CBT-E

ENHANCED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THER APY (CBT-E) 
FOR EATING DISORDERS

CBT-E is an evidence-based treatment for eating disorders (EDs) including Anorexia NervosaBulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. Research shows that CBT-E is highly effective. Two-thirds of those who complete treatment achieve full or partial remission. The approach involves a a number of techniques. At the Center for the Obsessive Mind, we employ elements of this approach in online treatment for eating disorders.

HOW IT WORKS

EDUCATION

To start, CBT-E educates those who suffer with EDs about how the disorder started and is maintained. When people feel badly about their weight and shape and decide to restrict their intake, this restraint often leads to weight loss. Given the social bias toward thinness, when one loses weight after restricting, this behavior is reinforced. On top of this, the weight loss will reinforce the focus on weight and shape that leads to more restraint. This cycle can also lead to a very low body weight.

What’s more, attempts to restrict often lead people to eat past fullness. This is, in part, due to biological changes that occur in the face of extreme hunger. People also tend to engage in all or none thinking after they break food rules. For example, someone might think they’re either “being good” or “being bad” when they eat certain things. This mindset often leads to bingeing because if they eat a “bad” food, then they believe they’re being bad. As a result, their logic follows that they might as well take advantage of this “opportunity” to eat foods that are often off limits. The pleasure in eating certain foods reinforces the bingeing.

Purging may follow these binges. When people purge or engage in compensatory behaviors, these actions are reinforced as they reduce discomfort. So what starts as an attempt to restrict can have a number of unfavorable outcomes that reinforce the problematic behaviors.

ADDITIONAL THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Given the issues with restriction, the first step in CBT-E is to support regular eating. In CBT-E, people also monitor their eating so that they can see patterns and change them. This logging also helps individuals to see bingeing, purging or restricting as moments to learn from rather than as failures.

The therapy is also focused on a number of other concepts. Treatment examines how much attention people give to their weight and shape and encourages people to redistribute this attention to serve their values and goals. As part of CBT-E, individuals learn how their view may be skewed. For example, people with EDs tend to compare themselves to people that they think are more attractive than them. Understanding these automatic biases can help people to take their thoughts less seriously and to act in support of their health.

INTERESTED IN TREATMENT FOR EATING DISORDERS?

Are you or a loved one struggling with an eating disorder and looking for help? Therapists at The Center for the Obsessive Mind use Intuitive Eating, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support Individuals with EDs. You can learn more about the treatments and services we provide here.

LOCATIONS

The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers

therapy in several states and internationally.

Learn more about where the staff practices, below.

Pastel skies and a pristine beach in Northern California, one of the areas where The Center for the Obsessive Mind helps people with eating disorders.

CALIFORNIA

The Center for the Obsessive Mind’s staff therapists offer online treatment for eating disorders throughout California. Our Clients span from San Francisco down to Southern Orange County and San Diego. Whether you’re in Silicon Valley, Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills or Dana Point, the Center’s staff can support you in your recovery.

The red rock spires of Bryce Canyon in Utah, one of the states where The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers counseling for eating disorders.

UTAH

Staff members at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer online treatment for eating disorders in the state of Utah. Since we provide teletherapy, we work with people who live in different areas of the Beehive State – from Salt Lake City and its suburbs, like West Jordan, Syracuse, Highland and Riverton, to Park City and St. George.

Clear turquoise waters in the Keys, one of the places where The Center for the Obsessive Mind treats eating disorders in Florida.

FLORIDA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also offer online treatment for eating disorders in Florida. We see people from all corners of the Sunshine state. Whether you’re from Naples, Orlando, Miami, or Boca Raton, we can provide specialized counseling remotely in your area.

The placid, clear waters of Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe, one part of Nevada where The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers therapy for eating disorders online.

NEVADA

Therapists at the Center for the Obsessive Mind also practice teletherapy in Nevada. So if you’re seeking help in Glenbrook, Incline Village, Reno or Las Vegas, we offer specialized therapy for eating disorders online across the Grand Canyon State.

The Seven Sisters sea cliffs in Sussex, England, one international locale where  The Center for the Obsessive Mind provides counseling.

INTERNATIONAL

In addition to all of the locations previously listed, the staff at the Center for the Obsessive Mind offer teletherapy for eating disorders to a number of countries internationally. You can learn

Cozy couch and computer: all you need for teletherapy and what your treatment for depression with The Center for the Obsessive Mind could look like.

ONLINE

Online therapy isn’t right for everyone. An assessment can determine if online therapy is appropriate for your needs. Reach out here to learn more. Check out this article from the American Psychological Association or read this article that our Director, Lauren Rosen, LMFT, contributed to.

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The Center for the Obsessive Mind call 949-991-2600

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Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is intended for informational and education purposes only and is not meant to be a replacement for therapy. If you are interested in treatment, you can email us and we will happily provide you with more information.