Family Based Therapy

Family Based Therapy is an outpatient treatment first developed at the

Maudsley Hospital in London in the 1980’s with further research

developments in the USA, and publication of a treatment manual in the early 2000’s. The model integrates concepts from a number of family therapy approaches but holds the basic premise that parents are the best resource to help their child recover from anorexia nervosa. The treatment is organised around three phases over 12 months. The initial focus is on nutritional nourishment and finishes with a focus on adolescent issues. The treatment is suitable for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa with a short course of illness. Family Based Therapy has the strongest evidence base to date for this age group.

Workshop Content

The aim of this workshop will be to provide intensive practical training in

the application of this model including:

• Theoretical background and framework, including the roles of the multidisciplinary team in the model

• Detailed descriptions of each phase and the key sessions at the start of treatment

• A feature of the workshop will be the demonstration of key skills and the first two sessions of treatment

• Guided role plays will be used to aid micro skill development of participants

By the completion of the workshop participants will have a good working

knowledge of the model and will be able to begin to use the Family Based Therapy model in their own clinical setting.

Prerequisites for the workshop would include:

• Training and skills in child and adolescent mental health care

• Knowledge and experience with adolescent eating disorders

• Previous experience working with families is an advantage

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the completion of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Describe the core concepts, treatment sequence and implementation of FBT

• Describe key FBT interventions that need to be implemented

• Describe common clinical dilemmas and their solutions.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Wallis is a clinical social worker and systemic family therapist with 30 years of experience. He established the first Family-Based Treatment program in Australia and has more than 30 peer reviewed papers and book chapters. In addition to clinical, academic and consultation Andrew is involved at a national level with eating disorder policy as a member of the NEDC executive committee and ANZAED Credentialing Governing Council.

Andrew was awarded the ANZAED 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award for his contribution the Eating Disorder Sector in Australasia. Andrew’s primary role is Team Lead of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Eating Disorder Service and Senior Lecturer in Social Work at UNSW.