The Causeway Retreat offers an innovative psychological approach to eating disorders. Traditional treatment relies on behavioural methods of treatment, often featuring supervised eating and restrictions on any form of exercise, particularly for people at very low body weights. Because of the unique advantages of the geography and staffing of the Island (all clients have their own accommodation, we have a resident chef and we have therapists with addictions-based training), we are able to blend orthodox medical, nutritional and dietary advice with individual menu selection, individually-supervised eating or informal dining arrangements. As the Island has no shops or supermarkets, binge eaters find it much easier to control food cravings in this environment. We are also able to admit male clients with eating disorders, a group of clients most traditional units struggle to provide for.
Finally, in having an active addictions treatment programme on the Island, we are well-equipped to deliver an addiction-based programme of care to those who view their illness as being caused by an addiction to high-calorie foods as much as a learned maladaptive coping strategy.
We would emphasise that all clients requesting treatment on the Island for food disorders must undergo a preliminary outpatient assessment and physical examination (including blood tests, electrocardiograph and weighing) with a Consultant Psychiatrist to ensure their suitability for this type of treatment and their safety while they are with us.