CBT-E THERAPY

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) is an enhanced form of traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that has been adapted specifically to treat eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating behaviors.

Developed by Christopher Fairburn, CBT-E focuses on understanding and changing the thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors related to food, body image, and weight.

It’s a structured, short-term therapy that helps individuals develop healthier attitudes toward eating and body image while addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder.

WHAT IS
CBT-E THERAPY?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) is an enhanced form of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has been adapted specifically to treat eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating behaviors.

Developed by Christopher Fairburn, CBT-E focuses on understanding and changing the thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors related to food, body image, and weight.

It’s a structured, short-term therapy that helps individuals develop healthier attitudes toward eating and body image while addressing the underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder.

WHAT IS
CBT-E THERAPY?

CBT-E is structured in four phases. In the initial phase, the therapist works with the client to understand their eating behaviors and establish regular, healthy eating habits.

The second phase involves identifying and challenging distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image.

During the third phase, the focus shifts to maintaining progress and preventing setbacks.

The final phase helps the client plan for the future and develop strategies to sustain long-term recovery. CBT-E is a highly collaborative process where the therapist and client work together to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the eating disorder.


HOW DOES
CBT-e THERAPY WORK?

HOW DOES IT WORK?
CBT-E is effective for treating a variety of eating disorders, including:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Helps individuals challenge restrictive eating patterns and distorted body image.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Targets binge-purge behaviors and the thoughts that drive them.
  • Binge Eating Disorder: Focuses on breaking the cycle of overeating and addressing emotional triggers.
  • Other Eating Disorders: CBT-E is flexible and can be adapted to treat disordered eating behaviors that don’t fit neatly into one category.

CBT-E is designed to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies, improving both mental and physical health.

What Issues Can CBT-e Help With?

CBT-E is best suited for individuals struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder who are ready to work on changing their eating behaviors and thought patterns.

It’s ideal for those looking for a structured, evidence-based approach to recovery. CBT-E works well for people who are motivated to actively participate in their treatment, including completing homework and tracking their eating behaviors.

 It may not be suitable for those who need to address deep-rooted trauma or emotional issues alongside their eating disorder.

Who is
CBT-e Therapy Best For?

CBT-E is structured in four phases. In the initial phase, the therapist works with the client to understand their eating behaviors and establish regular, healthy eating habits.

The second phase involves identifying and challenging distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image.

During the third phase, the focus shifts to maintaining progress and preventing setbacks.

The final phase helps the client plan for the future and develop strategies to sustain long-term recovery. CBT-E is a highly collaborative process where the therapist and client work together to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the eating disorder.


HOW DOES
CBT-e THERAPY WORK?

CBT-E is effective for treating a variety of eating disorders, including:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Helps individuals challenge restrictive eating patterns and distorted body image.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Targets binge-purge behaviors and the thoughts that drive them.
  • Binge Eating Disorder: Focuses on breaking the cycle of overeating and addressing emotional triggers.
  • Other Eating Disorders: CBT-E is flexible and can be adapted to treat disordered eating behaviors that don’t fit neatly into one category.

CBT-E is designed to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies, improving both mental and physical health.

What Issues Can CBT-e Help With?

CBT-E is best suited for individuals struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder who are ready to work on changing their eating behaviors and thought patterns.

It’s ideal for those looking for a structured, evidence-based approach to recovery. CBT-E works well for people who are motivated to actively participate in their treatment, including completing homework and tracking their eating behaviors.

 It may not be suitable for those who need to address deep-rooted trauma or emotional issues alongside their eating disorder.

Who is
CBT-e Therapy Best For?

CBT-E is usually a short- to medium-term therapy, with sessions typically occurring once a week.

The treatment typically lasts between 20 and 40 sessions, depending on the severity of the eating disorder and the progress made.

Some individuals may require additional support after completing the program to maintain their recovery.

The therapy involves regular self-monitoring and homework assignments to reinforce the skills learned in sessions, which helps speed up progress.

