| Eating Disorder Treatment
Beyond the Mirror offers many types of therapy for those in recovery. Some of the counseling and nutrition services we offer are listed below.
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 Art Therapy
Sometimes individuals with eating disorders have difficulty identifying or describing their thoughts and feelings. Arttherapy allows people with eating disorders to express themselves in non-verbal ways, without the perceived pressure of one-on-one therapy. Art therapy can also be an outlet to explore body image and media messages, giving people with eating disorders a new perspective on their distorted self-image. Art therapists use various materials and activities to appeal to patients’ creative side, including:
The artwork patients create becomes a journal of their journey toward eating disorder recovery, which they can look back on and see their progress. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely used in counseling for eating disorders to change the way patients think about their bodies and their relationship with food. Unlike some forms of therapy that focus on the past, CBT is an active and practical approach for solving problems and changing self-defeating thought patterns. With new skills, patients are able to reduce eating disorder symptoms, recognize triggers and avoid relapse. Dialectical Behavior Therapy One of the most effective therapies used to treat eating disorders is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. This approach, originally developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., is designed to teach patients new coping strategies to more effectively handle difficult emotions. Rather than turning to eating disorder behaviors, patients develop a set of life skills they can draw from for lasting recovery. The four DBT skill sets are:
Family Therapy Eating disorders affect the entire family, causing frustration and concern and drawing attention away from siblings. Recovery isn’t an isolated event – it is a process that unfolds each day, in the presence of family and friends. Studies show that family involvement is essential for successful eating disorder recovery, particularly for teens. In family therapy, patients have the opportunity to discuss underlying issues and conflicts with their family in the presence of an objective therapist. The goals of family therapy are to:
With guidance, families can take care of their own needs while offering support and encouragement for their loved one.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENT FOR EATING DISORDERS
http://www.eating-disorder.com/treatments.php
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Group Therapy
Group therapy is a critical aspect of eating disorder treatment. For many people, hearing about the experiences of others and receiving honest feedback from people who are facing similar struggles is one of the most beneficial aspects of treatment. In a safe, nurturing setting, patients share their pain and in doing so, realize that they are not alone. The camaraderie that develops in the group can build self-esteem and serve as a model for trusting, supportive relationships. The group setting is also a safe place to practice new communication skills and the art of acceptance of both self and others. In group therapy, patients help one another identify and resolve problems with the guidance and expertise of a professional therapist. With a spirit of caring, they can question each other’s distorted thoughts and destructive behaviors and facilitate the process of change. They also learn about nutrition, the process of recovery, relapse prevention, assertiveness techniques, coping skills and other important topics. Individual Therapy Although recovery happens while surrounded by family, friends and professionals, eating disorder treatment is essentially a journey of self-discovery. In individual therapy, patients have an opportunity to explore sensitive personal issues with feedback from a therapist. Common topics for discussion include childhood experiences, difficult emotions and relationship issues. Depending on the patient’s needs and preferences, therapists utilize a variety of approaches in individual therapy, including psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy and an eclectic approach that combines a number of theories. Ultimately, one-on-one therapy creates an opportunity for healing by directly addressing the specific issues facing the individual patient. Movement Therapy Some eating disorder treatment programs offer some form of movement therapy. While exercise can trigger or exacerbate eating disorder behaviors, movement therapy helps patients become more aware of their bodies and more comfortable in their own skin. Some of the benefits of movement therapy include:
Nutrition Therapy Nutrition education and counseling is sometimes offered as part of a well-rounded eating disorder treatment program. Nutrition therapy is typically led by a registered dietitian who works with patients to normalize their food intake and develop a healthy relationship with food. The dietitian may begin with an assessment of the patient’s eating patterns, weight, exercise habits, medical concerns and body image. In a nutrition counseling session, patients may learn about:
Together, the dietitian and patient create achievable goals and begin working toward those goals with support, encouragement and understanding. Once the patient’s basic nutritional needs are being met, they often find that they have more energy, sleep better, and feel happier and more grounded.
Psychiatric Referrals Psychiatrists work with patients to assess, diagnose and treat eating disorders. Other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, often accompany eating disorders and require dual diagnosis treatment from a team of nurses, doctors and therapists. When appropriate, psychiatrists may prescribe medications to aid in weight maintenance or to treat symptoms of co-occurring mental health issues. Support Groups Everyone suffering from an eating disorder needs support. For some, this may come from friends or family, but structured eating disorder support groups can also be beneficial. When combined with other forms of eating disorder treatment, support groups can help patients develop relationship skills and stay motivated in their recovery.
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