Background: Traditionally parents were not involved in their child’s eating disorder treatment. Recent research on Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders has demonstrated that parents can be a powerful support in recovery. In this workshop a therapist, a dietitian, and a parent will discuss strategies for engaging and collaborating with families.
- History of role of parents in treatment
- For ED – parents worst caregivers; parentectomy
- For other disorders, parents traditionally included
- Modern research – FBT- parents can be an important resource for recovery
- Best practices
- AED Position Statement on the Family
- FEAST principles
- Level of care planning; when to stop home based re feeding
- Recovery goals
- The parent experience
- Stages (pre-treatment, engagement, recovery)
- Why include parents
- What help do parents need
- Empowering parents
- Treatment plans, weight goals, refeeding
- Parent support at meals
- Support for caregivers
- Other challenges (above 18, college contracts, transitioning from HLOC)
A growing body of scientific research demonstrates that parents and caregivers can be a powerful support for a child in recovery from an eating disorder. This model of care is a radical shift from the traditional individually-focused therapeutic approach, and requires significant changes in how patients and families are treated within a clinical practice. This workshop will start with a historical review of the marginalization of parents in treatment for child and adolescent eating disorders especially as compared to other medical and psychiatric problems. The workshop will present research on more recent treatments that involve the family. We will discuss the role of family as a vital resource for recovery, and techniques for engaging families in treatment. A parent of a child in recovery will share her experience as well as strategies clinicians can use to mobilize, empower, and support parents. The presenters will present several cases that reflect some common challenges in working with families. The leaders of this workshop include a therapist, a dietitian, and a parent who all have extensive experience working with families of children and adolescents with eating disorders and incorporating evidence-based approaches into clinical practice.
Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D., CEDS is a psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles who works primarily with clients with eating disorders. She is certified in FBT and works extensively with families in her practice. She was a founding co-chair of the FBT Special Interest Group of the Academy for Eating Disorders. She has held various positions of leadership within the Academy for Eating Disorders and currently serves as Board Director for Outreach.
Therese Waterhous, PhD. RDN, is a dietitian who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and has a private practice in Corvalis, Oregon. She is the author of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group’s online care manual chapter on eating disorders and Practice Paper. She is also a founding co-chair of the FBT Special Interest Group of the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a professional advisor to FEAST. She is the Director of the Disordered Eating/Eating Disorder subunit, Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Practice Group and is also Vice President, Willamette Valley Oregon Chapter of IAEDP.
and
Lisa La Borde, BA, LLB, Acc., FM
Lisa LaBorde is the mother of 2 daughters, the youngest of whom was diagnosed in 2011, at the age of 10, with restrictive anorexia. F.E.A.S.T provided unimaginable support to Lisa's family during her daughter's active illness and Lisa is committed to engaging in eating disorder advocacy and education work in the hopes of assisting other families. Lisa is a member of the F.E.A.S.T. Board of Directors and is currently serving as Outreach Director. Lisa holds a law degree from Queen’s University and has an active legal practice focused on child protection litigation and family and organizational mediation.
