Family-based program focused on parents in outpatient ED care: Cognitive behavioral methods combined with a psychodynamic approach in group settings

This chapter describes a family-based therapeutic program focused on parents in outpatient care for eating disorders (ED) which combines a cognitive behavioral methods with a psychodynamic approach in group settings. The treatment includes three phases. Phase I includes evaluation and immediate intervention and is aimed at improving the patient's physical condition with parental involvement in symptom reduction during the crisis phase. The latter is accomplished through enrolling parents in a six session psycho-educational group. Phase II consists of separate and concurrent psychodynamic therapy for both patients and for parents preferably in a group framework. Phase III includes conjoint group sessions and triad meetings between children and parents when dialogue is feasible. In addition, the chapter reviews scientific literature regarding treatment modalities, interventions and family patterns in ED.