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.
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.
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
June Alexander, PhD, is an Australian writer whose life and career have been shaped by her experience with anorexia nervosa, which began at age 11. Her PhD investigates diary writing as a therapeutic tool for eating disorders.
Ivan Eisler, PhD, is Emeritus Professor of Family Psychology and Family Therapy at Kings College, London. He is also honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders in London.
Julian Baudinet, PhD, is Joint Head and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders. He is also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at Kings College London.
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