Family Therapy for Eating Disorders in London

Taking the first steps to recovery

Family-Based Therapy (FBT) is the leading evidence-based approach in helping young people, particularly adolescents, face the challenges of an eating disorder. At The London Centre, we offer FBT as a way to work with the family unit as a whole, ensuring that family members become active participants in the treatment process. This collaborative approach often benefits both the young person and their family, especially when living together and sharing meals, where anxiety and reduced motivation for change can be common.

What is Family-Based Therapy (FBT)?

FBT is an inclusive, collaborative treatment where the family, rather than just the individual, plays a central role in supporting recovery. The clinician not only helps the young person but also provides support to each family member, addressing their experiences with the eating disorder. This approach helps families manage and understand the disorder's daily impact, creating a sense of shared responsibility and deeper understanding.

Key Benefits of FBT:

• Increased Family Involvement: Families work together to support the young person’s recovery, fostering healthier dynamics.

• Day-to-Day Guidance: FBT provides practical tools to navigate daily challenges, such as anxiety around meals or motivation for change.

• Emotional Support for All: Each family member receives support, ensuring that the entire family feels involved and understood in the healing process.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Families

At The London Centre, we fully recognise that an eating disorder affects not only the person struggling with it but also the entire family. The disorder often becomes the central focus, and the emotional well-being of other family members can be unintentionally de-prioritised. Our approach ensures that family members receive the support they need, allowing them to better understand and manage the challenges that come with the disorder.

Individual Therapy vs. Family-Based Therapy

While individual therapy can be highly effective for those who are motivated for recovery, family-based therapy offers a different path for those who may need more collective support. In individual therapy, there is often an emphasis on understanding the eating disorder on a personal level, working through its origins, and creating space for reflection.

In contrast, FBT focuses on the shared family experience and ensures that the young person is not facing their eating disorder alone. This approach can be particularly effective for adolescents and families struggling to find balance and motivation in the recovery process.

The Three Phases of Family-Based Therapy

FBT is a structured process that takes families through three distinct phases:

1. Phase One: Empowering Parents
   In this phase, parents are gently empowered to take an active role in their child’s recovery. A therapist supports family meals and helps parents guide their child towards healthy eating habits.

2. Phase Two: Strengthening Relationships
   As progress is made, the focus shifts to strengthening family relationships, helping each member develop healthier, more supportive connections with one another.

3. Phase Three: Sustaining Recovery
   In the final phase, the goal is to maintain balanced, nurturing relationships where the eating disorder no longer plays a central role in family dynamics.

Our Commitment at The London Centre

At The London Centre, we understand the emotional complexities of this journey. We are here to support everyone affected by an eating disorder, encouraging you to be part of your loved one’s recovery while also guiding you through your own emotional experience.

By integrating both individual therapy and family-based therapy, we create a comprehensive, supportive environment that respects the unique needs of each person and family.

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