Refining psychological interventions for anorexia nervosa

Section A provides a systematic review of the literature exploring what people with anorexia nervosa, who have received psychological therapy, identify as key features of the therapeutic relationship in treatment. The review critically appraises and synthesises nine qualitative
papers and identifies four over-arching themes: universal features of the therapeutic relationship, needing other supportive relationships, clinical features of anorexia impact the establishment of the therapeutic relationship and distance from the identity of anorexia. Key findings are discussed in relation to existing theoretical and empirical literature. The review suggests recommendations for clinical practice and future research, including focusing on relational approaches in developing treatments for anorexia nervosa.

Section B explored the experiences of people with anorexia, carers and therapists on engaging with emotion and inside and outside of therapy, and their perspectives on what
facilitates or hinders emotional change in anorexia nervosa. This was in order to refine and consolidate a new emotion focused treatment for anorexia nervosa. Thematic analysis of
existing data was used to identify four over-arching themes; early experiences of engaging with emotion, how to achieve emotional change through the therapeutic relationship, factors impacting emotional change and accessing appropriate support. The findings are presented in relation to existing literature and theory. The results offered preliminary support for the new model and treatment. Clinical and research implications are discussed.