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A review by sheryl_macca
Overcoming Binge Eating by Christopher G. Fairburn
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.