Background: Based on the science of emotion and interpersonal neurobiology, EFFT offers a structure to support caregivers to increase their role in their loved one’s recovery from an eating disorder in specific ways. Throughout treatment, the clinician also seeks to transform any caregiver “emotion blocks” that could lead to problematic patterns of support such as criticism or accommodating and enabling of symptoms. Similarly, there is a module for the identification and processing of clinician blocks. This presentation will begin with an overview of the model with a focus on research and practical skills for take-away.
Objectives: Following this presentation, participants will be able to
Describe the EFFT model and current research
Identify psychological and neurobiological rationales for the increase of caregiver involvement in the treatment of eating disorders
Apply a framework to promote a more comprehensive role for caregivers throughout the recovery process
- behaviour coaching through the interruption of symptoms,
- emotion coaching through the processing of avoided or suppressed emotion, and
- relationship repair through the healing of parent, child and family wounds.
Throughout treatment, the clinician also seeks to identify, understand, and transform “emotion blocks” in caregivers that may lead to therapy-interfering attitudes or behaviours such as denial, criticism of accommodating & enabling behaviours. This component is critical given that throughout the course of treatment, well-intentioned caregivers can struggle to support their loved one’s treatment, creating challenges for even the most experienced clinicians. For this reason, there is a module for the identification and processing of clinician blocks as well. This Keynote presentation will present an overview of the model with a focus on supporting research and practical skills for take-away.
- behaviour coaching through the interruption of symptoms,
- emotion coaching through the processing of avoided or suppressed emotion, and
- relationship repair through the healing of parent, child and family wounds.
Throughout treatment, the clinician also seeks to identify, understand, and transform “emotion blocks” in caregivers that may lead to therapy-interfering attitudes or behaviours such as denial, criticism of accommodating & enabling behaviours. This component is critical given that throughout the course of treatment, well-intentioned caregivers can struggle to support their loved one’s treatment, creating challenges for even the most experienced clinicians. For this reason, there is a module for the identification and processing of clinician blocks as well. This Keynote presentation will present an overview of the model with a focus on supporting research and practical skills for take-away.
Adele Lafrance, PhD is an Associate Professor at Laurentian University and co-developer of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with a practice of short-term clinical care and supervision. Dr. Lafrance provides EFFT training for clinicians, school boards and mental health agencies worldwide. She has published extensively in the field and currently supports the research base for EFFT. She also makes many practical resources for parents, caregivers and clinicians available on her website (without cost:www.mentalhealthfoundations.ca).
