The Bulimia Workshop: A Unique Integration of Group Treatment Approaches

Abstract

The time constraints of weekly group therapy and the slow evolution of group cohesion attenuate the direct confrontation that is essential with bulimic patients. Consequently, a three-phase, multidimensional group program was devised to accelerate the treatment process. Treatment begins with an intensive weekend workshop during which members formulate contracts for interrupting the binge–purge cycle and changing symptomatic behavior. During a follow-up session problems in fulfilling the contracts are dealt with and successes are reinforced, in the final phase, group members convene without their therapists to provide peer support, reevaluate contracts, and share feelings regarding treatment progress. The unique implications for treatment process and therapist interventions prompted by this new format are discussed, and preliminary research findings are highlighted.