What is MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults)?

MANTRA, the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment in Adults, is just one of the different treatment modalities that we use here at Orri. Today, we’re doing a deep-dive into what MANTRA is and how we use it to support our clients in their eating disorder recovery.

What is MANTRA?

MANTRA stands for the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults and is a NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommended treatment of anorexia.

Whilst it is a relatively new treatment, it has proved to be a highly effective and tailored therapy.

Who is MANTRA for?

MANTRA is specifically tailored for individuals with anorexia, and aims to address the cognitive, emotional, relational and biological factors which can maintain anorexia, by supporting individuals with finding alternative and healthy coping mechanisms.

It is typically recommended for people who have what’s considered to be a rigid thinking style, who hold positive beliefs about anorexia, struggle to relate to others, and who either live without a support network or within one that actually enables the illness.

How exactly does it work?

MANTRA is an integrative approach, meaning that it draws on and combines different models of treatment.

It has 9 core modules:

1. Getting started and finding motivation for recovery

2. Working with support, including families and others

3. Improving nutritional health and dietetics

4. Understanding anorexia, guided by the vicious flower

5. Developing treatment goals (SMART)

6. Understanding and relating to emotions helpfully

7. Exploring thinking styles, and challenging styles that are rigid, perfectionist, attention to detail

8. Developing identity outside of the eating disorder

9. Relapse prevention

How is this approach used at Orri?

Our CEO and founder, Kerrie Jones, explains:

“An important element of MANTRA is the fact that the core modules can be worked through at a client’s own pace. This means that exploration is led by the clients themselves, meaning that progression in recovery is sustainable and true to the client’s goals for recovery.” Kerrie Jones, CEO & Founder

Dr Katie Kalinowski is our Senior Eating Disorder Psychologist and MANTRA specialist:

“At Orri, we used MANTRA in group therapy. This style of working allows clients to help one another by answering each other’s questions and fostering a collaborative and supportive dynamic within the therapy room.” Katie Kalinowski, Senior Eating Disorder Psychologist

In fact, here’s Katie talking about it!

At Orri, we recognise that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to eating disorder recovery.

As such, we combine a number of approaches to address an individuals needs and goals for recovery.

To find out more about our specialist approaches in treatment, click here.

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