Family Based Therapy (FBT)
FBT is the treatment of choice for medically stable minors diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, while living at home. While FBT is designed for those diagnosed with Anorexia, FBT techniques may be applied across the range of eating disorders, including: Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Young adults living at home might also benefit from FBT techniques.
I offer a modified approach to FBT. In my experience, all families and circumstances are unique. My aim is to fully support your family along the challenging road to recovery, utilizing as many treatment options as possible to reach full recovery and weight restoration. As such, modifications and combined approaches are utilized. Treatment techniques and strategies will often be informed by FBT philosophies when appropriate, while family and individual needs are recognized. Some modification examples include: individual therapy sessions for the minor to target anxiety or depression (using ACT or CBT), separate family sessions (in addition to conjoint sessions), and referral to a specialized dietitian for nutrition support.
The primary goals will be: FULL weight restoration, FULL recovery, and relapse prevention.
My professional goal is to provide strong recovery guidance while instilling a sense of hope, courage, and empowerment!
FBT is delivered across three phases of treatment. I require medical clearance, and ongoing monitoring as needed, for all clients diagnosed with an Eating Disorder.
PHASE 1:
The focus of Phase 1 will be on weight restoration to your child's individualized optimal body weight range (as determined by their physician or specializing dietitian). Parents will be supported, empowered and guided to take full responsibility of their child's meals and snacks at home. The therapist will encouage parents to intervene against eating disorder behaviors via specific strategies.
PHASE 2:
Phase 2 begins when your child is weight-restored and well-nourished! Gradual autonomy will be granted to your child as they re-establish typical eating patterns with age appropriate independence.
PHASE 3:
This phase focuses on individual, family or related concerns that might have have been put on pause during phase 1 or 2 (during weight restoration). Relapse prevention is also strongly addressed during this phase. The family is supported to return to typical family activities, while the minor works to establish an identity outside of the eating disorder.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
The course of treatment may vary considerably depending on symptom severity, speed or rate of progress, family participation, or other diagnoses.
