Treating Adolescent Females With Bulimia Nervosa: Using a Creative Approach With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Adolescence is a time when the propensity for developing an eating disorder is at its greatest (Le Grange, Lock, & Dymek, 2003; Ray, 2004; Stice, Marti, & Rohde, 2013). Incidences of bulimia nervosa are much higher among adolescent females than males (Ray, 2004), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be the most commonly used intervention in treatment (Lundgren, Danoff-Burg, & Anderson, 2004; Mussell et al., 2000). However, several studies have found that CBT is only effective in treating individuals with bulimia when they are motivated to participate in treatment (Mussell et al., 2000). Creative techniques can be easily implemented and provide new and lasting ways to facilitate change (Adamson & Kress, 2011; Gladding, 2011; Jacobs, 1992). This article will discuss the use of creative techniques in counseling female adolescents with bulimia nervosa from a cognitive behavioral perspective. Particular emphasis will be given to increasing client motivation and facilitating emotional expression.