Description

Now you have some theoretical and practical knowledge about the therapies used to treat eating disorders. Let’s have a look at some of the points a CBT therapist might be doing with a ED patient.

Discussion 1:

We will simulate a group therapy session to give you an idea about the type of issues that are discussed. If possible, make a group of 5-6 people and take 15-20 minutes to talk. You do not need to pretend you are an ED patient or suffer from addition, but discuss these questions in relation to your everyday life. Practice attentive listening: refrain from making comments or giving advice. You may ask some follow-up questions.

• Name three things you like about yourself, and why.

• What are some things you are grateful for, and why?

• How do you think your negative thoughts influence your behaviour? Give an example.

• What are some things you actively do to avoid temptation?

• What are some things that make you feel stressed? How do you cope with these things?

• What are some things in your life you cannot change that you are struggling to accept, and why?

• Do you ever compare yourself to others? Why do you think this is harmful?

• Tell other some personal moments of anger. Did you manage them? If yes, how?

• What are three bad habits that you would like to replace with good ones? What are some good habits you can replace them with?

Discussion 2:

As you have learnt in the presentation, the cognitive triangle assumes that if you can change your thoughts, you can change your emotions and behaviour. One of the crucial skills here is to differentiate facts from opinions. When treated as fact, opinions such as “I am ugly” may lead to anxiety, weight concerns and mental problems. Facts are verifiable. They are supported by evidence and can be agreed upon among people. Contrarily, opinions are personal interpretations of facts and can differ from person to person. For example, “The sun is shining” is a fact. That the weather is beautiful is an opinion. CBT teaches clients to spot the difference between fact and opinion are helpful for challenging irrational beliefs. When you realize that your belief is only an opinion, you can change your perspective.

This exercise aims to properly identify facts from opinions. Mark these statements as Opinions or Facts. There is no key to this activity, so when your responses in the group differ, discuss it deeper and explore the reasons behind it.

• I listened to my friend talk about their bad day.
• I am a good friend.
• I am ugly.
• Bad things always happen to me.
• My hair looks terrible.
• My boss said that I did a great job.
• I’m not as smart as the rest of my class.
• I’m lazy.
• I watched TV instead of doing my homework.
• Everyone was bored during my presentation.
• I should always be nice.

Additional Resources for recovering from an eating disorder

• Watch an interesting story by Kristie Amadio, who describes her struggle with an eating disorder and an original way to overcome the difficult period after being released from an intensive treatment. She is able to help others in an innovative and original way. Think about the pitfalls that are waiting out there for people who have gone through similar experience.

https://www.ted.com/talks/kristie_amadio_it_s_time_to_do_eating_disorder_recovery_differently_here_s_how