Eating Disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This type of eating disorder therapy focuses on the thoughts, behaviors and beliefs one has surrounding food, eating, body image, and other factors. The main goal of this therapy option is to modify preconceived notions and distorted beliefs surrounding food, eating and appearance, which contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT)

Family-Based Treatment (FBT), or the Maudsley approach, is a type of treatment where the entire family is empowered to take an active role in their loved one’s recovery. FBT is a manualized, three-phase approach that consists of refeeding, weight restoration, and interruption of compensatory behaviors, returning control of eating to the individual and establishing autonomy.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy places a focus on changing the maladaptive behaviors commonly associated among individuals struggling with eating disorders. The main goal of DBT is to develop alternative skills to combat these behaviors. In addition, patients are encouraged to practice mindfulness techniques to improve personal relationships and manage difficult emotions.

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy targets a spectrum of disorders characterized by excessive self-control, often referred to as overcontrol, such as Anorexia Nervosa. RO-DBT emphasizes three aspects of emotional well-being: openness, flexibility and social connection.

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT offers a values-based approach to eating disorders therapy. With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, patients are encouraged to acknowledge their inner emotions as a necessary response to external and internal situations. The goal of ACT is to help patients define their own personal beliefs and values, and set realistic goals that satisfy those values.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Typically associated with the treatment of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder, IPT treats eating disorders in the context of patients’ interpersonal relationships. The goal of IPT is to help patients improve relationships and communication; it works under the assumption that the ability to better handle conflict, change and loss directly correlates to better control overeating disorder behaviors.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on a client’s internal “parts” and “Self.” In IFS, the mind is considered to be naturally made up of multiple sub-personalities or families within each individual’s mental system. These sub-personalities take on different roles, such as an inner critic or inner child, and consist of wounded parts and painful feelings like anger and shame.
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