Treating binge eating disorder in a residential programme : a professional’s experience

Abstract

This study investigates professionals’ experience, when treating Binge Eating Disorder at Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, a residential programme for patients with Eating Disorders. The methodological approach taken was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) which aimed at eliciting participants’ lived experience. Participants included, five counsellors and psychotherapists, of mixed gender, aged between twenty and thirty-five. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five main themes emerged from this analysis: My clients, What works best, Programme assessed, I feel what they feel, and Feeling green. This study demonstrated common issues encountered by the participants when treating people with Binge Eating Disorder, and the psychotherapeutic treatments they adopt to tackle these issues. Furthermore, an evaluation of Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, as experienced by the participants, is provided. The findings also show that participants frequently experience negative emotions in their work. This highlights the necessity to increase their knowledge, continue their professional development and invest in themselves, as well as the importance of supervision.