Nourish: A Framework for Nourishing Eating-Disordered Clients Using a Structural and Relational Methodology

Abstract

This article introduces an integrative framework for working with clinical disorders and maladaptive behaviors. This framework is based on the author’s experience working with eating and weight issues. The term “eating disorders” is used to refer to both undereating and overeating or obesity. Existing psychotherapy approaches to eating disorders and weight-related issues are explored, and the transactional analysis literature on eating disorders is evaluated. The author presents a framework she has found useful, which she calls Nourish. She has developed this model following heuristic research with 19 long-term clients with eating disorders and weight issues, especially anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, and obesity. This integrative, holistic framework combines classical TA theory and a relational approach to working clinically with eating and weight and focuses on supporting therapists in private practice as well as in clinical teams.

Keywords:

• Eating disorders
• obesity
• anorexia
• bulimia
• binge eating
• relational
• integrative
• transactional analysis

Disclosure statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Mandy Atkinson

Mandy Atkinson, MA, Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), Dip. Sup. Cert Ed., CELTT, Dip. Couns., RGN, is a UKCP-accredited TA psychotherapist and clinical supervisor plus a seasoned teacher. She runs a private practice providing psychotherapy and supervision near Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Mandy has a decade of experience and special interest in working with eating and weight-related issues and eating disorders. She runs specialist training and supervision on eating and weight. She is a clinical supervisor and visiting trainer and examiner at several counseling and psychotherapy organizations. Mandy has a background in health and higher education as a nurse and senior lecturer. She can be reached at The Barn House, 15 Broad Lane, South Walsham, Norfolk, NR13 6EE, United Kingdom; email: [email protected].