Full Description
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.
MFT is an intensive method involving a small group of families working together towards recovery. Building on previous work that focuses on mobilising family resources as a major factor in therapeutic change, MFT introduces a new element: encouraging groups of families to work together to rediscover their strengths, overcome feelings of isolation, and find renewed hope. The authors describe how MFT works and how it can enhance the treatment of eating disorders by improving service delivery and reducing costs. Eighteen families serve as the 'voice of experience,' their stories breathing life into the science.
The families provide a long-term perspective and reflection on their MFT participation. Their stories emphasise 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.
This book, offering an accessible guide to MFT, has international appeal for families of children with eating disorders, health professionals, and healthcare providers.
Contents
Introduction Section 1: Understanding Eating Disorders and Multi-Family Therapy 1. Understanding Eating Disorders 2. Understanding Multi-Family Therapy Section 2: Our Stories - Families with Experience of Multi-Family Therapy Introduction 1. The Importance of Being Treated with Respect (REBEKAH) 2. Everyone in the Family has a Role in Recovery (NATALIE) 3. When Dad is the Primary Carer (DAVE) 4. A Tale of Anorexia, two Mothers and Friendship (LISA and HARRIET) 5. A Job in a Cheese Shop provides a Lesson in Recovery (LYDIA) 6. Reshaping Daughter-Mother Dynamics (MATHILDA) 7. A Mother and Son Can Do This, Too (JAMES) 8. When MFT is the Last in a Long List of Therapies (MILLIE) 9. 'Only I can get Myself out of this Illness' (CASSANDRA) 10. 'There is no Cookie-Cutter for this Illness' (AMY) 11. When 'Doing' with Others makes a Difference (EMILY) 12. The Sparkle behind a Belly Button Piercing (AMELIA) 13. 'I am not my Mother; I'm Me' (CHAROLETTE) 14. Understanding the Illness helps Mother take Charge (DIANA) 15. The Getting of Communication Skills leads to Breakthrough (SAMANTHA) 16. Creating a Caring Environment at Home to Support Recovery (EMMA) 17. 'Oh, my Sister does that, too' (EVA) 18. 'Can I have some Fries, Mummy?' (CATHERINE) 19. Anorexia does not care who you are or where you are (SHIRA) 20. The Family Stories - Reflecting on inspiring Lessons Section 3: What Are Parents To Do? 1. How to tell if your Child has an Eating Disorder 2. Navigating the Search for Multi-Family Therapy Glossary 1: Abbreviations Glossary 2: FT-ED with GLOSSARY2 FT-ED Umbrella (diagram) Glossary 3: Eating Disorder Focused Family Therapy Manuals
