Counselling for Eating Disorders

A guide to the use of cognitive behavioural and educational techniques to help clients with abnormal eating patterns. Sara Gilbert provides an account of eating disorders, their causes and the theory and practice of using cognitive behavioural therapy to treat them.

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`The text is well referenced with a thorough bibliography. Overall this would seem a particularly suitable book for individuals with a general mental health training who are starting work with this patient group. It deserves to be widely read′ - European Eating Disorders Review



`An invaluable resource for anyone working in or wishing to know more about eating disorders... for those new to eating disorders, there are some useful appendices that would give a head start to anyone entering this specialty.... If you work in eating disorders, this book would be a frequently used addition to your bookshelf′ - Dietetics Today





`This excellent evidence-based book begins by providing an overview of eating disorder definitions (using DSMIV), prevalence, and differing causes.... I found the book free from jargon and enjoyable to read. I would recommend it as a valuable resource to anyone with an interest in cognitive-behavioural therapy and its application to working with eating disorder clients′ - Association for University and College Counselling Newsletter





`The book is written from a cognitive behavioural perspective and gives an in-depth account of how to structure assessment and treatment. It is sensible, thoughtful and full of helpful ′how to′ advice for the therapist. The book is complemented by several appendices which contain information that can be given to patients (e.g. about eating disorders and their medical consequences, further reading, guidelines for healthy eating and practical suggestions for how to begin to change)′ - Ulrike Schmidt, Behaviour Research and Therapy





This book provides an up-to-date account of current definitions and causes of abnormal eating patterns. It then considers the theoretical basis and practical effectiveness of using cognitive- behavioural therapy in the treatment of clients. The key issues related to counselling these client groups are dealt with in detail with additional chapters devoted to: assessing clients and engaging them effectively in treatment; awareness of their nutritional needs; behavioural and cognitive skills for addressing abnormal eating patterns; and addressing the meaning of eating disorder symptoms in the context of the lives of individual clients.





Case studies and examples are used throughout the text to help relate theory to practice, while extensive appendices provide key information about eating disorders and about ways in which clients can help themselves.