AssessmentBefore treatment can begin, clients with anorexia nervosa must undergo assessments that ensure they are physically capable of undergoing outpatient treatment. If these people are not ready for outpatient treatment, they must be hospitalized to stabilize their condition. For clients who pass medical screenings and are good candidates for outpatient care, it remains necessary that a physician and dietitian be involved in treatment (Bowers, 2002). This ensures that the client is cared for holistically by addressing “nutritional rehabilitation, possibly medical stabilization and psychological interventions” (Bowers, 2002, p. 249). This multi-dimensional approach ensures that the client's physical well-being is addressed, in addition to the psychological aspects of the disorder. Treatment Goals Treatment for anorexia begins with creating a sense of connection and collaboration between the client and therapist. The relationship between client and therapist is particularly important in patients with anorexia, as changing their eating behavior produces great levels of anxiety. To facilitate the relationship, the therapist expresses respect for the client's fears, reminds them of the cost of their behavior, and encourages them to hope to acquire new coping skills (Kleinfield et al., 1996). By addressing the fear of change, the therapist helps normalize these feelings and encourages hope to learn to cope more effectively. When the client's fears diminish, it strengthens the therapeutic relationship and helps the client learn to collaborate with the therapist. Once a strong alliance is established, the client begins to trust the therapist. ...... middle of document ......SOW.0000024327.55424.a9Wade, TD, Tiggemann, M., Bulik, CM, Fairburn, CG, FMedSci, Wray, NR, Martin, NM (2008). Shared temperament risk factors for anorexia nervosa: a twin study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70, 239-244. doi:10.1097/PSY.0b013e31815c40flWerth, J., Wright, K.S., & Archambault, RJ (2003). When does the “duty to protect” apply to a client with anorexia nervosa? Consulting Psychologist, 31(4), 427-450. doi:10.1177/0011000003031004006Weltzin, T.E., Weisensel, N., & Cornella-Carlson, T. (2007). Improvements in eating disorder symptom severity and weight changes in a large population of men undergoing treatment for eating disorders. Best Practices in Mental Health, 3(1), 52-65. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.memphis.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ofm&AN=510735329&site=ehost-live