Family Based Treatment (FBT), is a life-saving treatment for individuals and their families suffering from an eating disorder. FBT views the eating disorder as a disrupting force that impacts the entire family. FBT should not be confused with family therapy, although FBT’s efficacy relies on the entire family to be a part of the change process. Conversations about anxiety and other mental health issues do not take the forefront, at least, not yet. As mentioned FBT was designed to rescue the child from imminent death.

FBT is delivered in 3 phases, moving from (1) weight and medical stabilization then restoration to (2) reestablishing control over nutrition in an age-appropriate manner, and finally (3) a return to normal adolescent development as well as any necessary family repair.
These three phases tend to be rolled out over a 12-month period.

FBT was originally formulated specifically for Anorexia Nervosa-Restrictive Subtype in adolescents. Now, it it’s evolution, it is a useful foundation for other eating disorders such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Bulimia-Nervosa, and disordered eating. This treatment is delivered alongside weekly or biweekly medical monitoring by your family physician to ensure protocol efficacy.