Overcoming Eating Disorders

Book excerpt: Patients are guided to objectively observe their own eating patterns, including contexts in which problematic eating takes place. Through careful education, patients are guided toward normalizing their eating patterns as a way of breaking the deprivation/ binge cycle. Alternative pleasurable activities to problematic eating are explored. Patients are encouraged to explore problematic thoughts associated with bingeing and purging and taught to challenge these thoughts. This Client Workbook is intended to be used by individuals with Bulimia Nervosa or binge-eating disorder, under the supervision of a qualified professional who can help them stay on track and overcome obstacles. The Client Workbook contains background information that will improve the client's understanding of Bulimia Nervosa and binge-eating disorder and its treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Each chapter presents important educational material, relevant exercises, homework assignments, and self-assessments. In general, the client should plan on proceeding at a pace of approximately one chapter per session.