CBT-E
What is CBT-E?
CBT -E (E stands for Enhanced) is an “enhanced” form of cognitive behavioural therapy, developed specifically for the treatment of eating disorders. You should only receive CBT-E from a practitioner trained in this mode of therapy.
I have received training in CBT-E (link to CBT-E Oxford practitioner page)
CBT-E is based on the idea that most eating disorders stem from overvalued beliefs about shape, weight and eating. What does this mean? Basically, eating disorders tend to develop because an individual invests much if not all of their self-worth, time and energy into the control of eating, weight, shape and size.
CBT-E is also based on the idea that eating disorders are maintained by issues such as low self-esteem, body image problems, perfectionism or difficulties managing intense emotions.
How does CBT-E work?
In CBT-E there are four stages.
Stage one of treatment focuses on improving the symptoms of an eating disorder as quickly as possible. This helps you to feel better, and gives you hope and physical and mental energy for the rest of the work.
Stage two involves an in-depth review of your treatment and deciding on a focus for the remainder of the time (for example, improving your body image and/or low self-esteem). These issues are addressed in stage three.
The final stage focuses on ensuring that eating difficulties do not return in the future (“relapse prevention”).
How long does it take?
CBT-E is 20 sessions
Is CBT-E for me?
CBT-E is used to treat eating disorders including Bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Research indicates that it is a highly effective treatment which has long-lasting benefits. It remains the “Gold Standard” in many areas and has been around for many years.
I am very underweight. Will CBT-E work for me?
CBT-E is used successfully with people with Anorexia Nervosa, however, please note that I work with people who are either a little underweight, of normal weight or are overweight.
I do not work with individuals who are very or severely underweight (BMI less than 18) as I believe that you may benefit more from having a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals involved in your care if that is where you are right now.
How does CBT-E differ from CBT? I had CBT before and it didn’t work.
CBT-E is similar to CBT, however there are some important differences, including:
Your sessions are usually provided twice per week at the start (stage 1). This more focused time really helps to get you managing the problematic symptoms (such as binge eating and / or purging) as quickly as possible.
There are four specific stages as I’ve already mentioned above.
Each stage has a specific focus which is decided upon by you and me. These may include (but are not limited to) Helping build and maintain motivation to change, nutritional rehabilitation ( e.g. Improving patterns of eating, getting rid of food rules), developing new and more helpful ways to manage emotions, improving self-esteem, and developing a more accepting relationship with your body.
Continued support following therapy
When you finish your 1-1 time with me, regardless of whether through CBT-E or integrative approach, you will be invited to join my private and confidential Facebook Group, which is different to my “standard” Facebook page, so you can continue to benefit from further support materials and a community of people who understand your needs.
You will receive my blogs, podcasts and newsletters and will also benefit from access to any new resources I bring on board, either completely free or at a significantly reduced cost.
"I’m slowly learning to love myself and treat myself as I would others, but equally I am learning when to let go of things that don’t serve me.
I was swallowing anger and fear and stuffing down my feelings with food. I was absolutely exhausted with it all.
Su’s warmth and empathy, but giving me a professional “push” when I needed it, helped me through.
I found CBT-E really helpful as I liked the structure and the work between sessions helped me to put things into real-life practice. I’ve changed my job and I’m no longer hiding in the car eating because I was ashamed to eat in front of others. That is massive."
SB. Somerset
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