The development and application of compassion-focused therapy for eating disorders (CFT-E)

Abstract

Objectives: This article outlines specific developments in compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for the treatment of patients with an eating disorder.

Methods: The article provides a narrative review based on the existing literature and current practices of CFT for eating disorders (CFT-E).

Results: The role of shame, self-criticism, self-directed hostility, and difficulties in generating and experiencing affiliative emotion in patients with an eating disorder is highlighted. The article describes how CFT-E uniquely addresses these issues and discusses the current evidence base for CFT-E. It also provides an outline of recent and potential future developments in CFT-E.

Conclusions: CFT-E offers a promising treatment for adult outpatients who present to specialist eating disorder services with restricting and binge/purging eating disorders. Recent developments include treatment protocols for patients who are low weight and have an eating disorder and for those presenting with obesity.

Keywords: Compassion-focused therapy; eating disorder treatment; eating disorders.