Receiving an eating disorder diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions. You might feel relieved to finally have answers, frightened about what comes next, or unsure where to begin. For parents, partners, and loved ones, it can be equally difficult to know how to help.
One of the first questions many people ask is, “What does treatment actually involve?”
You may have come across terms like CBT-E, FBT, or SSCM while researching eating disorder treatment or after speaking with your GP. These are all evidence-based therapies recommended in Australia for treating eating disorders, but understanding what they mean can make the journey ahead feel far less daunting.
At Myrtle Oak Clinic, we believe that understanding your treatment options is an important first step towards recovery. Every person’s journey is different, and finding the right approach can make all the difference.
What Are Evidence-Based Therapies?
Evidence-based therapies are treatments that have been carefully researched and shown to be effective for people living with eating disorders. They form the foundation of treatment provided under the Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDTP) and are delivered by clinicians with specialised training in eating disorders.
These therapies are designed to address far more than food or weight. They help people understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and life experiences that keep the eating disorder going, while building the skills needed for long-term recovery.
Below are three of the most commonly used treatment approaches.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
When a child or teenager develops anorexia nervosa, families often wonder what they could have done differently. One of the most reassuring things to know is that parents are not the cause of an eating disorder, and they can become one of the greatest strengths in recovery.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT) is considered the leading treatment for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
Rather than expecting a young person to manage recovery on their own, FBT empowers parents to take an active role in helping them regain their health.
During treatment, families are supported to:
- Help their child restore regular eating and nutrition.
- Interrupt eating disorder behaviours with confidence and compassion.
- Navigate mealtimes with guidance from experienced clinicians.
- Gradually return independence as recovery progresses.
- Strengthen family relationships throughout the recovery journey.
Many families tell us they feel more confident and less alone once they understand how they can actively support their child’s recovery.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) is one of the most widely used and well-researched treatments for adults, and for some adolescents.
Rather than simply focusing on food, CBT-E helps people understand the patterns that keep the eating disorder going and develop healthier ways of coping.
Treatment may involve:
- Establishing regular eating patterns.
- Reducing binge eating and purging behaviours.
- Challenging rigid food rules and beliefs.
- Improving body image.
- Managing perfectionism, anxiety, or self-criticism.
- Building practical coping strategies for everyday life.
CBT-E can be effective for people living with:
- Anorexia nervosa.
- Bulimia nervosa.
- Binge Eating Disorder.
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED).
For many people, CBT-E offers a structured pathway towards rebuilding a healthier relationship with food and themselves.
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) is another evidence-based treatment, developed specifically for adults with anorexia nervosa.
SSCM combines practical nutrition support with psychological care in a collaborative and compassionate way.
Treatment focuses on:
- Restoring nutritional health.
- Building sustainable eating habits.
- Problem-solving everyday challenges.
- Understanding the impact of the eating disorder.
- Improving quality of life and daily functioning.
Many people appreciate SSCM because it offers flexibility while maintaining clear goals for recovery. The therapeutic relationship becomes a central part of helping individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout treatment.
How Do We Choose the Right Therapy?
One of the biggest misconceptions about eating disorder treatment is that there is one “best” therapy for everyone.
The reality is that every person brings their own experiences, challenges, strengths, and recovery goals.
When you begin treatment, your clinician will consider factors such as:
- Your age.
- Your eating disorder diagnosis.
- Your medical and nutritional needs.
- Your stage of recovery.
- Your family and support network.
- Your personal goals and preferences.
Sometimes one therapy is clearly the most appropriate. Other times, elements from different evidence-based approaches may be incorporated into your treatment as your recovery progresses.
At Myrtle Oak Clinic, our psychologists and Accredited Practising Dietitians work collaboratively to develop an individualised treatment plan that reflects your unique needs.
Recovery Is Possible
When you’re living with an eating disorder, it can be difficult to imagine life feeling different.
Many people worry they have struggled for too long, that recovery isn’t possible for them, or that they should be able to manage it on their own.
The good news is that recovery happens every day.
Recovery is about much more than eating differently. It’s about reclaiming your life, reconnecting with the people and activities that matter most, and finding freedom from the thoughts and behaviours that have been holding you back.
The journey isn’t always straightforward, and it rarely happens overnight. With evidence-based psychological treatment, specialised nutrition support, and appropriate medical care, lasting recovery is absolutely possible.
How Myrtle Oak Clinic Can Help
At Myrtle Oak Clinic, we provide compassionate, evidence-based eating disorder treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Our multidisciplinary team of psychologists and Accredited Practising Dietitians works together to provide coordinated care that supports every stage of recovery.
Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis, are accessing a Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment Plan, or you’re looking for specialist support after struggling for some time, we’re here to help you take the next step.
You don’t have to navigate recovery alone.
Contact Myrtle Oak Clinic today to learn how we can support you or someone you care about.
Phone: (02) 43 623 443
Fax: (02) 43 622 998
