DClinPsy Portfolio Volume 1 of 3 - University of Hertfordshire ...

They recommended that future studies replicate this with larger, more diverse samples
and appropriate control groups.
Heffner, Sperry, Eifert and Detweiler, (2002) presented the successful adoption of ACT
techniques in the treatment of a 15-year-old female with AN. They showed how ACT
techniques were successfully combined with, and set the stage for, more standard
cognitive-behavioural interventions. The ACT approach was applied successfully to AN
for which treatment results from other therapies such as CBT and Interpersonal Therapy
(ITP) have not been as promising as they have with BN.
The concept of inflexibility may supplement the existing theories – ACT in practice
Heffner and Eifert’s (2004) workbook on AN states the aim is for patients to learn to
recognise that trying to control and change what they feel and think about themselves by
losing weight is risky and does not work in the long term (although in the short term it
can of course be hugely reinforcing). It also aims to help individuals with AN deal with
out of control emotions, thoughts and situations more effectively and to identify what
they value in life and what they want their life to stand for. They can then take steps
towards leading a valued life and cope with barriers that may stand in the way of this.
Treatment effectiveness is currently being investigated but preliminary findings are
positive.
Heffner et al’s (2002) clinical example of using ACT with a 15 year old girl with AN
demonstrated how the patient is encouraged to view avoidant solutions as problems by
employing paradox and metaphors to disrupt ongoing avoidance repertoires and
exploring the ways in which avoidance behaviour was actually inhibiting functioning.
The finger trap was used to explain a metaphor that was displayed to the patient in an
experiential manner. The finger trap consisted of a tube of woven straw where both index
fingers slide in, one finger at each end.
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