Parent Support

Family based approach

A family based approach includes the “Maudsley approach” where (when possible) parents play an active and positive role in helping restore their child’s weight. It is believed that parents can intervene in a loving and supportive way to restore their child’s weight and reduce eating disorder behaviours. People living with an eating disorder are often unable to make decisions about food, weight and activity due to their illness. So parents are encouraged to make these decisions until the teen regains mastery over these aspects of their life. In the weight restoration stage of recovery (referred to as phase 1) parents take the lead at meal and snack time. With the dietitian’s help, a plan for what is served, how much and when it is served is created. Meals and snacks are organized, prepared and cooked by parents (or caregivers) and the teen able to focus on eating and managing emotions at meal/snack times. Parents are also tasked with emotionally supporting their loved one during and after the meal.

Counseling Services

Often both the teen and parents need counseling and coaching through eating disorder recovery. It is very normal that both the teen in recovery and the parents supporting the teen to need sessions with the dietitian. This can look like meeting together as well as separately. Since supporting a loved one through recovery is not something most parents learn about before the issue presents itself, it is normal to need coaching from the dietitian treating your teen. It is also very normal to seek the guidance and support of a psychologist or therapist both for your child as well as for yourself. Groups for caregivers of loved ones in recovery are a helpful tool.

The health team

Recovery from an eating disorder is really hard. You and your child deserve a full team of people supporting you. This often includes a pediatrician or family doctor, psychologist or therapist, dietitian and even a mental health coach. I am happy to coordinate and be in touch with your loved one’s health team. It is part of my job as a health care team member to regularly touch base with others in the treatment team, with the consent of my client. This also includes regularly touching base with parents or other caregivers. Eating disorders thrive on isolating the person in recovery and I will do my best to support your child and you through this experience. If you are looking for a therapist or need a referral to a healthcare practitioner for your teen, it is my pleasure to help get you in touch with people in your community who can help you.

Eating Disorder Resources for Teens & Parents