Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders

Although Cognitive Behavioral treatments for eating disorders are improving, recovery rates, particularly for Anorexia Nervosa, remain low. Recent developments in the understanding of the etiological and maintenance factors in eating disorders have indicated that transdiagnostic treatments may be effective. Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders (CFT-E) has been developed as a transdiagnostic approach to eating disorders, specifically to address affect regulation difficulties, shame, self-directed hostility, and pride in eating disordered behavior. The current article outlines the philosophical model of CFT-E and describes the stages and phases of CFT-E.