How Family Can Help You Recover from Eating Disorders

Family therapy is a form of treatment in which the therapist works with not only the patient but also members of his or her family. This approach is important for several reasons. Even the most well-meaning, caring parents need guidance on how to deal with a child who is recovering from an eating disorder. Through family therapy, they can learn how to support their child's treatment plan.

Second, the family often plays a role in the development of an eating disorder. Family therapy can help uncover some of the events or feelings that may have precipitated the problem.

Family therapy can also help young patients feel secure in their family life. As a result, when the time comes, they will be able to leave home for college or to lead an independent, adult life.

In addition to family therapy, some parents participate in couples therapy. They meet privately with a therapist to talk freely about their challenges and struggles without burdening their child with information he or she doesn't need (or often want) to know.

FAMILY LIFE

Being a part of a family can be wonderful, annoying, therapeutic, and dangerous, often all at the same time. Creating and maintaining a healthy family life is critical to recovery, because family issues are often at the root of eating disorders. When family members take an active part in the process, the chances for recovery improve.

Along with participating in therapy, family members can help the patient in a variety of ways. Meals may be one of the most difficult times of the day for the family. Yet eating together as often as possible can be helpful, as long as the family avoids emotional issues at mealtimes. Lunch or dinner is not the time to talk about problems in school. It is also not the time to discuss portion control or fat and calories. After all, anyone with an eating disorder needs to overcome an obsession with those things. It helps to plan meals as a family, perhaps shop for food and then prepare the meal together.

Families can also help a person with the eating disorder develop new interests and set aside time to enjoy activities. When speaking to someone with an eating disorder, it is best to avoid mentioning his or her physical appearance. Focus instead on overall health and energy level. "You look like you're full of energy today" is better than "You look better now that you've gained some weight." Most important, family members need to be patient. Recovery tends to be a long process.