Characteristics of an ideal psychotherapist for eating-disordered patients.
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.
Andersen
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Eating Disorders Services, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. arnold-andersen@uiowa.edu
Corson
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PW
D002983:Clinical Competence; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy