How Group Therapy is an Effective Tool for Treating
Eating Disorders
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Jenny Kramer,
LCSW Eating Disorders
are usually best treated through a finely balanced combination of modalities
and techniques. We know, for instance, that integrating individual therapy,
family therapy, work with a dietician or nutritionist as well as the use of
medication when appropriate, can be quite effective as a multidisciplinary
approach. Research has also shown that
integrating group therapy is also a vital part of treatment. Various types of
group therapy are used with eating disorder patients; each with a different
purpose, focus, style and format. These include cognitive/behavioral,
psycho-educational, psychodynamic/interpersonal and some which may combine
components of all of these. Cognitive/Behavioral
Therapy encourages patients to
recognize connections between beliefs and their behaviors, including the use
of eating disorder symptoms. Patients
learn how thoughts affect or influence feelings and vice versa and also how
to monitor thought patterns and beliefs about food, body shape, and weight.
In a very practical way, alternate coping skills are discussed and
demonstrated in an effort to “short circuit” one’s automatic reflex to use ED
symptoms when triggered. These may include self-monitoring via journaling,
relaxation and stress management techniques, affirmations and nutritional
management techniques to name a few. But is it enough
to simply change behaviors or habits by creating new ones? Most often, it is
also necessary to explore the underlying issues and what are called
“intra-psychic processes” that drive these behaviors on a much deeper level. Psychodynamic/Interpersonal
Therapy, both individually and in a group setting, can help explore core
issues such as self-esteem, anxiety responses, body image issues, depression,
etc. Some other techniques within this framework may also include the use of
psychodrama, role play, family sculpting or creative arts to explore and
express underlying or defended feelings. Lastly, Psycho-education
may also be a key component to eating disorder groups. The purpose here is to
teach specific skills or information regarding nutrition, coping behaviors,
etc. So why do
this in groups? Why
not just integrate all of this into one-on-one therapy? Because the
literature shows that the microcosm of one’s life, which is recreated in such
a setting,, can
provide and model unconditional peer support, validation, common experiences,
compassion, safe social interaction, appropriate boundaries, community issues
and can be the single greatest influence on building self-esteem and/or
social skills. CEDAR offers an Adult Mixed Eating Disorder
Group in the
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