Adaptability of Family Therapy Modalities in the Treatment of Lesbian and Gay Clients with Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa (BN) has becoming an increasingly common form of eating disorder, particularly with gay and lesbian populations. The lack of current literature on this particular topic, as well as the limited resources for recommendations of treatment adaptations for this population is evident by the disproportionate number of sexual minorities that present for treatment. This paper discusses the possible reasons for the lack of literature and resources, and provides clinicians with the adaptations of Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Internal Family Systems when working with lesbian and gay populations who are suffering from BN. This paper aims to contribute more to the limited research in the area of sexual minorities in hopes to broaden the understanding of the treatment of individuals, as well as family functioning. We attempt to adapt these therapy modalities to be more inclusive of these nuanced presenting concerns, and to provide clinicians from all scopes of practice a thorough look into the treatment of a sexual minority population.