As some of you know, I have been passionate about the prevention and treatment of eating disorders for many years.  I have made it a significant part of my private practice and my community work.   I recently attended a course that was held in New Jersey on Family Based Therapy (FBT) for Eating Disorders, offered by the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders in Chicago.  I thought I would let you know a little about the model so that you might spread the word!

Some key points in Family Based Therapy for Eating Disorders include:

  • Parents are active participants in the treatment
  • FBT is appropriate for anorexia or bulimia or EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified)
  • FBT is an evidence-based treatment model
  • Food is viewed as the primary medicine
  • There are three phases of treatment.
    • Phase 1) Parents are in charge of weight restoration
    • Phase 2) Parents hand over eating to adolescent
    • Phase 3) Adolescent developmental issues are addressed
  • Consists of 10-20 sessions dependent upon severity and chronicity of illness
  • There is no assumption of origin of the disorder; focus is on recovery
  • Siblings play a supportive role and are protected from assuming a primary role
  • Weight is restored and child or adolescent’s expected developmental stages and behaviours return
  • Team approach: Parents are supported by therapist’s expertise in FBT.

Rigorous, scientifically based studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness of Family Based Therapy for Eating Disorders and the results were positive with regards to recovery and the resolution of Anorexia, Bulimia and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).

I am happy to be able to offer Family Based Therapy for Eating Disorders in my private practice and will be seeking ongoing support and certification from the institute to ensure best practice results.  If you would like additional information please don’t hesitate to contact me at: hello@caralynnemclean.com.

Have a great long weekend Canada – let’s celebrate our country!