The Emotional Self in Anorexia

Course overview

This course examines anorexia nervosa (AN) as a disorder rooted not only in body image and weight concerns but in a deeper loss of emotional self-awareness. Integrating neuroscience, attachment theory, and experiential psychotherapy, the course proposes that emotional disconnection, manifested through alexithymia, interoceptive deficits, and identity fusion, serves as both a cause and a maintaining factor in AN. The course explores how restoring emotional literacy, embodied awareness, and relational trust becomes the cornerstone of true recovery. Clinical emphasis is placed on Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and integrative use of CBT-E and DBT for emotional reintegration. Ethical, cultural, and professional considerations are discussed in alignment with APA, NASW, ACA, and AAMFT standards.