Feminist-Informed Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy as Treatment for Eating Disorders

Abstract

Research has documented associations between relationship quality and eating disorders; however, few have explored treating eating disorders with couple therapy. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a compelling framework for treating couples where one partner has an eating disorder. A feminist approach to EFT offers the possibility of adding to the knowledge base of etiological factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders. A case example is given demonstrating how EFT can be adapted to address the fear, shame, and secrecy often associated with eating disorders within the context of larger social schemes which contribute to eating disorders.