Eating Disorder Pro

Family therapy is an important component of treatment, both in terms of understanding familial patterns that may have been contributing factors and in terms of empowering family members to be more effective in supporting their loved one’s recovery. Initially, family therapy takes place two to four times per month. The focus for family and friends is:

1. Educational – i.e. it is essential for family members to understand the dynamics of the eating disorder so that they can disengage from the pattern of blaming and/or rescuing that is often present when the individual with the eating disorder is at her worst
2. Insightful – Eating disorders are often passed on from generation to generation, or are a part of the patient’s family culture. Other family related issues such as divorce, illness or death of a family member or parenting styles can play a role in maintaining the disorder
3. Behavioral – there is a strong behavioral element in the continuation of most eating disorders. The triggers and/or reinforcer’s must be identified and altered for the individual to regain her health