Eating disorders are amongst the most difficult psychopathologies to treat (Abbate-Daga et al, 2013) with only a proportion of sufferers responding to standard cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Indeed, less than half of those with bulimia nervosa make a full and lasting recovery (Fairburn et al., 1995; Fairburn and Harrison, 2003).  Drop-out (Fassino, Pierò, Tomba, & Abbate-Daga, 2009) and relapse rates are high, and a substantial proportion of individuals experience EDs that are chronic, disabling and highly resistant to treatment (Keller et al, 2006; Steinhausen, 2009).  There is also insufficient support for the effectiveness of CBT for adults with Anorexia Nervosa  (AN), particularly in the severely underweight population (Bulik et al., 2007).  The Schema Therapy (ST) model is well suited to the eating disordered population, particularly those with complex problems, rigid personality traits & interpersonal difficulties. ST techniques specifically target the rigid belief systems & high levels of avoidance characteristic of both characterological disorders & complex eating disorders that frequently interfere with progress in traditional treatments. 

This workshop will provide:

- A description of key features of the Schema Therapy Model as applied to the eating disorder population

- A summary of preliminary evidence for the Schema Therapy model with eating disorders 

Strategies for change, with an emphasis on deeper level change with core beliefs/schemas

- An opportunity to practice using powerful methods of addressing powerful parent and coping modes associated with eating disorders. 

- Case study examples to enable participants to consider how they could apply schema change techniques with complex eating disorder clients.

- Opportunity to think about how you could apply schema change techniques with your own complex eating disorder clients.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Susan Simpson has been researching and expanding the Schema Therapy model for eating disorders over the past 20 years. Her research includes studies on the role of schema modes in the development of eating pathology, and the effectiveness of group Schema Therapy for eating disorders.