How Group Therapy is an Effective Tool for Treating Eating Disorders

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 Scarsdale office on Mondays from 8:15-9:45 pm. This is an open, ongoing group. In addition, a 6 week group focused on Finding Your Voice Through Art is also available in Scarsdale. An Adolescent ED Group runs on Saturdays at 1030am in the Mt. Kisco office and we offer free monthly support groups for family members, friends or loved ones of our patients, rotating out of both offices.

Addendum to the Newsletter:

CEDaR Associates provides many services to the community in support of our dedication to the treatment of eating disorders. Events that are particularly well attended include our Eating Disorder Foundation annual conference and the many talks that we give at area High Schools, Colleges, Elementary schools, medical facilities, doctor’s offices and private gatherings alike. We also offer a free parent, family and friend support group that rotates monthly between our Scarsdale and Mt Kisco offices (please check our website for schedules). The spread of current and accurate information is a large part of our philosophy here at CEDaR especially since prevention is the very best protection against the development of eating disorders.

If you are interested in “Food Healthy Household” being provided at your organization or school, please contact us at 914 244-1904.