in this. With the right support, change and healing are within reach.

fiona-lain-therapist-about-me-photo

My Story

As a teenager, I faced my own mental health challenges and in adulthood I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Navigating these experiences gave me a deep understanding of the impact mental health can have on daily life and inspired my passion for supporting others on their own journeys.

From early on, I knew I wanted to work in a role that helped others, so I began my career in Occupational Therapy. In those early years, I supported people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and those receiving palliative care.

It was meaningful work that taught me the value of compassion, patience, and truly seeing the person behind the diagnosis.

Over time, my path led me towards mental health, where I began supporting people with eating disorders and that’s where I found my true calling. I went on to work in specialist eating disorder services as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Clinical Lead, these roles gave me the privilege of helping people at all stages of their recovery.

My work in this field inspired me to train as a CBT therapist, deepening my understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours connect, and how evidence-based therapy can truly transform lives.

After many rewarding years in the NHS, I began to feel limited by the system, the long waiting lists, time pressures, and one-size-fits-all approaches. I wanted to offer something different. Something more personal. Something that allowed the time and space for genuine, lasting change.

That’s what inspired me to start my own private practice (Dimensions). Here, I can work with people who are ready to embrace therapy and develop the understanding and skills that support recovery not just for now, but for life.

Working independently has also given me the chance to create a better balance in my own life, a reminder that wellbeing isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live. And that’s what I hope to help others find too: balance, confidence, and peace with themselves.

My Values

Compassion

At the heart of everything I do is compassion. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe, understood, and treated with genuine kindness free from judgement or pressure.

Individuality

No two people experience life or recovery in the same way. I value individuality and tailor therapy to your unique story, needs, and goals because your journey deserves an approach that fits you.

Collaboration

Therapy works best as a partnership. I see us as a team, working together to understand what’s been keeping things difficult and to create meaningful, lasting change.

Integrity

I’m committed to working with honesty, professionalism, and respect. My guidance is grounded in both evidence-based practice and authentic care.

Growth

Recovery is not just about overcoming challenges, but about growing into the strongest, most confident version of yourself. I value progress in all its forms no matter how small.

A Final Thought - For me, the greatest success of therapy is witnessing clients develop the confidence, understanding, and compassion to sustain their growth beyond therapy”

Experience

I have extensive experience working in mental health and have advanced specialist skills in eating disorders. As a CBT therapist I am a member of BABCP, working towards accreditation which means my practice receives regular supervision from an BABCP accredited CBT supervisor. I engage in continuing professional development to ensure my practice reflects the latest research and best practices.

The field of mental health is continually evolving, and I am committed to staying informed about new approaches and evidence-based treatments.

Personal

I find peace and inspiration in the great outdoors. I’ve always loved spending time in nature, and some of my happiest moments are spent walking through the countryside, taking in the sights, sounds, and calm that only the open air can bring.

I love animals and have a deep passion for horses as they’ve been a big part of my life for many years. Having owned two of my own, I’ve learned so much from them about patience, trust, and the simple joy of connection. Horses have a way of grounding you and reminding you to stay present lessons I carry with me every day.

Whether I’m out exploring a new trail or spending quiet time with animals, I find joy in life’s simple, authentic moments.

My Qualifications

  • SSCM (2024) Jo Pearson (Private trainer & Clinical Nurse Specialist)
  • Web-Centred Training in Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders (2023) CREDO Oxford University
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (2022) Kings College London
  • Introduction to MANTRA (2020) SLAM
  • Masterclass in ARFID (2020) MCAED
  • FT-AN Maudsley (2020) MCAED
  • The Knowledge and Understanding Framework (KUF) offers specialised training for professionals working with individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, focusing on a trauma-informed and multi-agency approach. training (2013) NSFT
  • Multi-family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (2011) MCAED
  • BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (2006) University of East Anglia
  • Human Life Science Foundation (2001) Hons Degree -Norwich City College

Please do get in touch if you have any questions about therapy.

I’m happy to talk things through with you. Please note, I’m not registered to see AxA, Aviva or Vitality health clients.

hpc health professional registered
babcp logo
RCOT logo
Scroll to Top
Dimensions
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.