Australia psychologists: Master CBT-E Phases 2 & 3 for eating disorders, addressing body image. Upskill with these focused courses.
Australian psychologists and counsellors treating eating disorders can use this course to strengthen the middle and later work of CBT-E. It explains the goals and structure of Phases 2 and 3, how to respond to barriers to change, and why over-evaluation of shape and weight keeps most eating disorders going. The body image component covers mirror exposure, behavioural experiments, cognitive restructuring and psychoeducation, helping clients reduce appearance-based distress and build a kinder relationship with their bodies. This course is approved by the Australian Counselling Association for CPD hours and offers clinicians practical tools they can bring straight into treatment.
This talk offers a focused exploration of Phases 2 and 3 of Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), with an emphasis on working with body image concerns. These phases are essential for consolidating early progress and targeting the core psychopathology that underpins most eating disorders: the over-evaluation of shape and weight.
In Phase 2, practitioners learn how to review client progress, identify new barriers, and build upon foundational gains. Phase 3 then moves into the emotionally significant domain of body image work—addressing behaviours such as body checking, avoidance, appearance-based comparisons, and the distressing experience of “feeling fat.”
The talk introduces a range of practical strategies, including psychoeducation, behavioural experiments, mirror exposure, and cognitive restructuring. These interventions help clients broaden their self-worth beyond appearance, reduce anxiety, and establish a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with their bodies.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Describe the goals and structure of Phases 2 and 3 in CBT-E.
Identify and respond to common barriers to change that emerge mid-treatment.
Understand the role of over-evaluation of shape and weight in maintaining eating disorders.
Apply body image-focused interventions such as mirror exposure and cognitive restructuring.
Support clients in expanding their self-evaluation system and reducing appearance-based distress.