Systemic Therapy

UK’s leading experts in eating disorders and body image difficulties

FAMILY SUPPORT AND PSYCHOEDUCATION

This involves offering guidance and support to families or partners of those suffering from an eating disorder. ‘Caring’ for someone with an eating disorder can take its toll. Families or partners may have a lot of questions about the eating disorder and the role of the family in supporting a loved one through recovery, and may also need their own support throughout this process.

As these sessions focus on support for the family or partner, typically the person with the eating disorder would not attend. The session might be a one-off session, or you may wish to have a small number of sessions every few weeks.

MAUDSLEY FAMILY-BASED TREATMENT (FBT)

Family-based treatment for eating disorders is a specialised outpatient treatment that aims to empower parents to take charge of the recovery process. FBT is suitable for young people who currently live at home with a parent/caregiver (or can move home for the duration of treatment).

Generally, this treatment has three phases which occur over a period of 12-18 months (depending on severity).

  • Phase One: Refeeding and Weight Restoration
  • Phase Two: Returning Control of Eating to the Young Person
  • Phase Three: Addressing Adolescent Concerns and Treatment Completion

Treatment typically involves the whole family, including siblings, although the young person will be seen alone for part of each session. Treatment will usually occur weekly and the family will be responsible for supporting their child to improve their eating and weight and for providing guidance and support between sessions.


PARENT SUPPORTED CBT

This approach is most suitable for older adolescents who are not considered to be at high risk and who are very motivated to recover from their eating disorder. Treatment typically consists of 20 sessions conducted over 20 weeks but some young people may need up to 40 sessions (depending on severity).

Although most adolescents will typically spend more 1:1 time with the therapist compared to other approaches, it is essential that parents still attend part of each session so they can be involved in treatment as much as possible. Parents play a key role in supporting their adolescent to implement changes at home and manage any setbacks that may occur, as well as providing much needed emotional support throughout the recovery process.


FAMILY THERAPY

Sometimes families need help and guidance to address difficulties that have occurred, or are occurring within the family. Sometimes these are issues around grief or separation. Sometimes these are unhelpful patterns that families have fallen into either prior to or after an eating disorder came into the family. Sometimes these are extremely distressing or complex issues that are very difficult for a family to discuss. Family therapy aims to provide a supportive environment for the whole family to think about and work through these difficulties.

Specialist Team

The London Centre comprises specialist health professionals trained in evidence-based treatments for eating disorders. The team include:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Clinical Psychologists

  • Counselling Psychologists

  • Trainee Psychologists

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Dietitians

  • Family/Couple Therapists

Diverse Treatment Options

The clinic's specialist nature and the experience of its team also enable the offering of a wide variety of treatment approaches and therapies. The clinics offer both in-person and remote consultations.

Personalised Care

At the London Centre, we believe it's important to align our patients with both the right clinician and the appropriate treatment. While we ensure the use of evidence-based therapies we also ensure taking the time to listen to client preferences. This approach enables us to find the therapist and approach that best suits your needs.
 

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How it works

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, leveraging the expertise of multiple specialists, to ensure that our treatment is effective and tailored to your personal recovery.

 

Step 1

Contact Us

Before making an appointment you can contact us with any questions you might have via phone, email or by using our online contact form. Your first contact will more than likely be with Kerry, our wonderful PA.

Step 2

Assessment

Before the initial session, clients are requested to complete a brief questionnaire regarding their current circumstances, preferences, and availability for appointments. While not mandatory, this information assists us in matching individuals with the most suitable clinician.

Step 3

First Session

Following the assessment, clients will have a session to discuss their recommended treatment plan. A start date will be agreed upon, and arrangements will be made for an initial session.
 

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