Family-Based Treatment For Eating Disorders

We use Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Eating Disorders, a compassionate approach for families experiencing:

Eating disorder symptoms your child may experience with:

Anorexia Nervosa

• Weight loss
• Feeling tired or weak
• Eating less than usual
• Excessive dieting
• Excessive exercise
• Fear of weight gain
• Obsessing over weight and shape

Bulimia Nervosa

• Eating a larger amount of food than normal
• Eating more rapidly than normal
• Lack of control around food
• Purging/Vomiting
• Using diet pills or laxatives

Binge Eating Disorder

• Eating a larger amount of food than normal
• Eating more rapidly than normal
• Lack of control around food
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Feeling embarrassed around food
• Feeling disgusted with self

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Lack of interest in food
• Avoidance based on sensory characteristics (color, texture, smell)
• Fears of choking or vomiting
• Significant weight loss
• Significant nutritional deficiency

_{Note: Your child may not experience all of the listed symptoms. There may be additional symptoms and/or medical symptoms not listed here that your child is experiencing as a result of a potential eating disorder. Our trained therapists will help assess your child’s symptoms to determine an appropriate diagnosis.}

What is Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders?

Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders, also known as ‘FBT’, is an evidence-based approach that recognizes parents and families as the best resource for their child’s recovery. The program is designed for children ages 8-18 but can be adapted to fit young adults ages 19-21 years old who are living with family support. During the 3 treatment phases, we empower families to restore regular eating patterns, while collaborating with the family’s physician, school, and other health care providers. If you would like to learn more about FBT offered at our agency, please view our digital brochure.

Our 6-to-12-month program does not focus blame for the eating disorder on anyone. The therapist and family work together to refeed the child, develop healthy eating patterns, and address individual and family concerns.

The FBT approach is ideal for children who have been struggling with an eating disorder for less than three years, and who do not require hospitalization.

Clinical FBT staff are trained in the model used at University of Chicago.

Interested in finding out if FBT is right for your family?

Please call our agency at (630) 232-1070 and request to speak with the FBT intake coordinator. We are happy to assist you in the process of determining if your child has an eating disorder and what services will best meet your child and family’s needs.

FBT Intake Forms

During the intake process, you must complete the following forms. They will be sent to you digitally through our secure online patient portal. However, if needed, you can download the English forms here and the Spanish forms here.

Meet our FBT Team

TriCity Family Services therapists trained in the Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders are Jessica Atkins, Emma Baxter, Michele Dominguez, Jessica Guzman, Alice Pierce, and Maddy Tomlinson.

Our FBT program supervisor is Maddy Tomlinson and our FBT intake coordinator is Emma Baxter.

Where can I find out more about eating disorders?

Here are some recommended online resources.

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Please listen to an interview, featured on 95.9 The River in 2018, re: eating disorder statistics and debunking myths:

Generously supported by Geneva Community Chest

Please call us at 630.232.1070 for more information