What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E)?


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced, or CBT-E is one of most effective treatments we have today for the treatment of eating disorders. It is a Transdiagnostic method for the full range of eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related body image conditions. It a targeted, time-limited treatment that lasts for 20 – 40 Sessions depending on severity of symptoms.

It was developed as an outpatient treatment for adults by Christopher Fairburn, MD, at the Credo-Oxford Institute in the U.K. Dr. Riccardo Dalle Graves, MD is the developer of the adapted version of CBT-E for Adolescents that utilizes family support. International research has shown the success and efficacy of CBT-E.

An important study compared CBT-E with interpersonal therapy (IPT), also a leading treatment for adults with an eating disorder. At post-treatment, 66% of the CBT-E participants were in remission from their eating disorder, compared to 33% of the IPT participants. Over the follow-up period, the CBT-E recovery rate remained higher than IPT (69 versus 49 percent).

The Four Stages of CBT-E


Embarking on CBT-E, begins with a full evaluation and exploration of one’s eating problems .CBT-E is a protocol that helps to develop a highly personalized road map to recovery. Collaboratively, CBT-E therapists and client create a formulation of the individual’s unique eating and body image problems. Treatment progresses through four distinct stages, to effectively identify and tackle the underlying thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to and sustain the eating disorder, such as food restriction or Binge/Purge Cycles. Treatment can include Exposure Work for “fear foods” , strategies for urges to binge or purge, and addressing underlying issues of negative body image, poor self-esteem, and clinical perfectionism.

Stage 1. Starting Well
  • Create your ED Formulation
  • Self-Monitoring
  • Importance of Regular Eating
  • Weight Concerns &  Eating Behavior
  • 2xWeek  Sessions for Maximum Support
Stage 2: Taking Stock
  • Continued Self-Monitoring
  • Implementing Regular Eating
  • What Maintains Eating Problems
  • Identifying Triggers
Stage 3: Body Image & Eating
  • Over-Valuation of Shape & Weight
  • Feeling “Fat”
  • Body Checking/Body Avoidance
  • Comparison Making
  • Events, Moods, & Triggers
  • Self-Esteem/ Perfectionism
Stage 4: Ending Well
  • Weekly Sessions
  • Maintain Recovery
  • Improved Relationship with Food
  • Managing Day-to-Day Events Well
  • Develop Relapse Prevention Plan
  • Move toward Body Positivity

Start Your Path To Recovery


Find Recovery & Healing Today

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Our Professional Affiliations