Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBTe)

CBTe is the abbreviation for Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and is a specialised form of CBT designed specifically to address eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). CBTe is evidence-based and tailored to the unique psychological and behavioral challenges associated with these disorders.

Key Features of CBTe:

  1. Focus on Eating Disorders: CBTe addresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that contribute to disordered eating patterns, body image concerns, and maladaptive coping strategies.

  2. Stages of Therapy: CBTe typically involves multiple stages:

    • Engagement and Education: Understanding the eating disorder and its maintenance.

    • Behavioural Changes: Normalising eating patterns and addressing behaviours like bingeing, purging, or food restriction.

    • Addressing Underlying Factors: Exploring and challenging thoughts about body image, self-worth, and perfectionism.

    • Relapse Prevention: Developing strategies to maintain progress and prevent future setbacks.

  3. Individualised Approach: CBTe can be adapted to the specific needs and challenges of the individual, such as focusing more on body image for someone with severe body dissatisfaction.

  4. Collaborative and Skills-Oriented: Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their recovery, with therapists guiding them to learn and apply practical skills.

  5. Empirical Basis: CBTe is one of the most researched and effective therapies for eating disorders. Studies have shown that it can lead to significant improvements in eating behaviours and overall well-being.

Difference from Standard CBT:

While standard CBT addresses a range of mental health conditions, CBTe is specifically structured to tackle the unique aspects of eating disorders. It integrates general CBT principles with targeted strategies for disordered eating and the psychological factors that sustain it.

CBTe is typically delivered by therapists trained in eating disorder treatment, and it can be conducted in individual or group settings. If you're considering CBTe for yourself or someone else, consulting with a licensed mental health professional who specialises in eating disorders is a good starting point.