The Anorexia Workbook: How to Accept Yourself, Heal Your Suffering, and Reclaim Your Life

by Michelle Heffner, Georg H. Eifert

Statistics suggests that as many as 2.5 percent of American women suffer from anorexia; of these, further research indicates that one in ten of these will die from the disorder. This is the only book available that addresses the particular needs of anorexics with the techniques of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a revolutionary new psychotherapy. The authors of this book are pioneering researchers in the field of ACT, with numerous research articles to their credit Despite ever-widening media attention and public awareness of the problem, American women continue to suffer from anorexia nervosa in greater numbers than ever before. This severe psychophysiological condition-characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming obese, a persistent unwillingness to eat, and severe compulsion to lose weight-is particularly difficult to treat, often because the victims are unwilling to seek help. The Anorexia Workbook demonstrates that efforts to control and stop anorexia may do more harm than good. Instead of focusing efforts on judging impulses associated with the disorder as 'bad' or 'negative,' this approach encourages sufferers to mindfully observe these feelings without reacting to them in a self-destructive way. Guided by this more compassionate, more receptive frame of mind, the book coaches you to employ various acceptance-based coping strategies. Structured in a logical, step-by-step progression of exercises, the workbook first focuses on providing you with a new understanding of anorexia and the ways you might have already tried to control the problem. Then the book progresses through techniques that teach how to use mindfulness to deal with out-of-control thoughts and feelings, how to identify choices that lead to better heath and quality of life, and how to redirect the energy formerly spent on weight loss into actions that will heal the body and mind. Although this book is written specifically as self-help for anorexia sufferers, it includes a clear and informative chapter on when you need to seek professional treatment as well as advice on what to look for in a therapist.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Self Help

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This workbook does a beautiful job of staying true to the ACT model, and providing a new way for people with anorexia to relate to their symptoms and regain their life. I do think this workbook would be better worked through as guided self-help with a therapist, rather than working through it alone--it gives enough to get the person interested in life beyond anorexia, but not necessarily enough to sustain the journey to get there.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent self-help (or therapy adjunct) book for anyone struggling with significant symptoms of Anorexia (as the name implies) - or even with symptoms of Bulimia. (Not recommended for those with Binge Eating Disorder or Compulsive Overeating.) A great application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies to eating disorder symptoms.

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful, though definitely US-centric.

[Montse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creo que tiene herramientas buenas pero creo que no toma en cuenta que en estos pacientes puede haber comorbilidades como lo es el trastorno de estrés postraumático, el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo entre otros. Y al no tomarlo en cuenta siento que hay actividades en el libro que pueden ser detonantes y mas allá de ayudar pueden ser perjudiciales

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the connection between ACT and eating disorders. It could be beneficial for those struggling with anorexia nervosa, offering a more compassionate approach to managing it.