The role and meaning of eating disorder therapist experience level

Warren, Schafer, Crowley, and Olivardia's (2013, pp. 553-564) study reports that therapist experience level in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) is predictive of burnout. What contributes to "experience level" beyond years of training, however, has not been well described. There may be unique factors to working with patients with EDs, particularly among early career clinicians, that influence the experience of treating this unique population. The purpose of this comment is to identify different aspects of therapist experience and how these factors may influence therapist burnout in the treatment of EDs. Specific ways to address challenging experiences early in training are also proposed. Three specific areas of therapist experience that may contribute to burnout were described: (1) tendencies to overprescribe interventions and problem-solve; (2) overidentification with patients; and (3) the influence of a previous ED history on the treatment process. Specific techniques in the supervision of early career clinicians, engagement in one's own psychotherapy, as well as anticipating intrapersonal challenges that this population is likely to inspire are important areas for intervention.