TL; DR In her insightful piece, Dr. Lauren Muhlheim uses a zip-lining experience as a metaphor to illustrate how parents can support their children with eating disorders during family-based treatment (FBT). She highlights key strategies that can ease the anxiety surrounding mealtimes, akin to facing the fear of jumping from a plane. Physical Placement: Parents …
TL; DR Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is the leading outpatient therapy for adolescent eating disorders, particularly anorexia. A key component is the family meal, where parents actively encourage their teens to eat, often under the observation of a therapist. Research with 21 families revealed that direct prompts (like urging teens to eat specific foods) were more …
TL;DR Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is not just for teens; it can be effective for adults, too. Originally designed for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia, FBT involves parental support in meal planning and supervision, which is crucial for recovery. Recent evidence suggests its application extends to young adults and older individuals, with many successfully using it …
TL;DR In Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for teen eating disorders, experts discourage adding an individual therapist during Phase 1 (nutritional rehabilitation). Most teens do not require individual therapy at this stage, as it can undermine the family’s role and the focus on nutritional restoration. Experts agree that individual therapy should only be considered if there are …
A common question is whether Family-Based Treatment (FBT) works with separated and divorced families. The answer is definitely yes! The treatment can be implemented in a variety of family configurations as long as at least one parent or guardian is involved in the treatment. But, there is to date, little written about this. Research does …
By Carly Poynter, AMFT, staff therapist The holidays are a challenging time to navigate for most people. The holidays are even more challenging for those who struggle with their relationship with food. As we prepare for the holiday feasts and festivities, there are a few things to consider, especially when you have a child or …
Guest post by Dr. Jennifer Johnson What if Your Teen With an Eating Disorder is Sick? One of the most common questions that arise when parents are renourishing a teen with an eating disorder is what to do when they get sick. Parents are sometimes totally overwhelmed when that happens. Some families may back off …
I often write about the importance of including parents in the treatment of adolescents and young adults. My work is informed by my training in Family-based Treatment (FBT). A central component of this treatment is empowering parents to help their ailing children with eating disorders return to health. When asked why families should be the …
I recently began volunteering at the Best Friends Neonatal Kitten Nursery. Best Friends Los Angeles opened its neonatal kitten nursery in February 2013. The nursery is staffed with a dedicated coordinator and supported by volunteers who sign up for two hour feeding shifts 24 hours a day to help the kittens grow and thrive. If …
Weight stigma is a bias or discrimination relating directly to weight. Despite the fact that more than half of U.S. citizens are larger-bodied, our society holds a strong negative bias against fatness. The media reinforces weight stigma. The media, such as news media, displays persons in larger bodies in stigmatizing ways by depicting them …