What is cognitive behavioral therapy like for an eating disorder?
People enter treatment for an eating disorder with different expectations and ideas about what therapy will be like, perhaps based on previous experience, what others have said, or media portrayals. It can be helpful to clarify expectations before beginning treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has received increasing attention over the past decade as studies have shown its effectiveness in the treatment of eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. But, many people wonder what exactly is CBT, and what is the treatment like? CBT is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the role of our thoughts in how we feel and what we do. It is an active and collaborative process that focuses on behavior change and identifying, challenging, and modifying thoughts and beliefs (cognitions). It is structured, goal-oriented, and focused on current problems. Sessions usually follow a pattern, such as a brief check-in about the week, review of any home work, setting the agenda and then
