MANTRA Therapy EXPLAINED

MANTRA Therapy for Eating Disorders

MANTRA Therapy helps individuals understand the emotional and cognitive patterns that maintain eating disorders and supports lasting recovery from anorexia nervosa.

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MANTRA Therapy EXPLAINED?

What Is MANTRA Therapy?

The Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) is a specialist, evidence-based therapy developed at the Maudsley Hospital and recommended by NICE for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Unlike more general therapeutic approaches, MANTRA Therapy was designed specifically for anorexia, helping individuals explore why the eating disorder developed and what keeps it going. It focuses on understanding the unique cognitive, emotional, and relational factors that make change difficult — and gently works to build new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to food and self.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

At The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image,

Our clinicians are highly trained in delivering MANTRA Therapy, offering supportive, one-to-one treatment both in-person and online.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about appearance

HOW IT WORKS

How MANTRA Therapy Works

MANTRA combines psychological insight with motivational and behavioural strategies to support meaningful, lasting recovery.
Together with your therapist, you will explore how certain personality traits — such as perfectionism, emotional avoidance, or high self-criticism — might maintain restrictive eating behaviours. MANTRA helps you understand these patterns without judgment, while learning practical ways to reconnect with your body, relationships, and values.
The process is collaborative and compassionate, focusing on gradual change at a pace that feels manageable and safe.

Key Principles of MANTRA

  • Encourages self-understanding rather than external control.
  • Promotes compassion toward oneself and others.
  • Builds motivation and a genuine desire for recovery.
  • Increases emotional awareness and flexibility.
  • Builds confidence, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
  • Develop long-term strategies for relapse prevention
  • Addresses perfectionism and rigid thinking styles.
  • Strengthens supportive relationships and communication.
  • Helps individuals rediscover a sense of identity beyond the eating disorder.
The benefits

Benefits of MANTRA Therapy

MANTRA is a clinically proven, individualised therapy that helps adults understand and overcome the psychological and relational aspects of anorexia. It supports recovery by:

  • Providing an evidence-based framework developed specifically for anorexia.
  • Helping individuals recognise the underlying emotional needs driving restrictive eating.
  • Reducing anxiety, guilt, and self-criticism around food and body image.
  • Strengthening emotional resilience and self-confidence.
  • Encouraging insight, self-compassion, and autonomy.
  • Promoting sustainable, balanced recovery — not just symptom management.
Personalised Care

What to Expect During MANTRA Therapy

MANTRA typically involves 20–40 one-to-one sessions, tailored to each person’s needs and preferences. Sessions may include guided reflection, journaling exercises, or structured conversations exploring motivation, identity, and the role the eating disorder plays in your life. Your therapist will help you identify and practise alternative ways of coping and relating to yourself and others.

Treatment can take place in person at our London clinics or online, depending on your comfort and circumstances. Therapy is always collaborative, flexible, and conducted in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

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Is MANTRA Therapy Right for Me?

MANTRA Therapy is particularly effective for adults with anorexia nervosa or other restrictive eating difficulties. It can be especially helpful for those who:

  • Experience highly rigid or perfectionistic thinking patterns.
  • Struggle to express or understand emotions.
  • Feel ambivalent about recovery or hold mixed feelings about change.
  • Have a limited or unhelpful support network.
  • Have not found other therapies (such as CBT-E) helpful in the past.
During your initial consultation at The London Centre, oneof our specialist clinicians will assess whether MANTRA is the most suitable approach for you.
Recovery is always possible — and no one is ever beyond help.
FAQ’s

FAQs About MANTRA Therapy

MANTRA was designed for adults with anorexia nervosa, particularly those who experience rigid thinking, emotional avoidance, or ambivalence about recovery. It can also benefit individuals with restrictive eating patterns who wish to build motivation for change.

MANTRA typically takes between 20 and 40 sessions, though duration varies based on each person’s pace and goals. Therapy is flexible and always tailored to individual needs.

Yes. MANTRA offers a distinctive approach focused on understanding motivation, values, and identity. Many people find it effective even when previous therapies haven’t felt helpful.

Yes — you can attend sessions either in person at our London clinic or remotely, ensuring accessibility and continuity of care.

While CBT-E focuses on modifying thoughts and behaviours, MANTRA places greater emphasis on motivation, emotional understanding, and self-identity. Both therapies are evidence based and so are known to be effective in treating restrictive eating disorders. Which one is right for you will come down to your specific goals, difficulties and preferences.

Yes. MANTRA can be integrated with nutritional support, psychiatric care, or family therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Where appropriate, family or close supporters may be invited to take part in aspects of therapy to help strengthen understanding and recovery.

Our clinicians will discuss your history, goals, and preferences during your initial consultation to recommend the best-suited therapeutic approach for you.

Start your journey

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with anorexia or restrictive eating, MANTRA Therapy can help you rediscover motivation, confidence, and hope. At The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, our team of experienced psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists are here to guide you every step of the way.

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