ABSTRACT
Most experienced clinicians believe the goals of therapy for eating disorders would include: (1) restoration and maintenance of set-point weight; (2) development of normal eating patterns; (3) overcoming pathological attitudes about the body, the self, and relationships; (4) strengthening coping skills; and (5) helping the individual discover and use social resources which can facilitate both recovery and future development (Andersen, 1985; Fairburn, 1985; Garfinkel & Garner, 1982; S.C. Wooley & O.W. Wooley, 1985). This chapter focuses on professionally led support groups as a potentially important component of this multidimensional approach (Enright, Butterfield, & Berkowitz, 1985; Enright & Tootell, 1986; Rubel, 1984). We describe the development of a professionally led support group for males, including the unique problems and benefits attributable to the all male composition. This chapter also contrasts the characteristic features of such groups with formal group therapy on the one hand and self-help groups on the other.
