Ego-state therapy in the treatment of a complex eating disorder

This report describes the treatment of a woman with a diagnosis of binge eating disorder and a history of bingeing and periods of starvation throughout adolescence and adulthood. She had sought a number of different therapies, but not really benefited from any of them. She felt confused about herself and did not have a sense of her identity. She had recognized there were parts of herself that seemed separate from each other. Ego-state therapy with hypnosis helped her to understand the cause of her compulsive bingeing. This was followed by the hypnotic affect bridge which enabled her to access another child part of herself concerned with a fear of starvation and abandonment, and wanting to remain ‘solid’ but not ‘fat’. These phases of therapy produced great improvement in her eating behaviours, which she had not experienced before. By accessing the ego-states, she was able to start an inner communication, and make cognitive and emotional changes. This was reinforced later with cognitive therapy, from which she had not gained much benefit previously. The importance of combining these therapeutic approaches is discussed. Copyright © 2003 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis