CBT-E differs from standard CBT because it is referred to a specific theoretical model of the psychological and behavioral mechanisms that underlie and maintain the eating disorder problem.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced often referred to as CBT-E is a form of psychological treatment derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
It is a highly personalized psychological treatment for patients suffering from eating disorders.
How does CBT-E differ from CBT?
CBT-E differs from standard CBT because it is referred to a specific theoretical model of the psychological and behavioral mechanisms that underlie and maintain the eating disorder problem.
How long is the duration of the CBT-E Therapy?
CBT-E therapy can vary according to the severity of the problem:
With people not significantly underweight, CBT-E treatment generally involves over 20 sessions. With people significantly underweight, CBT-E treatment often involves about 40 sessions.
How does CBT-E help?
CBT-E treatment helps in understanding:
- the person’s eating problem
- the pattern of eating
- the process that maintains the eating disorder psychopathology
CBT-E involves:
- personalized education
- establishing a more regular eating pattern
- addressing concerns about body shape, weight and eating
- reducing binge eating and loss of control
- enhancing the ability to deal with day-to-day events and moods
- reducing preoccupation, anxiety while improving mood
- dealing with setbacks and maintaining the changes that have been obtained
Which eating disorders do CBT-E help with?
- bulimia nervosa
- binge eating disorder
- anorexia nervosa
- mixed states of eating disorders not otherwise specified Research suggests that about 66 per cent of clients undertaking CBT-E have an excellent response making CBT-E a leading treatment for eating disorders.
How is CBT-E different from other talking therapies?
CBT-E is a form of talk therapy aimed at identifying, monitoring dysfunctional patterns of thoughts and perceptions leading to maladaptive coping strategies, and dysfunctional behavior displayed in eating patterns.
Getting the most out of CBT-E
When our thought patterns are aligned with reality, they generally lead to positive feelings and behaviors. However, when our thoughts become distorted in some way, they start to work against us, affecting our psychological well-being.
CBT-E focuses on factors that maintain eating disorders, encouraging patients to challenge their distorted cognitions, enable healthy schemas and lead to effective behavioral changes.
It requires a strong commitment both from the therapist and from the client.
CBT-E is an evidence-based model. Research on the effectiveness of treatment demonstrates that CBT-E has been found to be very effective for treating eating disorders.
