198 pg, paper, ‘04

Based on a compassionate new model of psychotherapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, this book builds on the idea that your past efforts to overcome anorexia nervosa may have caused you more harm than good. This approach works to free you from the judgments and implications that there is something wrong with you. Instead, you are guided through an approach that encourages mindfully observing difficult thoughts and feelings without reacting to them in a self-destructive way.

The ACT approach works by placing you in a more compassionate and receptive frame of mind. There are essentially two important components: 1) acceptance of the uncontrollable thoughts and feelings you experience, 2) commitment and action toward living a life you value. Essentially, this workbook is about acceptance and change at the same time. You will learn to accept and live with the uncontrollable thoughts and feelings about your weight, and you will learn to take charge and move your life in directions that you value.

The book’s step-by-step techniques will help you redirect the energy you used to spend on losing weight into taking positive action to heal both your body and your mind. Highly recommended for people challenged by anorexia and those who love them or work with them.

CONTENTS:

1 – What Is Anorexia?
2 – An Anorexia Self-Test
3 – Accept…Choose…Take Action
4 – When Control Gets Out of Control
5 – Learning to Be a Mindful Observer
6 – Approach Difficult Situations with Acceptance
7 – Choosing Valued Directions
8 – Staying Committed to Valued Living
9 – Emily’s Journey to Recovery
10 – Professional Treatment Options
11 – Established Psychological Treatments for Anorexia
12 – Preparing for Treatment with a Therapist
13 – A Chapter for Loved Ones
14 – Assess Your Progress

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Michelle Heffner, MA, was trained in the West Virginia University Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry eating disorders program. She has assessed and treated eating disorder clients in the West Virginia University Department of Psychology clinic and the West Virginia University Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.

Georg H. Eifert, Ph.D., is professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Chapman University in Orange, California. Dr. Eifert has published widely on integrative behavioral models and treatments of anxiety and other emotional disorders and how recent advances in the field, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, can be integrated with existing behavioral interventions for clinical problems.