ABSTRACT
The current chapter deals with how to take care of yourself as a therapist for clients with eating disorders (EDs). Due to the challenges of working with this population, which is often characterised by significant suffering and distress in the face of complex and entrenched psychopathology, clinicians may be particularly at risk of suffering from reduced compassion satisfaction, alongside increased compassion fatigue and ultimately burnout. These risks are discussed along with possible solutions, with a focus on personalising options, depending on therapists’ own schemas. Two case studies illustrate the dynamics and possible pitfalls and solutions. Knowledge and understanding of our own schemas and modes may thus be helpful in guiding our ‘Healthy Adult self’ in taking appropriate actions to fulfil our own needs and build resilience and compassion satisfaction.
