Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders

This treatment guide equips therapists with the necessary tools to implement the leading recommended treatment for eating disorders, "enhanced" cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E), in a group format.

Group CBT-E is a structured treatment designed to help patients make critical changes to their eating, dieting, and other eating disorder symptoms. It aims to engage patients in identifying and addressing over-evaluation of shape and weight, managing stressful events and emotions without eating disorder behaviors, and developing relapse prevention skills. The treatment guide includes detailed session agendas and outlines, practical tips, advice on addressing sensitive topics, and numerous reproducible handouts that patients can personalize for their treatment needs. Group CBT-E empowers patients to actively engage in their recovery journey and emphasizes the valuable support found in group therapy settings, where shared experiences foster learning, encouragement, and a sense of understanding. The treatment’s structured and individualized approach not only enhances patient outcomes, but also boosts therapist confidence.

This book is a vital resource for therapists seeking clear guidance on implementing CBT-E in group format. Its practical components, such as clinical examples, therapist insights, patient handouts, and detailed CBT-E formulation guidance, are useful for all CBT-E therapists.

Suzanne Bailey-Straebler, PhD, PMH-BC, is the Clinical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders Partial Hospital Program and Outpatient Specialty Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Laura Sproch, PhD, CED-S, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders through her work as a therapist, supervisor, researcher, and administrator.