Previously, eating disorder therapist Kara Bazzi described her philosophy of treatment. Here, Ms. Bazzi discusses the nuts and bolts of therapy and offers concrete advice.
Question: What kinds of individual treatment do you offer?
Besides talk therapy, I try to introduce methods of therapy that will engage the client in a more holistic manner. Therefore, I look for opportunities to do talk therapy, roleplaying, or other experiential techniques. Also, since many of my clients are disconnected from being attuned to their bodies, I will also try different methods to facilitate reconnection to their bodies, such as breathing exercises or meditation.
Q: So how would a session typically look?
I usually start sessions by revisiting what we were working on the previous week. We could be talking about the homework I've asked the person to do if relevant. Then, we would be spending the rest of the session processing or working on the issue at hand. I think it's important to go back to what we did the previous week because many clients have the defense mechanism of "forgetting" what we were working on. I also use the relationship between me and the client to work on interpersonal issues, so we might be spending time exploring our relational dynamic in the moment.
Q: For those who still live with parents, what is usually the parents’ role in treatment?
If a client is still living at home, I will strongly encourage family therapy. Coming from a systems' perspective, I think it's important for the family as a whole to be addressing the family dynamics that may contribute to the function of the eating disorder. I may also recommend support groups for parents since it's so difficult to go through the experience of your child battling with such a debilitating disorder.
Q: I understand that you also do group therapy with clients with a dietitian present.
Yes. Groups are a great place for clients to work out some of their interpersonal issues that may also be linked to their eating disorders. It's also a safe place for clients to feel less isolated, which helps in the recovery process.
Q: How does working with a dietitian benefit your clients?
The work with a dietitian is important. I'm a firm believer in boundaries with other team members who collaborate. If my clients are working with a dietitian, then I know that I have the freedom to explore other areas because that their daily experiences with food and exercise are being monitored elsewhere. Also, my clients are receiving better care because I'm not trained in dietetics.
Q: What words would you offer to someone struggling with eating or wondering about treatment?
My best suggestion is to get professional help as soon as possible. I have witnessed -- and there is research that supports it -- that treatment is quicker and more successful the earlier you treat the issue. Many people try to go the self therapy route first. But for the most part, professional support is the best path for a more complete recovery.
