The Programme
The Eating Disorders Programme was established over 15 years ago and is specifically oriented to meet the needs of people with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.
The objective of the programme is to address the physical, psychological and social issues arising as a result of an eating disorder in an attempt to resolve and overcome many of the struggles associated with it.
The Eating Disorder Programme has three stages, inpatient, day care and aftercare. It addresses both physical and psychological aspects of the eating disorder using group, individual and family therapy. The daily groups focus on weight modification, dietetics, body image, education, self-development and self-esteem. The programme aims to help the young person to reach a healthy weight and to develop healthy eating patterns.
The programme is primarily based on cognitive behavioural approach that helps the patient to identify and work through the thoughts, feelings and behaviours related to the eating disorder. Psychotherapy is an integral part of the programme and participants receive individual, couple or family therapy based on their needs. All psychotherapy is based on developing a trusting relationship so that the person and their families can make changes that are beneficial to their health.
Individual therapy offers the person a place to explore their feelings about their eating problem and to consider ways of overcoming it. The young person can be assisted to increase their motivation and to develop problem-solving skills.
The Programme is primarily based on a cognitive behavioural approach, that is helping the patient to identify and work through the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with eating disorders, offering group, individual and family therapy. The programme is set out in 3 distinct stages.
Stage 1 is the inpatient element of the programme. This may last from 4 to 6 weeks. During this stage the person can expect to participate in the following:
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Methods to improve self-assertiveness and self-esteem
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Enhancement of self-awareness
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Body image discussion
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Dietetics group: discuss nutrition, meal planning, shopping, food portions, etc.
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Occupational therapy groups: weekly groups addressing lifestyle balance, stress management, and social, leisure and self-care needs. A weekly cookery session is also included in the programme.
After 2 weeks all families are invited to participate in family meetings. Following this Stage 2 commences with discharge to day care and people then attend the hospital initially for 4 days per week. This may then reduce over a period of approximately 8 weeks, depending on individual needs.
Once the person has successfully completed this, they then enter Stage 3. This phase incorporates aftercare and follow-up treatment, including a weekly outpatient support group and ongoing individual and family therapy, if necessary. The outpatient group is usually for 1 year.
Family Therapy
In our experience, family involvement is crucial in recovery and families are a integral part of the treatment process. Family members are supported to respond appropriately to the persons needs and to help them regain control over their eating behaviours. Family therapy gives an opportunity for the person and the significant people involved in their life to work together in a united way and to take an active role in making useful changes in their lives.
Our aim as family therapists is to work alongside the young person and their families to explore and find ways of overcoming the eating problem in order to promote their development and facilitate autonomy and independence.
Family therapy enables family members to identify the impact of the eating problem on the person and their family in a safe environment, to express, understand and validate each other's needs and experiences, and to utilize and enhance family resources in order to facilitate change.