Ayelet spent six years of her adolescence in and out of hospital, having been diagnosed as suffering from a severe anorexia disorder. She is now a special-needs teacher. In the first part of this book, Ayelet describes her personal experiences of having anorexia, including the repeated hospitalizations and her ultimate recovery, illustrated with examples of her drawing and writing from when she was ill. Tammie Ronen, her therapist, then outlines the step-by-step progress of the therapy from the professional angle, describing in detail the decision-making and treatment considerations specific to Ayelet's life and context. She also includes overviews of contemporary research into anorexia and of cognitive constructivist methods. This interweaving of theory, practice and personal experience aims to offer the reader an insight into the reality of the illness and demonstrates the effectivenss of integrative and creative methods, and the central importance of a good relationship between the client and the therapist. The book aims to be a source of inspiration and guidance for therapists and other professionals, as well as for people with eating disorders and their families.
Foreword by Michael Mahoney. Preface: Before we begin. Part One: Ayelet's Story - On becoming anorexic 1. Introduction: Was I ever a normal child? 2. Childhood. 3. Between me and myself. 4. From a healthy child to becoming anorexic. 5. Learning to act anorexic. 6. Receiving the diagnosis. 7. My first hospitalisation. 8. Is there anyone who can help me? 9. My first attempt to commit suicide. 10. Medical assessment. 11. In the cuckoo's nest: My fourth hospital. 12. Will I ever be normal? Part Two: The Therapist's Story - The Challenge of Treating Ayelet. 13. Family History. 14. Multi-Targeted treatment for Ayelet. 15. Treatment considerations. 16. Rationale for the decision to work with Ayelet using cognitive-constructivist therapy. 17. Family intervention. 18. Individual therapy. 19. Working with her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 20. Working with her anxieties and fears. 21. Encouraging Ayelet to study. 22. Incorporating Ayelet's creativity, imagination and talents. 23. Social skills training. 24. Starting the journey towards self-acceptance. 25. Couple therapy. Part Three: Review of Anorexia. Part Four: Cognitive-Constructivist Therapy with Children and Adolescents. Part Five: The Self-Control Model for Children and Adolescents - Guidelines for Therapists. Part Six: Epilogue. References. Index.
`This book uses a different approach to explore the disorder anorexia and its treatment. The client tells her story as she knows it, and the therapist hers The objectives are noble and accomplished The book is very useful due mainly to its unique presentation. So often clinicians fall prey to the therapeutic rut. This book reminds us of the client's experience and also gives a ""happy ending"" after a long and arduous trek through therapy for client and author. Laypersons will find this book easy to read and understand. I have quite a collection of books on eating disorders and this is a welcome addition.'
