Empowering Families to Support Recovery from Eating Disorders
At Deepen Wellness, we believe healing happens not just in the individual—but within the family system. For adolescents and young people struggling with eating disorders, Family-Based Therapy (FBT) offers a powerful, evidence-based path to recovery.
Also known as the Maudsley Method, FBT is one of the most effective approaches for treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa, and is increasingly used with other eating disorders like bulimia nervosa and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).
What is Family-Based Therapy?
Family-Based Therapy is a structured, time-limited approach that actively involves parents or caregivers in the recovery process. Rather than seeing the family as part of the problem, FBT views the family as the most valuable resource for healing. With guidance and support, caregivers become empowered to take an active role in their child’s recovery journey.
The Three Stages of FBT:
Stage I
Stage II
Stage III
FAQs
This varies from person to person and from family to family as well as the severity of the ED. On average FBT takes six months to a year.
No! Eating disorders are life threatening illnesses and have the highest mortality rate of mental health disorders among adolescents (Chesney E, Goodwin GM, Fazel S. Risks of All-cause and Suicide Mortality in Mental Disorders: a meta-review. World Psychiatry. 2014 June;13). Additionally, early intervention helps stop the quick progression of an eating disorder.
When one is inflicted with an eating disorder, their brain is lacking the ability to process emotions. Once your child is eating appropriately, the brain becomes nourished and we can then tackle other co-occurring disorders. Additionally, with better nutrition the severity of other co-occurring disorders generally dissipate, or become less severe.
FBT puts the trust in parents to make appropriate decisions around the type and amount of food their child needs to recover. However, there are specific instances when a dietician may be recommended. For example, if there are medical complications or risks involved, or if you are seeking additional support.
Is FBT Right for Your Family?
FBT is most effective for adolescents and young adults still living at home, especially when treatment is initiated early in the eating disorder. The model centers on caregiver involvement and assumes that recovery is possible with the right support, structure, and commitment.
At Deepen Wellness, our FBT-trained clinicians offer compassionate guidance and personalized treatment to support your family’s healing process. We honor each family’s unique strengths, values, and dynamics—working collaboratively toward recovery, reconnection, and resilience.
You Are Not Alone.We’re here to help your family navigate this journey with skill, care, and hope.