Take a photo of a barcode or cover
maddiebethp's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I was given this book by my eating disorder therapist a few years ago, and it completely aided my recovery. Although I don't have a binge eating disorder, rather a restrictive eating disorder, it taught me a lot of the core values and lessons that I use day to day to keep me on the right path, still now years later.
mgerboc's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Sort of personal but I like book tracking so here goes...
I have an unhealthy relationship with food and have for most of my life. I finally sought professional help for it last year and have been seeing a therapist (virtually) for several months now with very good results. She recommended this book to me a little while ago and I got around to reading it today. It is broken into two parts - Part I gives the context of disordered eating, specifically for those who have binge habits. The testimonials were extremely relatable and the history itself was interesting. This section also includes the psychological and physical effects that come along with disordered eating, as well as some conclusions about the cause (although this has, to this day, eluded most researchers).
Part II is an up-to-date enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy plan for those who have disordered eating. It is very similar to the therapy I am participating in right now, and gives more reasoning behind why it should help (and also stating that it's okay if it doesn't - not all therapies work for everyone).
I really like the tone Dr. Fairburn uses throughout the book. It is accessible while still providing all the appropriate research and data, and, most importantly, empowering for the person who is dealing with these issues. It avoids all-or-nothing abstinence/avoidance, and indeed argues that that leads to further binging behavior. What helps me as well is the idea of separating the eating problem from the weight problem. They can both be dealt with, but they are separate issues, and dealing with weight problems will be much easier when you have better control over eating problems. Ultimately, the message is hopeful - disordered eating can be overcome.
It's all very personal, so I won't say I'd recommend this to everyone, but if you suspect you have a binge eating disorder and want to clarity on what that means and help determining if you need help and if so, what that help looks like, this is a good starting point.
I have an unhealthy relationship with food and have for most of my life. I finally sought professional help for it last year and have been seeing a therapist (virtually) for several months now with very good results. She recommended this book to me a little while ago and I got around to reading it today. It is broken into two parts - Part I gives the context of disordered eating, specifically for those who have binge habits. The testimonials were extremely relatable and the history itself was interesting. This section also includes the psychological and physical effects that come along with disordered eating, as well as some conclusions about the cause (although this has, to this day, eluded most researchers).
Part II is an up-to-date enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy plan for those who have disordered eating. It is very similar to the therapy I am participating in right now, and gives more reasoning behind why it should help (and also stating that it's okay if it doesn't - not all therapies work for everyone).
I really like the tone Dr. Fairburn uses throughout the book. It is accessible while still providing all the appropriate research and data, and, most importantly, empowering for the person who is dealing with these issues. It avoids all-or-nothing abstinence/avoidance, and indeed argues that that leads to further binging behavior. What helps me as well is the idea of separating the eating problem from the weight problem. They can both be dealt with, but they are separate issues, and dealing with weight problems will be much easier when you have better control over eating problems. Ultimately, the message is hopeful - disordered eating can be overcome.
It's all very personal, so I won't say I'd recommend this to everyone, but if you suspect you have a binge eating disorder and want to clarity on what that means and help determining if you need help and if so, what that help looks like, this is a good starting point.
sheryl_macca's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Please note: I read the second edition.
Reviewing a self-help book isn't particularly useful for anyone as we'll have different reactions and perspectives at different times in our lives but for me it was important to read this book as it is the basis of the NHS CBT programme. It is an informative, illuminating starting point. It's written subjectively, factually and it is very much a How To guide. I found Part 1: Binge Eating Problems - The Facts really useful, insightful and applicable to my situation. Part 2: An Enhanced Self-Help Programme For Those Who Binge is very structured, clear to follow and prescriptive. For me, and this is just me, it's too structured. I prefer Jen Lessel's approach and worksheets. I plan to combine the two into a more tailored programme for me.
I'm glad I read both books. This one is weighted very much towards understanding binge eating, it's causes, how it self perpetuates and how you are not alone. The programme for me was a little too thin. I wanted more depth particularly in steps 3 and 5. Jen Lessel's book is weighted more towards understanding your own binge eating, your own behaviours, thoughts, feelings and recovery but less towards the science, studies and facts. Jen writes from her own experience as is very clear throughout she is not a therapist or professional. The two books in combination are a perfect platform for me. I again emphasise that this is just me in my situation at this point in time.
Reviewing a self-help book isn't particularly useful for anyone as we'll have different reactions and perspectives at different times in our lives but for me it was important to read this book as it is the basis of the NHS CBT programme. It is an informative, illuminating starting point. It's written subjectively, factually and it is very much a How To guide. I found Part 1: Binge Eating Problems - The Facts really useful, insightful and applicable to my situation. Part 2: An Enhanced Self-Help Programme For Those Who Binge is very structured, clear to follow and prescriptive. For me, and this is just me, it's too structured. I prefer Jen Lessel's approach and worksheets. I plan to combine the two into a more tailored programme for me.
I'm glad I read both books. This one is weighted very much towards understanding binge eating, it's causes, how it self perpetuates and how you are not alone. The programme for me was a little too thin. I wanted more depth particularly in steps 3 and 5. Jen Lessel's book is weighted more towards understanding your own binge eating, your own behaviours, thoughts, feelings and recovery but less towards the science, studies and facts. Jen writes from her own experience as is very clear throughout she is not a therapist or professional. The two books in combination are a perfect platform for me. I again emphasise that this is just me in my situation at this point in time.