The case for therapist self-compassion in the treatment of eating disorders

The eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are disorders that involve the psychological experience of shame. A component in the development and maintenance of symptoms, shame poses as a barrier to treatment, recovery, and the therapeutic alliance. More recently, some of the psychological literature has been devoted to the discussion of the role of self-compassion in mental health. In particular, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) has emerged as a treatment approach to address the shame and self-criticism found in psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addictions. Cultivating self-compassion is one way in which shame and self-criticism may be addressed in the treatment of the eating disorder as well. Further, the literature speaks to how therapists must be sensitive when working with shame in eating disorder treatment; however, it does not suggest how therapists' own self-compassion may be integral in this work. Thus, this dissertation argues that the self-compassion of the therapist is an important aspect of the work with this population. Lastly, this dissertation identifies and outlines ways in which therapists working with clients with eating disorders may increase their own self-compassion, discussing the therapeutic implications for doing so.;Keywords: shame, self-acceptance, compassion, self-compassion, mindfulness, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, therapists, therapeutic relationship.