The Overcoming Bulimia Workbook: Your Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Recovery

by Randi E. McCabe, Tracy L. McFarlane, Marion P. Olmsted

Severe dieting often results in periods of reactive binge eating, a phenomenon experienced by one in twenty American women. Responses to these periods may include prolonged fasting, self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives and diuretics, and obsessive exercise: all symptoms of bulimia.

This workbook contains tools to help bulimics break the cycle of bingeing and reacting, allowing them to take control of their lives and make positive behavior changes. Practical advice and real-life examples reinforce attitudes and offer encouragement. Discover that it is possible to overcome the disorder and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Through their cutting-edge research at the internationally renowned Toronto Hospital Eating Disorders Program, the authors of The Overcoming Bulimia Workbook have developed a step-by-step program for recovery whose efficacy has been proven in clinical trials. The authors empower bulimia suffers to take control of their lives, not only by providing information and advice, but by giving them a personalized format with which they can put these new behavior changes into practice - a process that is critically important for lasting recovery.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from bulimia's symptoms, causes, and risks to how to normalize eating, shift eating-disordered thoughts, build on personal strengths, improve self-esteem, deal with underlying issues, prevent relapse, and understand what medications can help. With many real-life examples, this book also helps readers learn through the experiences of other sufferers how to overcome their disorder and live a happier, more fulfilled life.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Joanna]

comprehensive, with exercises, information and compassion. From a CBT approach (which is very effective for ED), the book takes a teaching approach at times - I would've liked more questions; however this could be an excellent go-to time and again as recovery goes at its own pace. The only drawback was the chapter on religion and ED, not objective, facutally informed at all! I was so disappointed; the authors obviously had their own agenda in writing that chapter (eg. they overgeneralized both the Catholic church (saying all symbols of Mary show her as hiding her size ?!?, and that Christianity favors fasting, unhealthy practice. No other mention of any of hte potential damage, or healing, that can come from religious/spiritual consideriations.

Overall, though, many helpful things, especially all in one book. A practicioner would find a variety of interventions and adapation ideas to help a client struggling with ED. I would also recommend the findingbalance website, too, for video and support info.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent text on the CBT approach for bulimia. Highly recommended as a self-help book, or as a therapy adjunct.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this with hopes of using it with my clients but didn't find it helpful. It would be helpful for someone who has no insight.