Eating Disorder Family Therapy
When a child or family member is struggling with an eating disorder, the whole family is affected. Family-based approaches are the most evidence-supported treatment for young people with eating disorders — and I have direct clinical experience in this area.
When eating becomes a family crisis
Mealtimes have become battlegrounds. You're watching every bite, checking their weight, lying awake worrying. The sibling who used to be fine is now acting out. Your relationship with your partner is strained by different approaches. And underneath it all, you're terrified.
Eating disorders thrive on isolation and secrecy. Family therapy works against that — bringing the family together as a resource for recovery, rather than leaving the person to fight the illness alone.
My experience
I am currently completing a clinical placement within an NHS Community Eating Disorder Service for Children and Young People, delivering manualised family programmes. I bring this frontline clinical experience directly into my private practice.
I am also trained in ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) through BEAT, the UK eating disorder charity.
What we work on
- Empowering parents to support their child's recovery at home
- Managing mealtimes with less conflict and more confidence
- Understanding the eating disorder as separate from your child
- Supporting siblings who are affected
- Navigating the emotional toll on the whole family
- Working alongside NHS or private clinical teams
- Supporting transition back to independent eating
Common questions
What is family-based treatment (FBT) for eating disorders?
FBT (also known as the Maudsley approach) is an evidence-based treatment that positions parents as the primary agents of change in their child's recovery. Rather than treating the eating disorder individually, FBT mobilises the family's strengths to support recovery at home.
Does family therapy blame parents for eating disorders?
Absolutely not. Modern family-based approaches explicitly reject parental blame. Eating disorders are complex conditions with biological, psychological, and social factors. Family therapy focuses on empowering parents to help — not blaming them for the problem.
Can family therapy work alongside NHS treatment?
Yes. Family therapy complements individual treatment, dietetic support, and medical monitoring. I can work alongside your child's CAMHS team or adult eating disorder service to provide additional family-focused support.
Your family is the strongest resource
Family-based support gives your child the best chance of recovery.
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