Eating disorders affect not just the individual, but the entire family system. Families often feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to respond as they navigate the complexities of an eating disorder. Despite these challenges, families are a vital part of the recovery process. Family-Based Therapy (FBT), also known as the Maudsley Approach, is a proven, evidence-based method that empowers parents to take an active, supportive role in their child’s recovery.

What Is Family-Based Therapy?
Originally developed at the Maudsley Hospital in London, this form of therapy was first used to help adolescents recover from anorexia nervosa. Today, it is widely used to treat a variety of eating disorders in children and adolescents, and can be effectively adapted for young adults, especially those navigating the transition to greater independence, such as college students. Evidence from clinical trials consistently supports the effectiveness of Family-Based Therapy in achieving weight restoration and reducing eating disorder symptomatology, as well as reducing risk of relapse and improving overall prognosis.

Instead of placing blame, Family-Based Therapy empowers parents to play a central role in their child’s healing journey. FBT is an outpatient alternative to hospitalization and integrates the latest scientific research to support lasting healing and improved nutrition. With the support and guidance of a therapist trained in FBT, parents take the lead in helping their child restore healthy eating habits, ensure proper nutrition, and rebuild strength—laying the foundation for long-term recovery from the eating disorder.

How Treatment Works
FBT can be tailored to fit each family’s unique needs. Treatment typically takes place once or twice a week over the course of six to nine months. Sessions often include the entire family in the recovery process. Individual time can also be spent with your child to ensure he/she feels heard, supported, and understood.

The primary goals of Family-Based Therapy are to:
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-Restore the young person to a healthy weight
-Promote balanced, consistent eating habits
-Reduce anxiety and inflexible thinking surrounding food and body image
-Strengthen the family’s ability to support recovery with compassion and confidence

This approach works best for individuals who have been struggling with an eating disorder for three years or less and who have a supportive family environment.

Three Phases of the Maudsley Approach

Phase I: Weight Restoration/Re-feeding:
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The primary goal of Phase 1 is to restore the child’s nutrition and physical health. In most cases—especially when treating anorexia nervosa—this phase centers on weight restoration. However, depending on the individual’s needs, other biomarkers of recovery may also guide treatment progress. During this stage, weekly family therapy sessions play a vital role. Parents take full responsibility for meal planning, preparation, and supervision, ensuring that every meal and snack is completed. Dr. Diana will provide coaching and practical strategies to help parents support their child’s eating at home. During this phase, parents gain the confidence, tools, and knowledge needed to lead their child’s nutritional rehabilitation and recovery journey effectively.

Phase II: Helping Your Child Regain Control:

Once a child has regained most or all of their target weight and is eating with less resistance, parents can start gradually returning responsibility for eating to the child. This stage of eating disorder recovery focuses on rebuilding trust, reintroducing flexibility in meals, and encouraging the child to practice independent eating in a variety of settings—at home, school, or social events. Setbacks are a normal part of the process, but building food independence is a crucial step in recovery.

Phase III: Establishing a Healthy Identity:

When the child can maintain a healthy weight (around 95% of ideal body weight) and demonstrates age-appropriate independence, therapy shifts toward helping them build a balanced, healthy identity that is free from the eating disorder. This stage may include addressing other mental health concerns, fostering autonomy, and reestablishing healthy relationships among family members, including strengthening the emotional connection between you and your child in therapy.


Begin Healing Together as a Family
Every family experiences challenges—but with the right support, healing is possible. FBT supports families in healing after an eating disorder by empowering parents, improving communication, and rebuilding trust. While the first phase of treatment can be difficult, many families discover that the process ultimately brings them closer and fosters stronger, more trusting relationships.

Contact Dr. Diana today to book a session and take the first step toward a more connected and resilient family.