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Experiences of Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 February 2015

Louise Onslow*
Affiliation:
Cardiff and Vale Eating Disorders Service (EDS), Cardiff, Wales
Debbie Woodward
Affiliation:
Cardiff and Vale Eating Disorders Service (EDS), Cardiff, Wales
Toni Hoefkens
Affiliation:
Cardiff and Vale Eating Disorders Service (EDS), Cardiff, Wales
Louise Waddington
Affiliation:
Cardiff University, Wales
*
Reprint requests to Louise Onslow, Winston's Wish, 3rd Floor Cheltenham House, Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JR, UK. E-mail: lonslow@winstonswish.org.uk

Abstract

Background: Recent quantitative studies provide support for an “enhanced” transdiagnostic approach of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders; however it is not yet known how recipients of CBT-E experience therapy. Aims: The current study used a qualitative approach to explore service users’ experiences of CBT-E. Method: Individuals with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa and who had completed CBT-E from one service in Wales were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight individuals and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Participants valued both specific and non-specific elements of CBT-E. Therapist specialism in eating disorders was considered to enhance therapist empathy. The most helpful aspects specific to CBT-E were gaining insight into maintenance cycles and experiential learning. The most challenging aspects of CBT-E were changing behaviours and cognitions “in the moment” and in the longer-term. Conclusions: The implication of therapist specialism and empathy is further discussed, as well as the difficulty for CBT-E in changing service users’ long-standing core beliefs.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2015 

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