Maudsley Family Based Therapy -Guiding Your Child's Recovery at Tidal Health Clinic

Aug 2

Understanding Maudsley Family Based Therapy

Maudsley Family Based Therapy (FBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that actively engages the whole family in the recovery process. This approach empowers parents to play an active role in restoring their child's health. Recognised for its effectiveness in treating eating disorders among adolescents, Maudsley FBT provides a framework for collaborative positive change.

The Three Phases of Maudsley Family Based Therapy

Phase 1: Weight Restoration

Objective: The primary goals of this phase are nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration. This phase is crucial for both physical and psychological stability.

Role of Parents: During this phase, parents take control of their child's eating habits to ensure they consume enough calories. This might involve planning meals, supervising eating patterns, and providing support and encouragement.

Duration: This phase continues until your child has regained sufficient weight and is no longer at risk for medical instability. While the timeline may vary based on individual progress, it generally spans several weeks to months.

Phase 2: Returning Control to the Adolescent

Objective: The focus is on gently and strategically helping adolescents regain control and independence over their eating habits. This phase provides your child with the opportunity to practice making food choices that promote health and are no longer influenced by their eating disorder, encouraging independence while ensuring ongoing support and understanding throughout the journey.

Role of Parents: While parents start to hand back some control, their support remains crucial. They need to ensure their child continues to eat adequately and maintain a healthy weight. This phase involves a delicate balance of guidance and independence.

Duration: This phase lasts until the adolescent can maintain their weight independently, generally spanning several months, depending on the child's readiness and stability.

Phase 3: Establishing a Healthy Adolescent Identity

Objective: The final phase emphasises broader adolescent issues, such as developing a healthy identity, fostering relationships, and building self-esteem.

Role of Parents: Parents provide ongoing support for their child's emotional and physical health, helping them establish a stable and healthy relationship with food and their body.

Duration: This phase continues until the adolescent achieves a stable and healthy relationship with food and their body, which can vary in length but typically lasts a few months.