title: Characteristics of an ideal psychotherapist for eating-disordered patients.
abstract: Psychotherapy is an essential component of the treatment of eating disorders. A fully competent ideal psychotherapist needs a body of knowledge; personality characteristics of nonpossessive warmth and perseverance; training in scientific, manual-based psychotherapy; and experience, including supervision. The formal discipline of the therapist is less important than are these qualifications. Ideal means fully competent, not perfect. An ideal therapist is a crucial component in the treatment of eating-disordered patients.
authors: Eating Disorders Services, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. arnold-andersen@uiowa.edu
authors: A E
authors: AE
authors: Andersen
authors: P W
authors: PW
authors: Corson
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy