Finding a Voice ─ Family Therapy for Young People With Anorexia

Girls and young women develop anorexia because they are unhappy. In the process of becoming anorexic they silence themselves and distance themselves from parental support. Family therapists should support the parents in helping their daughter to find her voice. Family therapy is likely to help the patient most if her communication with her parents can be improved.

This book presents a review of the research evidence that has guided the development of our understanding of family therapy for young people with anorexia. In addition it presents the current evidence for a family model. A flexible model is proposed to meet different family scenarios and levels of treatment resistance. It argues that the evidence indicates the need for an assertive approach to therapy, drawing on the full range of family therapy skills available, in order to re-instate a healthy relationship between parents and daughter.

The book is intended for family therapists and other clinicians in Child and Mental Health Services who work with young people with anorexia.