Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs

Who Could Benefit?
Paths to Healthy Eating is a transdiagnostic program, meaning that if you have a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified you can be considered for participation in the program. Individuals with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, anorexia bulimia, anorexia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified are seen in the same programs. A separate group for compulsive overeating and binge eating is available.

You do need a medical clearance and a minimum of 85% of your standard weight for admission.

This program requires active participation and commitment. Homework is given on a regular basis to assist in achievement of weekly goals.

Program Orientation
Two types of therapy have primarily been shown to be effective in treating eating disorders, with most of the studies about bulimia nervosa. These modalities are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This program is based on those modalities as developed by Dr. Christopher Fairburn and Dr. Marsha Linehan.

For treatment of Binge Eating Disorder and Compulsive Overeating, Dr. Jean Kristeller’s MB-EAT techniques and Dr. Fairburn’s compulsive overeating program are used with DBT techniques.

While the treatment of eating disorders is considered quite challenging, areas of concern that should be addressed have been identified. Interpersonal relationships, core low self esteem, clinical perfectionism, emotional dysregulation (or mood intolerance) and body image are typically some of the issues that are primary for patients with an eating disorder. Through groups and individual therapy, these areas are addressed.

Initial Evaluation Sessions

To determine if this program could address your concerns and help you meet your goals, initial evaluation sessions will include a clinical history and completion of the EDE. Readiness for change will be considered as well. In this interview the program will be described in more detail so that an informed decision as to whether to enter the program can be made.

Program Stages

In individual therapy the following phases will be followed, with important goals for each phase. These goals may be modified to meet the needs of the individual patient.

Phase I Pretreatment

Education
Addressing motivation to change
Assessing key features of the eating disorder
Building a therapeutic relationship
Presenting multiple functions of symptoms
Presenting the cognitive rational for treatment
Introduction of the DBT Diary Card
DBT Skills Training Group Contract

Phase II

Implementing initial cognitive interventions
Understanding the key features of the eating disorder for the individual
Presenting the cognitive rational for treatment
Implementing self-monitoring and meal planning
Prescribing normalized eating patterns
Interrupting bingeing and vomiting
Challenging cultural values regarding weight and shape

Phase III

Continued focus on weight gain and normalized eating
Challenging food avoidances
Reframing of lapses
Identifying dysfunctional thinking patterns
Modifying self-concept
Focus on interpersonal issues
Body Image assessment
Cognitive treatment of body image distortion 

Phase IV

Summarizing progress
Reviewing fundamentals of continued progress
Summarizing areas of continued vulnerability
Reviewing the warning signs of relapse
Clarifying when to return to treatment, if necessary

Level I Outpatient

One individual session, one modified DBT skills training group per week
Two family sessions

Level II Outpatient  

Two individual sessions, one modified DBT skills training group per week
Two family sessions 

Intensive Outpatient Program  

Two hours of individual therapy weekly, scheduled as to the availability of the therapist and the patient. Seven hours of group will be offered as follows:

Day 1

  • DBT Skills Training Group
  • Therapeutic Eating Group
  • DBT Based Process Group

Day 2

  • DBT Skills Training Group
  • Nutrition Group/Body Image

Day 3

  • CBT process group
  • Goal Setting/Weekend Planning Process Group

Program Materials

Body Image Patient Workbook
DBT Workbook
Paths to Healthy Eating Workbook
Self Esteem Workbook

Aftercare  

Continued medication management when indicated
Continued participation in DBT Skills Training Group, Modified for ED for another six months
Continued access to books, tapes, and videos
Continued individual sessions as necessary
Weight monitoring with physician when indicated

 


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