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Group therapy for eating disorders: A step-wise approach

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Abstract

Group therapy is emerging as a favored treatment for eating disorders. Open-ended psychodynamic group therapy is an effective treatment for the underlying conflicts in eating-disordered patients, yet these groups are difficult to form. The authors suggest a specific sequence using time-limited psychoeducational groups initially for symptom control, then offering an open-ended group for patients who are ready to address deeper issues in a group therapy setting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA

    Helen Riess M.D. (Instructor in Psychiatry, Staff Psychiatrist)

  2. Eating Disorders Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang ACC Suite 708, 02114, Boston, MA

    J. Scott Rutan Ph.D. (Associate Clinical Professor, Director)

  3. Center for Group Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Wang ACC Suite 805, 02114, Boston, MA

    J. Scott Rutan Ph.D. (Associate Clinical Professor, Director)

Authors
  1. Helen Riess M.D.
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  2. J. Scott Rutan Ph.D.
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Riess, H., Rutan, J.S. Group therapy for eating disorders: A step-wise approach. Group 16, 79–83 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01459707

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01459707

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