Eating disorders are complex psychological illnesses that are broadly characterized by abnormal, irregular eating habits, and an extreme concern with one’s body weight or shape. There are several different types of eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) categorized under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. The pervasive symptoms associated with any type of eating disorder can cause adverse physiological consequences and interfere with one’s ability to function optimally in daily life. Recent data estimates up to 24 million people, of all ages and genders, currently suffer from an eating disorder in the United States. Eating disorders are chronic conditions that require life-long treatment. The goal of treatment for an individual diagnosed with an eating disorder is to help them find a healthy and sustainable relationship with food. The New York Times notes that early identification and intervention play a key role in eating disorder treatment outcome and lasting recovery.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more mental health practitioners who deliver psychotherapy to several individuals simultaneously. The American Psychological Association (APA) explains that “decades of research, including more than 50 clinical trials, have shown that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many conditions.” There are several benefits of group therapy for eating disorder recovery, as group therapy offers a platform for individuals to:
- Identify faulty thinking patterns and thoughts.
- Practice being open and vulnerable with others.
- Learn new coping skills to replace problematic ones.
- Receive peer support and guidance.
- Develop a sense of self-acceptance.
- Realize they are not alone in their struggles.
- Manage other comorbid symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.).
- Enhance self-esteem.
- Develop accountability for their recovery.
The group therapy setting can offer a safe emotional environment for people to engage in positive social interactions with peers and cultivate a sense of comradery within the group. This lends them to be an excellent place to practice implementing various therapeutic tools to help with behavior modification, and the integration of healthy choices, and improving positive decision-making. Group therapy has been found effective for helping people improve their attitudes toward food and eating, attain a healthy weight, and maintain progress long after they leave active treatment.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
