An Innovative Model of Group Therapy for Patients with Eating Disorders: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
by Michelle Macera, PhD 3 CE Credits
Description:
The psychological and medical sequelae associated with eating disorders over time can be complicated, even lethal, often requiring aggressive and timely interventions. A new empirically-based therapeutic approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), may represent an important intervention tool for clinicians working with this population. ACT, aimed at reducing emotional avoidance, has been used successfully in a group format to treat patients with eating disorders which are often driven by a need to escape or avoid intense thoughts and emotions.
This course will provide a theoretical and evidence-based overview of group modalities within this disease model and the development of the ACT treatment approach. Specific ACT techniques (e.g., mindfulness activities, exposure-based exercises, commitment to core values) are presented, enabling health professionals to facilitate eating disorder treatment groups. Lastly, the clinical implications of ACT groups among eating disorder patients are addressed.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, health professionals will be able to:
- Identify comparative theories, interventions, and empirical evidence regarding the use of group-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat eating disorder clients.
- Recognize and utilize specific ACT interventions to facilitate group therapy in an eating disorder population.
- Discuss the clinical implications of delivering ACT in a group format.
|