Premium
Emotion‐focused group therapy: Addressing self‐criticism in the treatment of eating disorders
Author(s) -
Brennan Maggie A.,
Emmerling Michelle E.,
Whelton William J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
counselling and psychotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.38
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1746-1405
pISSN - 1473-3145
DOI - 10.1080/14733145.2014.914549
Subject(s) - eating disorders , psychotherapist , psychology , group psychotherapy , criticism , clinical psychology , self criticism , group (periodic table) , art , literature , chemistry , organic chemistry
Aims The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of women with eating disorder diagnoses regarding their experiences of participating in an emotion‐focused therapy group treatment for eating disorders. From the early sessions the group members chose to focus on self‐criticism, the issue they viewed as most salient. Methods Data were collected through participant feedback forms and letters the participants wrote to their self‐critical voices towards the end of treatment. Findings Thematic analysis revealed six broad themes: (a) struggling to separate from the critic; (b) recognising the destructive impact of the critic; (c) recognising the protective function of the critic; (d) accessing and accepting previously avoided feelings; (e) accepting my needs; and (f) valuing the group. Implications for counselling There is a pressing need for new and effective treatments for eating disorders. The described group therapy shows promise in treating self‐criticism in the context of eating disorders.