Get your child the support they need

Helping families through eating disorder recovery

Get the tools you need to help your child recover.

Eating disorders are, unfortunately, a common experience, and watching your child suffer can be heart-wrenching. Determining the right treatment can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure where to start. The complexities of the journey can seem daunting, but it's essential to remember that healing and recovery are entirely possible. You don't have to navigate this path alone; there are resources, including therapies like Family-Based Treatment, to guide and support you along the way.

What is Family-Based Treatment (FBT)?

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a specific approach used in managing and treating eating disorders. FBT operates on the premise that families are not the cause of the eating disorder but are rather positioned as an integral part of its solution. The treatment involves empowering parents to guide their child to regain control over their eating and establishing a healthier weight. It is typically a home-based therapy, divided into three phases, designed to restore the individual's physical health before tackling complex psychological aspects of the disorder.

The 3 Phases in FBT

  • Phase 1

    Therapy and treatment through Family-Based Treatment (FBT) begin with Phase One, where the focus is on weight restoration. Parents take charge of meal planning and nutritional rehabilitation under the guidance of the therapist. This phase typically involves regular family sessions where eating patterns are observed, and feedback is provided.

  • Phase 2

    Phase Two commences once weight restoration has been achieved and stable eating patterns are established. The control of eating gradually shifts back to the individual, while the family continues to support this transition. The family and the therapist work together to identify normal adolescent development issues and how the family can address these.

  • Phase 3

    In the final Phase Three, discussions around healthy identity, autonomy, and the development of personal and coping skills are the focal points. This phase is designed to equip the individual with the tools to maintain their recovery and to live a healthy life moving forward. Throughout all phases, the therapist works closely with the entire family, ensuring they are equipped and supported to guide their loved one through the recovery process.

What does Family-Based Treatment (FBT) look like?

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) can play a transformative role in a child's fight against eating disorders, and also significantly impact the dynamics of the entire family. By positioning families as allies rather than contributors to the disorder, FBT fosters a supportive and healing environment. Through this method, parents are empowered to guide their child towards healthier eating habits and weight restoration, and subsequently, towards a healthier life.

This therapy has a profound impact on the child's life, restoring not just their physical health, but also addressing the psychological aspects of their condition. In parallel, it changes the lives of family members, fostering better understanding, empathy, and communication.

The journey can be challenging, but with each phase, the child reclaims a part of their life that the disorder had taken away, which in turn brings immense gratification and relief to the entire family.

The value of working with a therapist — one who understands the unique challenges your child and family face, with whom you have a rapport, and who creates a safe, non-judgmental space — cannot be overstated. Ultimately, the goal is not only to overcome the immediate issue of eating disorders, but also to equip the child and the family with the necessary tools to prevent relapse and promote overall mental and physical health.

Is FBT the right choice? What about residential treatment?

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) offers several advantages compared to residential or hospitalization treatments for eating disorders. First, FBT allows the child to remain in their familiar environment, eliminating the stress and anxiety often associated with hospitalization. This means they can continue with their regular routines, such as school or extracurricular activities, which can be beneficial for their overall well-being.

Second, FBT involves and empowers the family, leveraging the family's inherent strength and potential in facilitating the recovery process. It turns the family into an active participant rather than a passive observer. This contrasts with residential treatments, where families are typically less involved in the therapeutic process and the responsibility of care is primarily with the professionals.

Lastly, FBT is a more cost-effective approach. Residential treatments or hospitalization involve significant costs and might not be accessible to everyone. By contrast, FBT can be an affordable alternative that still provides a comprehensive and effective treatment option for eating disorders.

Get in touch.

If you feel ready to begin the transformative journey towards recovery, Amy Kayda Therapy is here to help. We invite you to book a 15-minute introductory call today.