title: Mechanisms of action in the process of change: helping eating disorder clients make meaningful shifts in their lives.
abstract: This article describes a model for change that draws upon motivational and cognitive-behavioural theories. It is suggested that maladaptive beliefs hold individuals captive in destructive self-perpetuating cycles dominated by the illness. In the context of a trusting therapeutic relationship, inquiry and experimentation can lead to the reformulation of maladaptive beliefs, and to the development, reprioritization and/or strengthening of higher values. A clear cohesive system of higher values allows individuals to make autonomous life decisions, which reduces the need for maladaptive coping strategies.
authors.affiliation: Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada. jgeller@providencehealth.bc.ca
authors.forename: Josie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Geller
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000628:therapy*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009042:Motivation; D011582:Psychological Theory