Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adolescent Eating Disorders (CBT-E): A Two-Session Clinical Training for Outpatient Behavioral Mental Health Providers

This intermediate-level workshop provides outpatient behavioral mental health providers with a comprehensive, clinically grounded introduction to Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E) for adolescents with eating disorders. Drawing directly from the CBT-E treatment model developed by Fairburn and colleagues and its adolescent adaptation by Dalle Grave and Calugi, the workshop is organized across two five-hour sessions. Session I covers the theoretical foundation of CBT-E including the transdiagnostic model of eating disorder maintenance, DSM-5 classification, epidemiology, and the role of key maintaining mechanisms such as overvaluation of shape and weight, dietary restraint, and low self-esteem — as well as the assessment and engagement phase (Steps 1 and 2) and all five Core Treatment Modules (collaborative weighing, self-monitoring, regular eating, body image work, and reducing dietary restraint).

Session II provides a full review and case-based application of Session I content before advancing to the final stages of CBT-E: the maintenance and ending-well protocol, identification of Broad Form modules for complex cases (clinical perfectionism, core low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, and mood intolerance), clinical decision-making around higher levels of care (intensive outpatient and inpatient CBT-E), and a pragmatic framework for managing comorbidity.

Throughout both sessions, didactic content is integrated with clinical vignettes, provider discussion, and practical facilitation exercises. Peer-reviewed scholarship is referenced throughout, and materials are presented with direct relevance to an outpatient CHOA behavioral health setting.