Eating Disorders: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Young

In this review of Eating Disorders: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Young People, the book is recommended for clinicians and practitioners seeking a practical, CBT-focused approach to young clients with eating and weight concerns. The authors, Simon G. Gowers and Lynne Green, combine up-to-date research with clinical examples and hands-on tips, making the volume most useful as a therapy guide rather than a textbook of epidemiology. The single biggest reason to buy is its clear focus on applying CBT methods to challenge beliefs about control, restraint, weight and shape in children and adolescents.

Key Features

• Practical guidance: The book provides concrete clinical examples and useful tips to support therapists in session planning and intervention with young people.
• CBT focus: It explains how cognitive behaviour therapy can be used to challenge beliefs about control and weight, helping clients change patterns of thinking and behaviour.
• Family-oriented approach: Guidance is included on helping families of children and adolescents cope with and support recovery from eating disorders.
• Research-informed: The authors draw on up-to-date research to ground their recommendations in current clinical knowledge rather than solely opinion.
• Aimed at clinicians: The text is written for practitioners working with children, adolescents and families, offering directly applicable strategies.

Who It's For

This book is best for mental health professionals, including child and adolescent therapists, clinical psychologists and counselors who need a practical, evidence-informed manual for applying CBT with young people affected by eating disorders. It is especially relevant for clinicians who work within family systems or school-linked services.

It is less suitable for readers seeking a comprehensive primer on medical complications or a general self-help title for lay readers; parents without a clinical background may find some sections more technical than accessible.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, practice-focused advice that therapists can adapt to individual cases.
• Good integration of research and clinical examples to illustrate techniques.
• Useful coverage of family involvement and how to support relatives during treatment.

Cons

• Content is aimed at clinicians, so nonprofessional readers may find the material technical.

Specifications

Title	Eating Disorders: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Young People
Authors	Simon G. Gowers, Lynne Green
Subject area	Eating disorders, CBT, child and adolescent therapy
Intended audience	Clinicians, therapists, families of young people
Approach	Research-informed clinical guidance and case examples

Our Verdict

Eating Disorders: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Young People is a practical, well-grounded resource for clinicians who need actionable CBT strategies for children and adolescents. Its combination of research, clinical examples and family-focused guidance makes it good value for practitioners seeking to translate theory into effective sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for parents?
The book includes guidance for families, but its primary audience is clinicians; parents may find some sections technical.

Does the book cover medical management?
Its focus is psychological treatment and CBT rather than medical complications or physical management.

Is the approach evidence based?
Yes, the authors use up-to-date research to inform practical CBT recommendations for young people and families.