When an eating disorder strikes an individual, his or her entire family is affected. According to an article by Abigail Natenshon, MA, LCSW, GCFP, 87% of eating disorder clients are children and adolescents under the age of 20. As many in this age group still live at home, the eating disorder develops and plays out within the family dynamic. It often takes on a life of its own and can be the cause of many battles at meal times, family gatherings, holiday events and can even affect extended family and school environments. Family therapy is an essential part of eating disorder treatment and is necessary to ensure everyone who is a part of the family system is cared for.

What is Family System Theory?

Developed by Dr. Murray Bowen, family systems theory posits that the family is a unit and the emotional connections fostered by thoughts, feelings and actions create an interdependent environment. This interconnectedness helps the family to become cohesive and supportive of its members. If there is unrest and tension, emotional connections can become more stressful. One member of the family may take on the emotions of the other members and an accommodating role, leading to overwhelm and isolation. This is the family member most susceptible to addictions, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and illness.

There are eight concepts to the family systems theory:

  • Triangles: A three-person relationship system
  • Differentiation of self: Variation in how people are susceptible to pressures to conform to the group
  • Nuclear family emotional system: Four basic relationship patterns (marital conflict, dysfunction in one spouse, impairment of children, emotional distance)
  • Family projection process: The way parents transmit their emotional issues to children
  • Multigenerational transmission: Differences in differentiation across generations
  • Emotional cutoff: Managing emotional issues by cutting off family members
  • Sibling position: Impact of sibling position on behavior and development
  • Societal emotional process: Emotional systems govern behavior on the societal level

Family systems theory can be used to help clinicians understand the dynamics of the family presenting to work through one member’s eating disorder.

How Can Family Therapy Help in Eating Disorder Treatment?

Comprehensive treatment plans at all levels of care will involve family therapy. Center for Discovery residential programs involve the family weekly in a therapeutic way, not only in family therapy but also at meal times by facilitating therapeutic family meals. The purpose of these activities is to observe family dynamics at meal times and in social situations in order to best prepare the family for realignment and a return to balanced interconnectedness.

Some clients benefit from a type of family therapy called Family Based Therapy (FBT, also known as Maudsley). This outpatient approach, which places the refeeding process in the hands of the parents and moves the family through phases of treatment as recovery develops, has proven to be very successful for adolescents with anorexia.

In outpatient settings, family therapy is usually recommended in conjunction with individual therapy, nutrition services and group work. As the eating disordered member reintegrates back to the system after being away at treatment, therapy is needed to help the family adjust once again. An eating disorder has the potential to isolate family members from one another, create discord in the system and can be either sustained or eliminated depending on the dynamics of the family system. It is important for clinicians and parents to know that parents do not cause eating disorders. The entire system needs attention and support to thrive again.

If you or someone in your family system may be struggling with an eating disorder, Center for Discovery is here to help your family receive the support it needs. Our treatment programs focus on support for the whole family. Contact us today to learn more.

Sources

Natenshon, A. Family Treatment is Cornerstone of Effective Care for Eating Disordered Children. Treating Eating Disorders, www.abigailnatenshon.com

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. www.thebowencenter.org

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