Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) is a structured, time-limited, and individualized treatment designed to address the core mechanisms that maintain eating disorders across a wide range of diagnoses and age groups. As a transdiagnostic approach, CBT-E can be used to treat symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorders. Treatment typically includes about 20 sessions over 20 weeks, with an extended 40-session format available for individuals who are underweight or experiencing additional challenges such as perfectionism.

The goal of CBT-E is to help individuals understand how their eating disorder functions, what keeps symptoms going, and how to interrupt the reinforcement patterns that sustain them. Therapy focuses on reducing overvaluation of weight and shape, while building more flexible thinking and healthier coping skills through collaboration, psychoeducation, self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, and problem solving. CBT-E is especially helpful for individuals experiencing concerns such as body checking or avoidance, preoccupation with weight or food, rigid eating rules, shame or guilt related to eating, and self-worth that is strongly tied to body shape or size.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to address the underlying factors that maintain restrictive or avoidant eating patterns. CBT-AR is individualized and can be used with children, adolescents, and adults who experience limited food intake due to sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences (such as choking or vomiting), or low interest in eating or food. Treatment typically focuses on gradually expanding food variety, increasing nutritional adequacy, and reducing anxiety or avoidance related to eating through a collaborative, step-by-step approach.

The goal of CBT-AR is to help individuals build flexibility and confidence around eating while reducing fear, rigidity, and avoidance that interfere with daily functioning or health. Therapy commonly includes psychoeducation, structured meal planning, exposure-based practice, self-monitoring, cognitive strategies, and skills coaching to support gradual change. CBT-AR is often helpful for individuals who experience very limited food variety, anxiety around trying new foods, strong sensory preferences, fear-based avoidance of eating, or challenges maintaining adequate nutrition or growth.

CBT for Eating Disorders.