All in the Family

All In The Family

Video of the Talk HERE

We all agree that recovery from an ED is possible, but requires a supportive environment. So this month Liz Wray, LMFT reminded us- individual therapists who treat teens- how to navigate the “identified patient” phenomenon in a family setting by helping the entire family feel included and understood. Through psychoeducation we teach commenting on positive personality traits rather than physical ones (see previous post about "Non-physical Compliments"). And to discuss feelings, or just “sit with” and hug. In Family therapy, members can ask each other “what they need” and do the repair work when they get it wrong (or when that answer has changed within the last hour:). We can support and protect the client as they practice confrontation.

But in the end, this talk became not so much about how to do family therapy. But rather- if to do it and how to create buy-in for it from the IP. Professional judgment is paramount to navigate enmeshment, splitting, and handling parent check-ins. How to focus on a teen’s goals and desensitize them to parents’ presence in the room. (spoiler: SLOW DOWN) Ultimately parents are paying for this (as well as their cell phone.  All families are different and changing- so this work of individuation, expressing feelings, and creating boundaries is wildly dynamic.

Thanks, everyone! And thank you Liz for abandoning your outline (powerpoint available- just ask us) and for letting the group take over so we could bring these concepts to life with a case or 2.

Speaking of cases- stay tuned, VFEDers for Evening Case Consult groups in 2022.