family eating a meal together during family based therapy.

Family Based Therapy (FBT) for Eating Disorders

If you're here, you might be going through a tough time with your child dealing with an eating disorder.

First off, big hugs to you. It's not easy seeing your child go through this, and now you're not alone in this journey.​

If you are not familiar with Family-Based Treatment (FBT), let me break it down for you.

What is FBT?

FBT, or Family-Based Treatment, is a therapy approach specifically designed to help kids and teens battling eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia. Instead of focusing only on the individual, FBT recognizes that eating disorders affect the whole family. So, we work together as a team to tackle it head-on. This means that each session consists of the whole family, as I help guide you as a parent, to support your child through recovery.

How Does FBT Work?

In FBT, we put you, the parents, in the driver's seat. You know your child better than anyone else, and you have more power to help them than you might think. We'll equip you with the tools and support to become the primary agents of change in your child's recovery.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect in Family Based Therapy:

Phase 1: Re-nourishment

We'll focus on getting your child back to a healthy weight. That might mean challenging meal times and dealing with resistance, but we're in this together.

You'll learn strategies to manage mealtime stress and support your child's nutritional needs.

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Phase 2: Taking Back Control

As your child starts to stabilize physically, we'll shift focus to empowering them to take back control over their eating and their life.

We'll help your child develop healthier coping mechanisms and self-esteem, while you continue to provide loving guidance and support.

Phase 3: Independence

In this final phase, your child will gradually take on more responsibility for their own recovery.

You'll still be there to provide a safety net, but the goal is for your child to feel confident and capable of managing their eating disorder on their own.

Why Choose FBT?

FBT isn't just about treating the eating disorder; it's about healing the whole family. By actively involving parents in the treatment process, we create a strong support network for your child's recovery. Plus, research shows that FBT is one of the most effective treatments for adolescent eating disorders.

What will sessions look like with me as your FBT therapist…

You will sign into our session with the entire family by your side. (Don’t worry. This looks different for everyone. We can talk about who needs to be present during our consultation call.)

Your child may be resistant to talking, however, we will all slowly get to know each other as we break down how the eating disorder has impacted each individual in the family.

My goal is to be an empathetic listener. I want to make sure I comprehend each and every perspective in the room. Eating disorders impact everyone in the family and I am here to understand and help guide each family member in how they can support the one struggling.

You will leave feeling hope that your child can get back in touch with their authentic self.

FAQ

  • We often do need weight checks to make sure your child is weight restoring, if that is a goal.  However, this can look different for every family.  I often recommend doing blind weights so that the child does not see the number.  Weights can take place in the home or at a doctors office.

  • When it comes to identifying the "why" of an eating disorder, it is near impossible.  There is not one specific reason that an eating disorder occurs, but rather "the perfect storm" of genetics and their environment.  I truly believe that parents and caregivers do the best they can with the information they have.

  • Family Based Therapy is an evidenced-based treatment that takes a structured and supportive approach to guide you as the caregiver in supporting your child.  You are not in this alone.  By the guidance of a trained FBT therapist, you will learn how to take control of the eating disorder and help your child get their life back.

  • When it comes to identifying the "why" of an eating disorder, it is near impossible.  There is not one specific reason that an eating disorder occurs, but rather "the perfect storm" of genetics and their environment.  I truely believe that parents and caregivers do the best they can with the information they have.

  • Everyone's journey is different. We recommend going through all 3 phases of FBT in order for sustained recovery.  However, this process looks different, depending on the family.

Let's Team Up!

So, if you're ready to take on this challenge as a family and support your child on their journey to recovery, I'm here to help. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs, celebrate victories, and overcome obstacles.

You've got this!  Let's work together to bring back smiles and joy to your family.