Various Approaches & Philosophies of Eating Disorder Treatment Facilities

Different treatment programs have different treatment philosophies and therapy approaches. While some programs focus on one type of therapy, other take an eclectic approach, combining different types of therapy as needed. Below please find a description of some major types of therapy. It may be helpful to speak to a therapist to determine which type of therapy approach would be most effective given a particular patients needs.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is grounded in the idea that distorted thoughts cause problematic emotions and behavior. This type of therapy aims to reframe distorted thought processes, improving a patient’s feelings and actions by changing the way a patient thinks.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is based on the idea that the inability to deal with emotions appropriately leads to problematic eating disorder behavior. In DBT patients learn specific skills to combat negative behaviors and symptom use, including interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

12 Step program
In the Twelve Step program, an eating disorder is seen and treated as an addiction. Patients go through a process known as the “Twelve Steps” that is often used to overcome other addictions and behavioral compulsions. In summary, the process involves admitting loss of control to one’s addiction, recognizing and seeking help from a higher power, identifying and making amends for past wrongs, continuing to assess and correct wrong behavior, and helping others who suffer from the same compulsions.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is based on the idea that all individuals are made of multiple inner selfs, or “parts” and one true Self. Each “part” has valuable qualities and is designed to function in a valuable role, interacting in a complex system of other parts. However, life experiences can force these parts into destructive and extreme roles, reorganizing the system in an unhealthy way. The goal of IFS is to differentiate the Self from the parts, and to help the parts out of their extreme roles.

Family Therapy
In family therapy, members of a patient’s family meet with a therapist to discuss family issues and learn effective ways to communicate, interact, manage conflict and support the eating disorder patient. Most treatment programs include some form of family therapy and many programs mandate it, as it is particularly important for patients living at home or interacting with family members on a regular basis, as well as those from families with unaddressed issues. Some facilities may accommodate family members who are unable to attend family therapy sessions in person by conducting conference calls over the phone.

Psychiatry
Psychiatrists are medical doctors with a unique understanding of physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms, trained in psychotherapy and prescribing psychotropic drugs. Although medication may be a valuable tool in eating disorder treatment, it is rarely a solution in itself and is often used in conjunction with other types of therapy. After an initial prescription is made, the patient goes through an evaluation phase where the effectiveness of the medication is assessed. The patient may need to try several different dosages and/or different medications to find a good fit, since each individual reacts slightly differently to each medication.

Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy is based on the idea that interpersonal conflict contributes greatly to psychological problems, aiming to change interpersonal behavior. Patients learn effective ways to deal with problems by focusing on past and present social roles and the interactions between individuals. Patients are asked to address issues of disputes with other patients, friends, families and other troubled relationships they experience.

Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is an experiential therapy that focuses on a patients experience in the moment. The goal of this therapy is to teach a patient awareness so they are able to distinguish perceptions, feelings and actions from interpretations. The focus is on what is happening rather than interpretations of what what is happening means.

Group Therapy
In group therapy patients discuss personal issues and give/receive feedback and support amongst group members. Topics may be determined by the group or predetermined by the therapist and include issues such as body image, sexuality, trauma, spirituality, nutrition, family issues, etc. Patients learn to new ways to trust and relate to one another in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Art Therapy
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy based on the idea that art making is a healing process, allowing patients to use creative means to express ideas, emotions, or experiences that are otherwise difficult to articulate with words. The emphasis of art therapy involves exploring a patient’s experience rather than practicing or perfecting artistic techniques. Art therapists are trained to recognize non-verbal symbols and metaphors that are communicated through a patient’s art work and work with patients to help them understand their art and themselves.

Animal Therapy
Animal therapy can benefit patients in a number of ways including providing comfort, decreasing self-consciousness, allowing positive non-threatening touch, promoting trust and feelings of safety, lessening anxiety and depression, Animals used for animal therapy include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and other small animals.

Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy generally aims to desensitize a patient to a stressful situation through exposure. Many types of experiential therapy mimic events occurring in “real life,” allowing patients to become comfortable in situations they would otherwise find uncomfortable. Experiential therapy can include restaurant outings, grocery shopping, preparing and/or portioning food, among many other activities.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) EMDR is a treatment used to resolve symptoms resulting from traumatic experiences by reprocessing a patient’s memories. Instead of using “talk” therapy, EMDR uses eye movement to facilitate the process of reprogramming disturbing events in a more positive, self chosen way.

Alternative Therapies

Biofeedback
Biofeedback involves training an individual to gain better control of their bodies physical processes by conveying information about a patient’s bodily functions (blood pressure, temperature, sweat, heart rate, muscle tension) that they were previously unaware of. Biofeedback is based on the idea that people can control their physical experiences using their mind.

Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a type of Biofeedback that involves retraining brain wave patterns. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to capture brainwave activity and information about brainwave frequency is presented to the patient. The patient then attempts to change the activity level by promoting some frequencies and diminishing others.

Other:
Other therapies include; Polarity therapy, Reiki, Acupuncture, Massage, Reflexology, Crainial therapy. Many of these types of therapies are based on the belief that energy imbalances in the body cause physical problems and aim to balance out the bodies energy.