If you are struggling with an eating disorder, you may feel like you are alone. You may also feel like there is no hope for you. This is not true! There are many treatment options available for those who suffer from eating disorders, and one of the most effective treatments is FBT therapy. In this blog post, we will discuss what FBT therapy is and how it can help address eating disorders. We will also provide a few tips on how to find a qualified therapist who can provide this type of treatment.
Contents
Defining FBT Therapy
FBT, or family-based therapy, is a type of treatment that focuses on the family unit as a whole. This type of therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating eating disorders. The reason FBT is so effective is because it addresses the underlying issues that are often at the root of eating disorders. These issues include poor body image, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation.
FBT therapist will work with the entire family to help them understand and support their loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder. The therapist will also provide guidance on how to create a healthy home environment for the individual suffering from an eating disorder. This includes helping the family develop healthy communication and conflict resolution skills.
FBT v/s Family Therapy
It is important to note that FBT is not the same as family therapy. Family therapy focuses on the relationships within the family unit and how they can be improved. While this type of therapy can be beneficial, it does not address the underlying issues that are often at the root of eating disorders. FBT, on the other hand, focuses specifically on those issues. It is also different from individual therapy in that it focuses on the entire family unit, not just the individual suffering from an eating disorder.
How FBT Can Help Address Eating Disorders
FBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for eating disorders of all types. This includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. FBT has also been found to be effective in treating those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder.
The reason FBT is so effective in treating eating disorders is because it addresses the underlying issues that are often at the root of these disorders. As we mentioned before, some of these underlying issues include poor body image, low self-esteem, and emotional dysregulation. By addressing these issues, FBT can help people suffering from eating disorders develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
Principles Of FBT
There are four main principles of FBT:
- The first principle is that the family unit is the best source of support and care for the individual suffering from an eating disorder.
- The second principle is that parents play a vital role in the treatment process.
- The third principle is that mealtimes should be enjoyable and relaxed.
- The fourth and final principle is that progress should be celebrated.
These four principles work together to create a foundation for healing within the family unit. When these principles are followed, families can begin to heal the underlying issues that led to the development of an eating disorder.
What Happens In A Session?
Each FBT session is different, as it is tailored to the specific needs of the family. However, there are some general things that happen in most sessions.
The first thing that happens is that the therapist will meet with the parents to discuss their goals for treatment. The therapist will also assess the family’s current level of functioning and make recommendations on how to improve communication and conflict resolution skills.
The next thing that happens is that the therapist will meet with the individual suffering from an eating disorder. During this meeting, the therapist will help the individual develop a healthy relationship with food and their body.
The last thing that happens in each session is that the entire family meets together with the therapist. During this time, families will work on developing healthy communication and conflict resolution skills. They will also learn how to support their loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder.
FBT is an effective treatment for eating disorders of all types. If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, we encourage you to seek out a qualified FBT therapist who can help your family heal.
Tips For Finding A Qualified FBT Therapist
If you are interested in finding a qualified FBT therapist, there are a few things you can do.
The first step is to contact your insurance company and ask if they cover FBT therapy. If they do not, you may still be able to find a therapist who offers sliding scale fees. You can also search online for “FBT therapists near me.” This will bring up a list of therapists who offer this type of treatment. Finally, you can ask your family doctor or mental health professional for a referral to an FBT therapist.
After collecting a database of potential therapists, you can begin to narrow down your list. The first thing you should do is read each therapist’s bio to see if they have experience treating eating disorders. You should also make sure that the therapist is licensed and has completed a training program in FBT. Once you have narrowed down your list, you can contact each therapist and ask them about their treatment philosophy and approach.
Before starting therapy, you may book a brief consultation call. During this time, you may ask different questions about the therapist’s experience and qualifications. This is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for the therapist’s personality and whether or not you will be able to build a rapport. Some questions you may ask can include:
- How long have you been practicing FBT?
- What is your experience in treating eating disorders?
- What is your treatment philosophy?
- Do you have any special training in FBT?
- What are your thoughts on (insert specific issue)?
After asking these questions, you should have a good idea of whether or not the therapist is qualified to treat your eating disorder. From there, you can make a decision on whether or not to start therapy.
Things To Consider
If you have decided to opt for FBT therapy, there are a few things you must consider before starting treatment.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you are ready to commit to the treatment process. FBT requires a lot of hard work and dedication from both the individual suffering from an eating disorder and their family. If you are not ready to commit to this type of treatment, it may not be right for you.
The next thing you need to consider is whether or not your family is on board with the treatment plan. FBT requires a lot of involvement from the family in order for it to be successful. If your family is not supportive of the treatment process, it may be best to look into other options.
Finally, you need to make sure that you have found a qualified therapist who you feel comfortable with. This is someone who you will be working closely with for an extended period of time, so it’s important that you find someone you trust.
If you have considered all of these factors and you are still interested in FBT therapy, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified therapist today. With the right treatment team in your corner, you can begin the journey to recovery and lead a healthy life.
Conclusion
FBT is an effective treatment for eating disorders of all types. If you or someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, we encourage you to seek out a qualified FBT therapist who can help your family heal. This process can prove to be difficult, but with the right support system in place, recovery is possible.
If you are looking for a qualified therapist, we encourage you to reach out to Mantra Care. We have a team of expert mental health professionals providing the best quality psychological assistance. Our services are available globally at affordable rates with maximum confidentiality. You can visit our website and contact us to book a session or download our free Android or iOS app for more information!
