One parent of a First Steps member recently wrote a letter to her GP stating:

"During the last year I have tried a number of other treatments that I have paid for privately, I took Samantha to see a Harley Street Hypnotherapist and she has had a number of sessions with a coach who works with low self esteem. You may recall that I was very critical of these types of self help groups when you mentioned ‘First Steps’ to me but when you feel as desperate as I and I’m sure many other parents in my position must feel you are prepared to try anything. I remember asking you ”how can sitting around in a circle and talking possibly help” but when you are clutching at straws...Samantha has now attended a number of sessions with First Steps in Derby. She came out of her first session ‘bouncing’ and said that she felt it was more helpful than any other treatment/therapy she had received.  She really looks forward to going each fortnight as she says it makes her feel much better about herself. Her only regret is that there is not a class every week. I thought it may be useful for you to have this feedback as if you have any other patient in our position they really should attend First Steps. In my experience there is currently very little effective help for eating disorders and it is still early days for Samantha but at least now I feel that she is making progress and I think it helps her to know that she is not alone, there are many other people suffering with exactly the same thing as her. Thank you again for the referral."