Resolving ambivalence and overcoming blocks to change

Low motivation and reluctance to change can be pronounced in the EDs, and may lead to a denial of illness, defence of symptoms, and treatment refusal. Accordingly, schema therapists who practice with the field of EDs often find themselves working with individuals who are difficult to engage, opposed to change, and at risk high risk of dropout (Mahon, 2000; Abbate-Daga et al., 2013).