Family Therapy for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can feel isolating, but recovery doesn’t have to be. We understand that when someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, it impacts everyone in the family. Whether it’s anxiety around food, rigid eating habits, or unhealthy body image, these behaviors often hide deeper emotional wounds. Healing from an eating disorder is a journey, and it’s a journey that families can take together.

Why Family Therapy Matters

Eating disorders aren’t just about food—they’re about feelings. They often stem from complex emotional challenges like trauma, anxiety, depression, or a need for control in a world that feels overwhelming. Family involvement is key to effective recovery, as research shows that when families are actively involved in treatment, individuals with eating disorders have a higher chance of long-term success.

In fact, studies have shown that Family-Based Therapy (FBT), especially for adolescents and young adults, is the most effective treatment for eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. FBT supports the rebuilding of healthy eating habits and restoring a sense of control—not just for the individual but for the entire family dynamic.

Research supports this approach:

• A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2014) found that Family-Based Therapy (FBT) was highly effective in treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa, with 80% of patients achieving full recovery after 12 months of treatment when families were actively involved.

• According to a 2016 meta-analysis in Psychiatry Research, patients who received family-based treatments for eating disorders showed significant improvements in eating behaviors, body image, and overall emotional health when their families were involved in the therapeutic process.

• The Cochrane Review (2017) highlights that family therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa is considered the most effective first-line intervention, with better outcomes for both short-term and long-term recovery compared to other forms of therapy that do not include family involvement.

When families are involved in recovery, the whole system benefits. Family therapy isn’t just about addressing the individual’s behavior; it’s about creating a foundation of trust, support, and understanding that helps everyone heal. That’s where we come in.

What to Expect from Family Therapy for Eating Disorders

At Citrine Counseling, we approach eating disorder recovery with compassion, collaboration, and a belief in the power of the family unit. We work with both individuals and families to provide tools for communication, emotional resilience, and effective problem-solving.

Here’s how family therapy can help:

• Support for the individual: We guide the person struggling with an eating disorder to reconnect with their body's natural needs and rebuild a healthy relationship with food.

• Support for the family: We offer guidance for family members on how to provide compassionate support while also taking care of their own emotional needs.

• Understanding the disorder: Therapy can help the entire family better understand the underlying emotional causes of eating disorders and how they manifest in everyday life.

• Improving communication: We help families break through misunderstandings, reduce conflict, and foster open, honest communication about sensitive topics like food, body image, and self-worth.

Finding Hope and Healing Together

Recovery is a process, and it’s normal for families to feel scared, unsure, or even frustrated at times. But the good news is that recovery is possible, and with the right support, families can rebuild their relationships, trust, and sense of peace.

Eating disorder recovery doesn’t just involve changing eating habits—it’s about transforming relationships and learning to support one another through the emotional challenges. With patience, compassion, and professional guidance, healing can happen.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, we invite you to reach out. The journey may not be easy, but with the support of family therapy, you don’t have to walk it alone.