Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa

“A powerful new resource in the battle to reduce suffering from anorexia nervosa. This book captures a wealth of clinical and research experience from some of the world’s leading scientist-practitioners in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. It offers a novel, shorter course of treatment that can help eating disorder clinics see more patients in less time without sacrificing efficacy; it also increases affordability of treatment. Numerous clinical tools are provided including downloadable resources and skills videos for clinicians. Highly recommended for all who treat anorexia nervosa!!”

Carolyn Black Becker, PhD, ABPP, FAED, FABCT, FAPS, Professor of Psychology, Trinity University, Licensed Psychologist

“This much-needed treatment manual for anorexia nervosa, written by leading experts in the field, offers a unique blend of depth, detail, and clinical practicality. Its international perspective ensures relevance across diverse clinical contexts, while the clear, step-by-step guidance makes it an invaluable tool for both novice and experienced clinicians. Stand-out chapters on meta-competence, clinical skills, and adaptations for varied presentations support flexible application of the intervention. In summary, this book is an essential resource for any clinician seeking to enhance their expertise and confidence in treating patients with this challenging disorder”

Roz Shafran, PhD, FMedSci, Emeritus Professor of Translational Psychology, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health

“Written by clinicians with deep expertise, compassion, and dedication to sharing knowledge, this work reflects how far cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for anorexia nervosa have come in real-world clinical practice. It challenges the assumption that longer treatment is always necessary and offers clear, practical guidance on open weighing, early nutritional change, working with the anorexic voice, and exposure—alongside compelling rationales for clients (“the why”) and strategies clinicians can implement immediately (“the how”). Whether new to the field or a seasoned clinician, this is what a treatment manual should be—and what we continue to refine as science evolves.”

Dr Bronwyn Raykos, MPsych (Clinical) / PhD, Morgan Psychology (Director), Western Australian Country Health Service, Centre for Clinical Interventions

“This innovative work by an international group of collaborators is an effort to develop a briefer and effective treatment for anorexia nervosa. The treatment model rests on various techniques rooted in functional analysis and designed to help patients approach their anxieties and behaviors in the context of a realistic and collaborative treatment relationship. At the same time, there is careful attention to the “anorexic voice” which needs to be heard, understood, and addressed. Overall, this comprehensive and innovative new work opens possibilities for patients and clinicians. The field should look forward to new studies of this potentially very useful intervention.”

Stephen Wonderlich Ph.D. , Interim President, Sanford Research, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

“Written by world leading experts, this book offers a comprehensive, up-to-date, and engaging master class for clinicians delivering CBT to those affected by anorexia nervosa. Designed to help reduce waiting lists by completing treatment in 20 sessions, it features clearly written chapters that outline both the core competences and meta-competences required for effective therapy. The book also includes a detailed treatment protocol and practical resources. It is an essential guide for both novice clinicians and experienced practitioners looking to enhance the CBT treatment they provide.

Rachel Lawson is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Head of the South Island Eating Disorders Service, Health New Zealand -Te Whatu Ora. Over the last twenty years she has worked in the eating disorders field delivering CBT treatment, and providing supervision and training, alongside co-authoring two books and 28 peer-reviewed papers. She was made a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists in recognition of her work in this field. Rachel is a Past President of the Australian and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and has held Australasian wide workforce development project roles.”

Rachel Lawson, Clinical Head, South Island Eating Disorders Service

“CBT-AN-20 is the guide I wish I had years ago. Building on the strong foundations of CBT-E and CBT-T, it offers a compassionate, structured, and evidence-based approach tailored to the complex realities of anorexia nervosa. This manual addresses the most challenging aspects of anorexia nervosa - low weight, ambivalence, perfectionism, and the anorexic voice - with a scientific clarity and clinical wisdom. In a world where time is limited and patient suffering profound, CBT-AN-20 is a hopeful, accessible, and powerful tool that empowers both clinicians and those they serve.”

Eva Trujillo Chi Vacuán, MD, MET, FAED, CEDS, FAAP, Fiaedp, CEO and CoFounder, Comenzar de Nuevo, AC, México, Clinical Professor, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud