Individual therapy at the Duke Center for Eating Disorders emphasizes treatments that have been studied and tested in research studies and found to be effective.

Each person’s unique history and goals for treatment are taken into consideration, and a tailored approach is designed and modified when needed.

Our clinicians draw from empirically validated treatment modalities which have overlapping and distinct features. These treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy, among others. 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment the focuses on changing dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors using a goal-oriented systemic approach. Individuals are taught to recognize triggers for particular emotional experiences, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and change behaviors that are problematic. CBT employs diaries, meal planning, and problem solving skills to help address symptoms. Treatment may focus on self-esteem, perfectionism, or other issues that contribute to symptom presentation.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a contemporary cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes how one experiences and responds to their emotions. DBT focuses on the function of behavior and teaches individuals to use emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to reduce suffering.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a contemporary cognitive-behavioral treatment that emphasizes behaving effectively in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings. Like DBT, ACT focuses on the function of behavior; however, it specifically targets avoidance and control as a contributor to life problems. ACT seeks to help individuals clarify core values and to decrease avoidance and control when it interferes with these values.
• Interpersonal therapy emphasizes relationships and improving interpersonal functioning. Skills are built directly through instruction, but more often indirectly in the therapy room as individuals interact with the clinician. This therapeutic approach helps individuals build and maintain quality relationships with family, friends, and co-workers, thereby reducing symptoms.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment at the Duke Center for Eating Disorders or to get a referral, call 919-668-0398 locally or 888-ASK-DUKE (888-275-3853) toll-free, or email DCED_Clinic@dm.duke.edu.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Kanfer, Meryl R.
  • Psychiatry
• Mauro, Christian F.
  • Psychiatry / Medical Psychology
• Merwin, Rhonda M.
  • Psychiatry / Medical Psychology
• Sangvai, Devdutta G.
  • Community and Family Medicine / STUDENT HEALTH
  • Pediatrics / Pediatrics-Chairman Office
  • Psychiatry
• Spratt, Susan E.
  • Medicine / Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Staples, Betty B.
  • Pediatrics / Pediatrics-Primary Care
• Trost, Melanie K.
  • Community and Family Medicine / STUDENT HEALTH
• Wald, Marla F.
  • Psychiatry / Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Weisberg, Laura J.
  • Psychiatry / Medical Psychology
• Zucker, Nancy L.
  • Psychiatry / Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Center for Eating Disorders
  Pavilion East at Lakeview , 2608 Erwin Road, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27705
• Duke Child and Family Study Center
  Pavilion East at Lakeview, 2608 Erwin Road, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27705