Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

Carolyn Black Becker, Nicholas R. Farrell, and Glenn Waller

ABCT Clinical Practice Series

Details necessary steps for successful implementation of exposure therapy, a core component of CBT for eating disorders (EDs)
Provides novel clinical advice from anxiety disorders literature to maximize effectiveness of ED treatment
Directly addresses therapist factors that can affect the conduct and impact of exposure for EDs, including fear of causing harm to patients, and other challenges that may impede delivery of exposure

Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

Carolyn Black Becker, Nicholas R. Farrell, and Glenn Waller

Description

Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders is designed to augment existing eating disorder treatment manuals by providing clinicians with practical advice for maximizing the effectiveness of exposure, regardless of clinical background or evidence-based treatment used. Suitable for use with a range of diagnoses, this easy-to-use guide describes the most up to date empirical research on exposure for eating disorders, extrapolating clinical advice from the anxiety disorders literature in order to help busy clinicians become more effective in treating these challenging illnesses. Readers will gain solid understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of exposure therapy, as well as how to utilize this information to explain the rationale for exposure to patients. Specific types of eating disorder exposure are covered in detail, including exposure to food and eating, cue exposure for binge eating, weighing and weight exposure, novel forms of exposure for eating disorders, and more. The book also provides strategies for overcoming obstacles, including institutional resistance to implementation of exposure therapy.

Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

Carolyn Black Becker, Nicholas R. Farrell, and Glenn Waller

ABCT Clinical Practice Series

Foreword
Preface: Exposure Therapy as a Key Evidence-Based Treatment Strategy for Eating Disorders
Part 1: The Theoretical Basis of Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

Chapter 1: Eating Disorders: An Overview
Chapter 2: Overview of Exposure Therapy
Chapter 3: Why do People get Better with Exposure Therapy?
Chapter 4: Why Exposure for Eating Disorders: A Rationale for Treatment?
Chapter 5: How well does Exposure Therapy Work for Eating Disorders?
Part 2: Preparing to Start Exposure Therapy

Chapter 6: Functional Assessment of Eating Disorders and their Maintenance
Chapter 7: Explaining Exposure Therapy to your Patients
Chapter 8: Planning Exposure Therapy with your Patient
Chapter 9: Embarking on Exposure: Important Considerations
Part 3: Applying Exposure to Different Eating Disorder Problem Areas

Chapter 10: Exposure to Food and Eating
Chapter 11: Cue Exposure for Binge Eating
Chapter 12: Weighing and Weight Exposure
Chapter 13: Body Image Exposure
Chapter 14: Emotion-focused and Interpersonal Exposure
Chapter 15: Novel Ways to Use Exposure for Eating Disorders
Part 4: Important Considerations in the Delivery of Exposure

Chapter 16: When to use Cognitive Therapy Techniques to Enhance the Effects of Exposure
Chapter 17: Involving Friends, Family, and Other Loved Ones
Chapter 18: Addressing the Impact of Different Settings and Institutional Resistance
Chapter 19: Dealing with Clinicians' Fears about Using Exposure
Chapter 20: Final Summary: Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

Carolyn Black Becker, Nicholas R. Farrell, and Glenn Waller

ABCT Clinical Practice Series

Author Information

Carolyn Black Becker, Professor of Psychology, Trinity University, Nicholas R. Farrell, Psychologist & Clinical Supervisor, Rogers Memorial Hospital, and Glenn Waller, Professor of Psychology, University of Sheffield

Carolyn Black Becker, PhD, ABPP is a Professor of Psychology at Trinity University, San Antonio, TX and a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. Nicholas R. Farrell, PhD is the clinical director of eating disorders services at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, WI. He has expertise in evidence-based psychological treatments, particularly those that emphasize exposure therapy for eating and anxiety disorders. Glenn Waller, DPhil is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sheffield, UK. His clinical and academic specialty is evidence-based CBT for eating disorders.

Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders

Carolyn Black Becker, Nicholas R. Farrell, and Glenn Waller

ABCT Clinical Practice Series

Reviews and Awards

"This text blends state-of-the-art knowledge of the theoretical mechanisms and practical applications of exposure therapy in general with impressive clinical experience and expertise in the treatment of specific eating disordersâ Particularly important is how the book identifies and then addresses major obstacles to the use of exposure in the treatment of eating disorders, including the personal concerns of clinicians themselves. Another key feature is the thoughtful manner in which the authors detail how to explain exposure treatment and successfully engage patients in its implementationâ Therapists will find the detailed treatment guidelines and guidance on how to respond to individual patient needs invaluable. It makes a compelling case for the expanded use of exposure therapy and is strongly recommended reading for clinicians treating eating disorders." - G. Terence Wilson, PhD, Oscar K Buros Professor, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University

"A comprehensive understanding of exposure-based principles and techniques is essential for all clinicians working in the treatment of eating disorders. This book is a masterpiece in which three brilliant minds - Drs. Becker, Farrell and Waller, carefully outline the why and the how of exposure therapy for eating disorders. Essential reading!" - Dr. Stuart B. Murray, DClinPsych, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco

"This book expertly and informatively explains the why and how of exposure for eating disorders and its essential role across different treatment modalities. A must-read for all those therapists who anxiously wonder "what if my client falls apart if I get them to face what they avoid" - Tracey Wade, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor, Flinders University