In a call for improved treatment strategies, eating disorder specialist Bethany Crowley emphasizes the importance of teaching psychosocial skills to individuals battling eating disorders, aiming to enhance recovery rates and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, affect an estimated 30 million people in the United States each year, with a death occurring every 62 minutes due to these conditions. Crowley warns that these disorders are often misunderstood, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses the individual as a whole rather than focusing solely on disordered eating behaviors.
In her new book, An Integrative Approach to Treating Eating Disorders, Crowley outlines nine essential skills designed to help patients manage negative thoughts, cope with emotional triggers, and cultivate self-compassion. The book aims to clarify the complexities surrounding disordered eating and assists patients in understanding their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to food.
Crowley notes that the high relapse rates among those seeking treatment underscore the challenges of recovery. She illustrates these struggles through real-life patient case histories, highlighting the metaphorical meanings attached to food and eating. For instance, a bag of chips may symbolize love or serve as a substitute for affection, complicating the recovery process.
Among the warning signs of potential eating disorders, Crowley identifies sensitivity to rejection, obsessive thoughts, and compensatory behaviors, such as only eating after exercising. She stresses the importance of teaching patients to express their authentic selves and to quiet negative self-talk as critical components of recovery.
Additionally, Crowley points out that individuals with eating disorders often face difficulties in daily life and relationships, particularly in social settings. Understanding attachment styles and emotional needs is crucial for fostering healthier relationships. She encourages patients to reframe their personal narratives, as many view their eating disorders as “best friends.” “What is needed,” she asserts, “is for them to let go of rigid thinking and the belief that change is impossible, even when opportunities for change are present.”
Crowley’s recommendations are grounded in multimodal therapy (MMT), an evidence-based approach that examines the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to eating disorders. This method employs various therapeutic techniques simultaneously, ensuring that underlying issues are not overlooked.
With two decades of experience in treating eating disorders, Crowley advocates for therapists to gain a deeper understanding of their patients’ challenges from the onset of treatment through to discharge. Her approach includes psychoeducation, which helps clients connect their thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and perceptions to their struggles with eating and body image.
For instance, individuals with eating disorders may find it challenging to ask questions when faced with confusion, often due to anxiety or a desire for control. Crowley emphasizes that gaining clarity around these issues is essential for recovery, enabling patients to ask the right questions and effectively practice the skills necessary for healing.
Furthermore, An Integrative Approach to Treating Eating Disorders recommends that therapists utilize a physical and emotional energy scale to help patients recognize their body’s signals for rest. By understanding their emotional triggers and identifying their “window of tolerance” for emotional discomfort, patients can better navigate their recovery journey, distinguishing between hyperarousal (such as agitation) and hypo-arousal (such as hopelessness).
As the field of eating disorder treatment evolves, Crowley’s integrated approach offers valuable insights for both practitioners and patients, aiming to foster a more comprehensive understanding of recovery.
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