Treatment Philosophy for Treating Eating Disorders

Clinical Philosophy

Eating disorders are serious illnesses with debilitating psychological and physical consequences.  A disordered relationship with food presents a suffocating force to the mind and body that may lead to intense preoccupation, social isolation, depression and anxiety.

A complex interplay of psychological, biological and social factors contributes to the development and maintenance of Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder; effective treatment must address all of these factors. The multidisciplinary team at CPC implements current, empirically supported treatment methods to address the full scope of the eating disorder.  The therapeutic process involves nutritional and physical restoration along with work toward behavior modification, emotional insight and healing.

Our Treatment Methods

Nutritional inadequacy from food restriction, chaotic eating, self-induced vomiting and/or laxative or diuretic abuse, profoundly and negatively affects brain chemistry and must be reversed for the therapeutic process to be effective.  In an effort to restore nutritional balance to the body, we work with our clients to tailor individualized meal plans that guide their nourishment both during and after program hours.

The CPC programs not only encourage restoration of nutritional status, but also reflect our belief that moderate physical activity is both appropriate and important to sustain a healthy body and mind. Our programs incorporate yoga, fitness and movement components led by experienced yoga and dance therapists. These therapeutic methods enhance balance, focus and confidence and reduce emotional and physical stress. We believe this movement component is an essential element in fostering a compassionate connection with the body and a healthy relationship with exercise.

As the body recovers, our clients are able to address the emotional and behavioral triggers to their disordered behaviors such as restricting, bingeing, and/or purging. The CPC team understands that this process is challenging, since eating disorder behaviors often serve multiple functions including quelling emotions, engendering calm and control and/or communicating needs. Clients realize through treatment, however, that these behaviors are self-defeating and become unnecessary once alternatives are available to replace them. As our clients work to disengage the eating disorder, they:

• Uncover the function of eating disorder behaviors
• Develop alternative coping methods that promote health
• Learn and incorporate new skills that interrupt self-defeating behaviors
• Recognize daily triggers for destructive eating and/or exercise episodes
• Identify, experience and tolerate feelings
• Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that drive disordered behaviors
• Work to express feelings and needs most effectively

At CPC, clients work not only to reduce and ultimately extinguish symptoms, but to uncover and heal the emotional and interpersonal issues driving the disorder.  In an accepting community, clients share thoughts and feelings and gain critical insight into themselves.  As clients engage in a powerful interpersonal treatment experience they create a foundation for deeply connected relationships outside of the program. Movement away from preoccupation with food and body creates an opportunity to develop and nurture aspects of oneself that may have been overshadowed by the eating disorder.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is non-judgmental, present-moment awareness of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations within the body. In recent years, mindfulness practice has been incorporated into a number of well-researched therapeutic interventions within the mental health and medical communities and is particularly beneficial for the treatment of Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder.

Eating disorders constrict life experiences by cluttering the mind with relentless self-scrutiny, criticism, and conflict around food. Mindfulness allows for compassionate acceptance in place of harsh judgment and calm instead of urgency. In lieu of emotional and behavioral reactivity, a conscious, mindful state cultivates thoughtful response and eases the transition from disordered thought and action to skillful, balanced being. Mindfulness practice is a core element of CPC’s treatment philosophy and is integrated into the program through dedicated workshops, yoga and fitness, supported meals and group therapy.

Nutrition Philosophy

The CPC nutrition program practices a balanced, healthful approach to nourishment that restores the body’s physical cues of hunger and fullness, robbed by disordered behaviors such as restricting, bingeing and/or purging. Responding to physical needs for nourishment begins a process of trust in the body and initiates a pathway toward mindful, intuitive eating. Mindful eating rewards our clients with a non-judgmental experience of food that assures a responsible intake consistent with the body’s needs and therefore, contributes to the maintenance of a stable body weight.

The client is an integral part of individualizing her meal plan, which accommodates her preferences and encourages the development of new preferences within a safe structure. The client and her nutritionist work together in weekly individual meetings to set appropriate nutrition and weight goals and the entire CPC team provides daily support and guidance to encourage success in meeting these goals.

The Nutrition Director works closely with the CPC private chef to assure the preparation of tasteful, high quality meals that are in line with each client’s needs. Mealtime is a supported experience during which clients fuel their bodies responsibly and respectfully in a relaxed, social setting. Every meal concludes with the processing of feelings that emerge throughout the nourishment process.

The structured, collaborative approach of our nutrition program empowers each client to choose to honor and care for her body with every adequate meal she eats. The client’s decision to fuel herself consistently and appropriately builds a foundation for her to sustain for a strong, healthy body and mind.