DURATION & FREQUENCY OF

Cbt-e THERAPY

CBT-E is usually a short- to medium-term therapy, with sessions typically occurring once a week.

The treatment typically lasts between 20 and 40 sessions, depending on the severity of the eating disorder and the progress made.

Some individuals may require additional support after completing the program to maintain their recovery.

The therapy involves regular self-monitoring and homework assignments to reinforce the skills learned in sessions, which helps speed up progress.

DURATION & FREQUENCY OF

CBT-E THERAPY

How is CBT-E different from regular Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

1

How long does CBT-E take to show results?

2

Can CBT-E treat both anorexia and binge eating disorder?

3

FREQUENTLY ASKED 
QUESTIONS

CBT-E is a specialised form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy designed specifically to treat eating disorders. While traditional CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors related to various mental health issues, CBT-E is tailored to address the unique psychological and behavioral challenges associated with disordered eating, body image, and weight concerns.

CBT-E is typically a short- to medium-term therapy, with many individuals seeing improvements within 20 to 40 sessions. Progress can vary based on the severity of the eating disorder and the individual's commitment to the process, but the structured nature of CBT-E helps clients make meaningful changes relatively quickly.

Yes, CBT-E is effective for treating a range of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. It is designed to address the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to disordered eating, regardless of the specific type of disorder.








Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) is a specialized, evidence-based treatment for disordered eating.

 Below, we’ve answered some common questions about how CBT-E works, who it’s for, and what you can expect from the therapy process. If you’re exploring treatment options for an eating disorder, this FAQ will help clarify whether CBT-E might be the right fit for you.







How is CBT-E different from regular Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

1

FREQUENTLY ASKED 
QUESTIONS

Below, we’ve answered some common questions about how CBT-E works, who it’s for, and what you can expect from the therapy process.

If you’re exploring treatment options for an eating disorder, this FAQ will help clarify whether CBT-E might be the right fit for you.

CBT-E is a specialised form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy designed specifically to treat eating disorders. While traditional CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors related to various mental health issues, CBT-E is tailored to address the unique psychological and behavioral challenges associated with disordered eating, body image, and weight concerns.

How long does CBT-E take to show results?

2

CBT-E is typically a short- to medium-term therapy, with many individuals seeing improvements within 20 to 40 sessions. Progress can vary based on the severity of the eating disorder and the individual's commitment to the process, but the structured nature of CBT-E helps clients make meaningful changes relatively quickly.

Can CBT-E treat both anorexia and binge eating disorder?

3

Yes, CBT-E is effective for treating a range of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. It is designed to address the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to disordered eating, regardless of the specific type of disorder.

ENQUIRY

FORM

Share your current circumstances, and a member of our clinical triage team will promptly respond to discuss the appropriate next steps which will involve scheduling an initial free telephone consultation followed by a review and our unique matching process.  

We strive to provide a response within 24 hours.
You can also call us or message for more information:

07352 457535

Alternatively, you can email us your questions and current situation to info@eloriumpsychologyclinic.com
THANK YOU! 
WE'LL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SHORTLY
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • Attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call the
Emergency Services on 999. They will be able to offer you immediate
support.

  • Contact your GP. Your GP will be able to discuss options to best
support you, including access to crisis care.

  • Telephone The Samaritans on 116123. The Samaritans offer a listening
and confidential phone service to anyone in distress.

ENQUIRY

FORM

Share your current circumstances, and a member of our clinical triage team will promptly respond to discuss the appropriate next steps.

You can also call us or message for more information: 07352 457535
You can also email us:  info@eloriumpsychologyclinic.com
THANK YOU! 
WE'LL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU SHORTLY
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • Attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call
999. They will be able to offer you immediate
support.



  • Contact your GP. Your GP will be able to discuss options to best
support you, including access to crisis care.



  • Telephone The Samaritans on 116123. The Samaritans offer a listening
and confidential phone service to anyone in distress.