What Is CBT-E?

Enhanced CBT: The Evidence-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders

Learn about this gold standard, first line treatment.

There’s been a great deal of research over the last twenty years as those in the medical community seek to isolate the most effective methods for treating eating disorders.  Consistently, the research comes back to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – and specifically the newest version of CBT for eating disorders called Enhanced CBT (or CBT-E) – as the frontrunner for outpatient treatment of eating disorders in adults.

CBT-E is a transdiagnostic model, which means that it’s designed to treat any eating disorder behaviors whether they occur as part of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating (or any disordered eating that might not fall into a specific category).  It may sound strange that the same treatment might be used to treat all of these seemingly distinct and separate conditions.  That said, these disorders at their core share many of the same features; in particular, an extreme concern with weight and shape and/or difficulty coping with strong emotion.  These factors - overvaluation of shape and weight and mood intolerance (difficulty tolerating feelings) - are known to be triggers to behaviors like over-eating, restricting or purging.

CBT-E is a treatment that should “fit like a glove.” While it is highly structured and specific, it is designed to be customized to each individual and to address the factors that are most responsible for the persistence of the eating disorder.

The Structure

CBT-E is a relatively short-term, time limited, individual outpatient therapy.  CBT-E is offered in two doses: the standard structure for bulimia and binge eating disorder is 20-sessions over 20-weeks. For anorexia, the treatment duration is longer – more like 40-weeks – since weight restoration is necessary. For all conditions, the treatment sessions are more frequent at the start (2x per week for the first 4-6 weeks) and then gradually spread out over time.

The First Stage

CBT-E is structured in four stages.  The first stage, is focused on helping the client establish a regular and consistent pattern of eating.  We focus in on monitoring intake to increase awareness of one’s eating patterns, planning ahead and timing meals thoughtfully to support normalized nutrition throughout the day.  In Stage One of CBT-E the client begins to understand the factors that keep him/her/them locked into an eating struggle.   We call these factors “maintaining mechanisms.” These maintaining mechanisms include chronic or yo-yo dieting, rigid food-related rules, weight preoccupation, and negative mood states that impact one’s eating.Typically in Stage One, we begin to see a pattern of regular eating emerge as we refine our understanding of the factors fueling the problem and learn and practice a host of strategies designed to support the normalization of eating.  These first 8-10 session are critically important.  We want to see a strong start with a great deal of movement towards regular eating.

The Second Stage

During Stage Two of CBT-E we review progress to date, identify obstacles and map out a plan for Stage 3.  This is a relatively short stage, typically 2 sessions over 2 weeks.  In this phase of treatment we want to articulate clearly exactly what is fueling theremaining disordered behaviors or thoughts and then outline how we’ll address these triggers in the next phase of treatment.

The Third Stage

Stage Three of CBT-E targets and defuses the maintaining factors.  This stage is typically about 6 sessions over 6 weeks.  Here is where we will explore things like over-concern with weight and shape, persistent restrictive or rigid eating styles, and event or mood-related eating behavior. These factors are challenged systematically. In some cases, extreme perfectionism, low self-esteem and/or interpersonal difficulties may be areas that also need further exploration and treatment.

The Fourth Stage

Stage Four is about ending well; this stage is generally 4 sessions spread out over 8 weeks.  In ending well, we shift to a focus to the future and how to reduce one’s vulnerability to relapse. At this point, the client knows him/her/themself well and can recognize the triggers to ED behaviors. The therapist, of course, is available down the road if for any reason there’s a need to revisit.  That said, after a complete CBT-E treatment, one should have all the tools needed to maintain a strong recovery for the long term.

Getting Started

If you’d like to learn more about CBT-E or confirm if it’s the right treatment for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Columbus Park outpatient center for eating disorders.  Our therapists are experts in delivering CBT-E treatment.  We would start with a comprehensive assessment so we can understand your struggles fully and confirm if CBT-E is the best course for you.