A person who has an eating disorder therapy may need to undergo a variety of different treatments. The types of therapy used can vary, but it is common for psychotherapy to be part of the treatment plan. This type of counseling helps a person to understand what is behind their eating disorder and find ways to deal with the issues that are causing it. People with eating disorders often experience depression or anxiety, and it is important to treat any co-occurring mental health concerns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that has been found to be effective in treating many different types of eating disorders. CBT can help a person replace their harmful thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones. It can also help a person to develop skills that they can use in daily life. CBT has been shown to be particularly effective in treating binge eating, bulimia and anorexia.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of CBT that addresses some of the underlying factors that can contribute to eating disorders, such as feelings of ineffectiveness and difficulty regulating emotions. DBT can help a person to learn how to regulate their emotions and manage distressing situations, which can be helpful in stopping binge-eating episodes.
Family-based therapy (FBT) is an approach to treating eating disorders that involves the entire family. It teaches parents how to help their child or teen recover from an eating disorder and how to best support them at home. It is sometimes offered in outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.
