1. Groups for Eating Disorders
By: Lauren Barnes, Meagan Camp, DeAnna Fiarborne Logan Freeman, Chesley Foxworth, Talbott Johnson, Samantha Sammis

2. Outline Rationale for group Participation Expectations/Rules
Psychoeducation & Treatment
Conclusion
In order to understand the importance and influence of groups, we will need to talk about a number of things, such as why group participation may be important and helpful, what it looks like to participate in the group, what will be expected of group members, and how the treatment is conducted.

3. Rationale for group Leaves lasting affects Danger to safety
Think your alone
Gaining adaptive and healthy techniques to reduce symptoms
Share common concerns and fears with
Accountability
Feedback from others
Group therapy has benefits over individual therapy for those struggling with food disorders. In group therapy, clients are able to discuss lasting affects and potential dangers they may have faced or are likely to face. An aspect of disordered eating is viewing your body through disorted images or thoughts, so it is easy to feel alone. By sharing common concerns and fears with others in the group, you are able to receive feedback about the falseness of these views. Also, you are held accountable and able to gain adaptive, healthy techniques for overcoming symptoms.

4. Participation 2 therapist 6-12 group members 18-20 sessions
2 hours per session
3 phases:
Self-monitoring/Psychoeducation
Elimination of dieting, Problem Solving Skills, Cognitive Restructuring
Relapse Prevention strategies
Before beginning, it is important to understand the basic structure of group therapy. There will be 2 therapists, who will guide and assist when needed. IT will include between 6 to 12 group members with eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating. Anorexia Nervosa is best treated in individual therapy. There are typically 18 to 20 two hour sessions, that are broken into 3 phases: self-monitoring, psychoeducation, elimination of dieting, Problem Solving Skills, Cognitive Restructuring and finally
Relapse Prevention strategies. When beginning session, therapist sets agenda and leads overview of topic to be covered. However, group members are able to suggest any topic to talk about. Also, homework and self-monitoring reports from week before will be discussed. Session will then begin.

5. Expectations and Rules
Confidentiality to extent
Participate
Challenging and difficult
Success from those who engage in process
Within a group, therapists and group members are expected to keep identities and information confidential. This is done so clients are free to share intiate, deep secrets and feel safe that they will be kept within the group. Individual clients are expected to participate with openness, honesty, and give an effort. You truly will get out of the process what you put into it. If you seek social support, complete homework exercises, and are honest in self-monitoring, you are likely to gain success by overcoming symptoms of disordered eating and negative body image. This is not to say that the process will not be difficult or challenging; it definitely will be. You have believed certain things your entire life, so changing these automatic and distorted thoughts will take time and difficult conversations with others and yourself. However, it may be comforting to know that others are fighting the same battle as you and share this within the group.

6. Psychoeducation & Treatment
Discussion of health risk
Awareness of triggers
Techniques to combat cognitive distortions
Coping with anxiety
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Meal planning
Exposure-based strategies
Pushing limits on body image
In order to treat eating disorders, it is important to understand why they are a risk to one’s health and factors that may contribute to their development and maintenance. Psychological, interpersonal, social, and biological factors can affect how one sees and views their body. Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, lack of control, and stressful situations are some common examples. To address symptoms and maladaptive behaviors, one needs to be aware of his or her specific triggers and learn techniques to combat cognitive distortions. In treatment, group members will learn to recognize personal triggers, different ways to think about their body and food, and skills to cope with anxiety. Progressive Muscle Relaxation, explained on the next slide, is something that can be done when one is feeling anxious about food. Another way to improve regulation of food will be discussion and implementation of meal planning for group members. Members can encourage and create plans with each other. Finally, exposure-based strategies are used to push the limits on how members negatively see their bodies. Examples such as wearing a bathing suit on the beach, eating forbidden foods, and portion control, allow individuals to face fears and overcome the anxiety associated with these.

8. Conclusion Challenges negative thoughts towards food and body
Helps regulate food intake
Reduces and eliminates binge episodes
Improves mood
Creates community
In conclusion, group therapy for eating disorders has a number of positive benefits for bulimia and binge eating disorders. It challenges negative thoughts towards your food and body, helps regulate food intake, and reduces binge episodes. Overall, this will improve mood and create a sense of community in a disorder that feels extremely lonely.