Multi-family Therapy for Eating Disorders: My family is back

My Family is Back challenges conventional methods of eating disorder care by explaining the effectiveness of Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) in helping children recover from anorexia nervosa. It introduces a new element: encouraging groups of families to work together to rediscover their strengths, overcome feelings of isolation, and find renewed hope. The book provides a long-term perspective and reflection on MFT participation, emphasising the importance of early intervention, family involvement, and collaboration in overcoming anorexia. Strategies for family members, friends, and professionals illustrate the evidence base for this model of care.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

My Family is Back: A Revolutionary Approach to Eating Disorder Care
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and devastating eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Conventional methods of eating disorder care often focus on individual therapy, which can be effective but may not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) is a new and innovative approach that has been shown to be highly effective in helping children recover from anorexia nervosa.

MFT is an intensive method that involves a small group of families working together towards recovery. The families are led by a trained therapist who helps them to identify and address the underlying issues that contribute to the disorder. The therapy is based on the principles of family systems theory, which recognizes that families are interconnected and that changes in one family member can have a ripple effect on the entire family.

One of the key elements of MFT is the emphasis on mobilizing family resources. The therapist works with the families to identify their strengths, resources, and coping strategies and to use these resources to support the recovery process. This can include family therapy sessions, family meetings, and family activities.

Another important element of MFT is the encouragement of groups of families to work together to rediscover their strengths, overcome feelings of isolation, and find renewed hope. The families are encouraged to share their experiences and to support each other in their recovery journey. This can help to create a sense of community and to reduce the stigma associated with eating disorders.

MFT has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, including weight loss, malnutrition, and depression. It has also been shown to improve the quality of life for families and to reduce the costs of treatment.

The book, My Family is Back: A Revolutionary Approach to Eating Disorder Care, offers an accessible guide to MFT. It provides a long-term perspective and reflection on the experiences of eighteen families who have participated in MFT. The families provide a wealth of information and insights into the effectiveness of the therapy and how it can be applied to other families.

The book also includes strategies for family members, friends, and professionals to support children with eating disorders. These strategies include providing emotional support, encouraging healthy eating habits, and seeking professional help.

One of the strengths of MFT is its ability to address the underlying causes of anorexia nervosa. The therapist works with the families to identify and address the emotional, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the disorder. This can include trauma, abuse, and neglect.

MFT also has a strong focus on family involvement. The therapist works with the families to develop a plan for recovery that includes family therapy sessions, family meetings, and family activities. This can help to create a sense of family unity and to reduce the stigma associated with eating disorders.

However, MFT is not without its challenges. One of the challenges is the availability of resources. Many families do not have access to the necessary resources, such as therapy, support groups, and medical care. This can make it difficult for families to participate in MFT and to achieve recovery.

Another challenge is the stigma associated with eating disorders. Many families feel ashamed and embarrassed about their child's eating disorder and may not seek help. This can make it difficult for families to receive the support they need.

To address these challenges, MFT is being implemented in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. The therapist works with the families to develop a plan for recovery that is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) is a new and innovative approach to eating disorder care that has been shown to be highly effective in helping children recover from anorexia nervosa. MFT emphasizes the mobilization of family resources, the encouragement of groups of families to work together, and the treatment of the underlying causes of the disorder. The book, My Family is Back: A Revolutionary Approach to Eating Disorder Care, offers an accessible guide to MFT and provides a long-term perspective and reflection on the experiences of eighteen families who have participated in MFT. While MFT is not without its challenges, it is being implemented in a variety of settings to address these challenges and to provide families with the support they need to achieve recovery.

ISBN-13: 9780415637619