As there are so many different approaches to eating disorder treatment widely available it can be easy for both sufferers and their relatives or carers to be confused as to which method may be the most effective. Therapy is certainly recognised as a vital part of one's overall treatment plan and may involve working individually with a therapist or with family in the case of childhood eating disorders or indeed with one's spouse in adulthood. This article aims to explore the role of group therapy in eating disorder treatment with key areas to be examined listed below.
- What is group therapy?
- Forms of group therapy for anorexia
- Strengths of group therapy for eating disorder patients
- Limitations of group therapy for eating disorder patients
What is Group Therapy for Eating Disorders?
Group therapy is simply a form of treatment where individuals who are suffering from the same illness such as an eating disorder are together in a room with one (or more) facilitator(s) who are specially trained in appropriate forms of therapy for eating disorders. Usually a group therapy session may begin with each member sharing very briefly how they are feeling following which the group facilitator may suggest a topic for the therapy session or ask for someone to share about their recovery.
Forms of Group Therapy for Anorexia
Freeman (2002) identifies three different forms of group therapy used in the treatment of anorexia which include the following: psychoeducational therapy, dietary therapy and social skills such as assertiveness or self-esteem building. Psychoeducational group therapy is education-based and usually involves learning about the different ways in which anorexia impacts one's thinking, behavior and health. Dietary therapy is much the same as nutritional counselling focusing on menu planning, food groups and changing eating behaviours while social skills offer training on areas important to recovery such as learning to be more confident.
Strengths of Group Therapy for Eating Disorders
The main benefit of group therapy is that it provides the means to practice essential life skills such as learning to form and maintain relationships with other people just as one would do in the world outside the therapy setting. Sometimes learning from people who have been there or who know exactly what it is one is going through may also really help one to feel both understood and accepted as well as providing valuable education. As every group contains a variety of different characters and personalities it teaches the individual lessons on handling conflict and managing difficult emotions or feelings.
Limitations of Group Therapy for Eating Disorders
The main limitation associated with group therapy is that not everyone can cope with such a setting and therefore some people may be more likely to benefit solely from individual therapy sessions. There is also the possibility of members glamorising the illness, sharing negative ideas or engaging in attention-seeking behaviours. Some individuals, particularly those in the early stages of anorexia treatment may also be simply far too unwell to cope with being in a group situation.
Sources:
Costin, C. (2007) The Eating Disorder Sourcebook New York: McGraw-hill
Freeman, C. (2002) Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa London: Constable Robinson
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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