CBT-E for Eating Disorders

CBT-E is a structured form of cognitive behavioural therapy developed specifically for eating disorders. It focuses on the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that maintain difficulties with eating, body image, shape and weight.

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Understanding what keeps the difficulty going

We develop a shared understanding of your eating difficulties and consider how patterns of eating, beliefs about yourself, and emotional experiences influence one another. The work is collaborative and includes practical changes between sessions.

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What the work may include

• Establishing more regular eating and addressing restrictive eating, binge eating or compensatory behaviours.

• Examining beliefs about food, body shape, weight and self-worth.

• Monitoring eating, thoughts and feelings to understand patterns and triggers.

• Gradually approaching feared foods or eating situations where appropriate.

• Understanding the effects of eating difficulties on health and the relationship between emotions and eating.

• Planning how to recognise setbacks and maintain changes after treatment.

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Assessment and treatment length

The length and frequency of treatment are considered at assessment in relation to your needs. CBT-E is time-limited, but the appropriate course varies; work involving weight restoration generally requires longer treatment. Regular attendance and engagement between sessions are central to the approach.

 

Assessment also considers whether additional medical, nutritional or specialist support is needed alongside psychological treatment.

 

Further information is available from the CBT-E website.