Will it work for my family member?
It is a manualized treatment delivered by trained professionals.
Alternative Approach
FBT represents a radical departure from more traditional treatments.
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Traditional family therapy often takes the view that the child with an eating disorder is expressing a family problem.
It focuses on identifying and solving that problem in order tocure the eating disorder.
This approach has not been supported by research and is challenged by the AED position paper.
The FBT approach is rooted in aspects of behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and structural family therapy.
FBT does not blame families for the disorder.
In FBT, the eating disorder is viewed as an external force that is possessing the child.
FBT sessions usually involve the entire family and include at least one family meal in the therapists office.
It allows the child to remain at home with their parents and is often more cost-effective thanresidential treatment.
FBT Is Not for Every Family
Parents often believe that FBT will not work for them.
My child is too old.
My child is too independent.
Im not strong enough.
We are too busy.
Yet none of these issues have shown to necessarily be a barrier for a successful FBT treatment execution.
Research and clinical experience demonstrate that many diverse families are able to successfully implement FBT.
However, it is not for every family.
It is rigorous and requires a strong commitment by the family members.
It is not recommended for families in which the parents are physically or sexually abusive or are abusing substances.
FBT may not be recommended for families in which the parents are overly critical.
A Word From Verywell
The above exceptions represent only a minority of cases.
Helping to play an active role in your child’s recovery can be a very rewarding experience.
2001;10(4):253261.
Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders.Mission.
Family therapy for transition youth.
