Treating Eating Disorders with DBT

“In this book, Federici and Wisniewski bring MED-DBT to life with the same clarity, warmth, and clinical brilliance that they bring to their workshops. The book lays out a flexible treatment protocol that addresses the complex interplay of emotional, biological, and environmental factors that fuel eating disorders in multi-problem presentations. The authors’ voices are unmistakable--compassionate, direct, and wise--and their respect for clients permeates every page. With rich clinical examples, an accessible tone, and step-by-step guidance, this book is a ‘must have’ for both eating disorder clinicians looking to expand their repertoires and DBT therapists hoping to work effectively with people with eating disorders. It fills a critical gap for treatment of individuals who have not benefited from traditional therapies.”--Cynthia M. Bulik, PhD, FAED, Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders and Founding Director, University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders; Director, Centre for Eating Disorders Innovation, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

“From the very first pages of this book, the authors’ determination to relentlessly seek solutions to tough problems is evident. Federici and Wisniewski emphasize that when treatments for people with eating disorders and complex problems fail, it reflects limitations in our methods and skills, not shortcomings in the patient. Early in my DBT career, I realized that eating disorders presented challenges beyond my existing skills. This book addresses a significant gap for many practitioners, offering strategies and hope where we have often felt powerless. It stands out as a promising tool to help therapists facing extreme clinical needs, and encourages a relentless pursuit of more effective ways to help those at greatest risk.”--Anthony P. DuBose, PsyD, Vice President for Institute Services, Behavioral Tech Institute, Seattle, Washington

“Drawing on sound science and clinical wisdom, these two highly regarded eating disorder (ED) and DBT experts deftly guide clinicians in providing effective care for people with EDs and complex co-occurring mental health challenges. Engaging writing and vivid case examples illuminate the unique elements of MED-DBT, from foundations and theory to core assessment and intervention strategies. This is an outstanding, practical book for beginning and seasoned DBT clinicians alike who wish to help clients with multidiagnostic eating disorders learn to build lives worth living. I eagerly anticipate sharing it with my DBT team and recommending it as essential reading for colleagues and trainees.”--Alexander L. Chapman, PhD, RPsych, Professor and Director of Clinical Training, Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University; President, DBT Centre of Vancouver, Canada

“Federici and Wisniewski offer a compassionate, evidence-informed lifeline to patients we too often label as ‘treatment resistant.’ The MED-DBT protocol embraces complexity rather than avoiding it, integrating the core tenets of DBT with deep expertise in eating disorders. This book is not only a transformative clinical guide, it is also a powerful tool for training and supervision. I will be using it with my teams and trainees across Latin America and beyond. A true gift to our field and to every clinician seeking to meet their most vulnerable patients with both science and soul.”/m-/Eva Trujillo-ChiVacuan, MD, CEO and Cofounder, Comenzar de Nuevo AC, Monterrey, Mexico; President (2025–2027), International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals; Clinical Professor, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud-