Seeking help for an eating disorder – some information about CBT-E

Seeking treatment for an eating disorder is a courageous step towards reclaiming your life, well-being, and health. If you’re keen to lean into recovery, we’d love to help.
ANZAED Eating Disorder Credentialled clinicians – Janene England, Clinical Psychologist and Alex Corcoran, Clinical Psychologist.

The ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential is awarded to a select group of clinicians, in recognition of their advanced training, skills, and experience in treatment complex eating disorder presentations. To receive the credential, clinicians need to demonstrate that they have met several key criteria, as well as a written commitment to continue to undertake ongoing eating disorder specific professional development activities.

Eating Disorders Mental Health Care Plans: Patients with eating disorders can access up to 40 psychological services per calendar year – www.mbsonline.gov.au. The following sites have great FAQ sections re. the items and referral process: www.insideoutinstitute.org.au/medicare and www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au, and we are always happy to try and assist with any queries you may have.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) is one of the main treatment models for assisting recovery from an eating disorder. 
CBT-E is geared towards helping you develop healthier thoughts, emotions, and behaviours related to food and body image. With the right support and commitment, you can achieve lasting positive change and live a fulfilling life free from the struggle and suffering of an eating disorder.
CBT-E, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders, is a highly effective treatment approach designed to help individuals overcome their struggles with eating disorders. If you’re seeking treatment, CBT-E offers a comprehensive and evidence-based framework that addresses the psychological, emotional, and behavioural aspects of your condition.
Here’s how CBT-E may be able to help you on your recovery journey:
  1. Understanding the underlying factors: CBT-E recognizes that eating disorders are complex and multifaceted conditions. It helps you explore the underlying factors that contribute to your eating disorder, such as distorted body image, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and difficulties in managing emotions. By gaining insight into these factors, you can better understand the roots of your struggles.
  2. Personalized treatment: CBT-E is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Your therapist will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges, goals, and preferences. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the support and strategies that are most beneficial to your recovery.
  3. Focused on change: CBT-E is action-oriented and focuses on empowering you to make positive changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps you challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs and thinking patterns related to body image, food, and self-worth. Through a series of structured exercises and homework assignments, CBT-E equips you with practical tools to develop healthier coping strategies.
  4. Addressing the cycle of maintaining factors: CBT-E targets the maintaining factors that perpetuate your eating disorder. These factors may include avoidance behaviors, strict dietary rules, overvaluation of weight and shape, and negative self-evaluation. By identifying and addressing these factors, CBT-E helps break the cycle of disordered eating and guides you toward sustainable recovery.
  5. Gradual exposure and normalization: CBT-E uses a gradual exposure approach to help you face feared foods, challenging situations, and body image concerns in a controlled manner. This process allows you to gradually confront and reevaluate your fears and anxieties, leading to a normalization of eating behaviors and a healthier relationship with food and your body.
  6. Relapse prevention: CBT-E equips you with relapse prevention strategies to maintain your progress and prevent a relapse. By developing skills to cope with setbacks, manage stress, and maintain a balanced approach to eating, you can confidently navigate the challenges that may arise after treatment.
  7. Collaborative therapeutic relationship: CBT-E is delivered within a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship. Your therapist will provide guidance, validation, and empathy throughout the treatment process, fostering a safe environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and work together to overcome obstacles.

For further information about eating disorders, please see the following websites:

www.insideoutinstitute.org.au

www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you would like some help. To enquire about an appointment at Moving Forward Clinical Psychologists, please complete our Online Contact Form, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly. Alternatively, please call us on 1300 133 013. Our experienced Clinical Psychologists are located in Terrigal (10 minutes from Erina) on the beautiful NSW Central Coast. We are also available Australia wide, via Telehealth.