Compassion focused therapy for eating disorders: A qualitative review and recommendations for further applications

Abstract

Background: People suffering from an eating disorder (ED), or more generally with eating, body image, and weight concerns, have been found to experience high levels of self-criticism, self-directed hostility, and shame. Furthermore, these individuals tend to have difficulties generating and activating affiliative and self-soothing emotions. Methods: Compassion focused therapy (CFT) specifically addresses these issues, and CFT for eating disorders (CFT-E) was designed to incorporate the development and practice of compassion for self and others into standard ED treatment programs to assist with these issues. Results: This article describes (1) the theoretical rationale for cultivating compassion for self and others as part of ED treatment, (2) the adaptation and incorporation of CFT-E within ED treatment programs, and (3) a qualitative review of the current evidence base for CFT-E. Conclusions: Finally, the article will explore recent and potential future developments in CFT-E, and recommendations for the use of CFT-E in clinical practice, including its application for those who present with other eating and weight concerns (such as being overweight or obese), and various modes of inpatient and community-based delivery.