Routledge Multifamily Therapy Group for Young Adults with Anorexia Nervosa: Reconnecting for Recovery

Multifamily Therapy Group for Young Adults with Anorexia Nervosa describes a new and innovative family-centered outpatient Multifamily Therapy Group (MFTG) approach called Reconnecting for Recovery (R4R) for young adults with anorexia nervosa that is based on a relational reframing of eating disorders. Developed in concert with young adults and their families and informed by clinical observations, theory, and research, R4R is designed to help young adults and family members learn the emotional and relational skills required to avoid or repair relationship ruptures for continued collaboration in recovery. The book begins with an overview of anorexia nervosa, MFTG treatment approaches, and the development of R4R and moves into a session by session review of R4R including session goals, exercises and handouts. Protocols, case vignettes, and other materials help translate the theory and research underlying this multifamily therapy group model into practice. This treatment manual provides readers with explicit guidance in how to develop and conduct an outpatient R4R MFTG and a deeper understanding of the nature, purposes, and processes that characterize one. Review "R-4-R is a wonderful book. Written by renowned experts it oozes compassion, hope, humanity, humour and lashings of clinical wisdom whilst at the same time being scholarly and grounded in the latest evidence. Its approach to multi-family treatment of anorexia nervosa views this illness through a theoretically informed relational lens as a disorder of intra- and interpersonal disconnection and uses education and skills building to repair these relationship ruptures and facilitate growth of the individual and the people close to them. The case stories and therapeutic dialogue are detailed and realistic: individual characters leap off the page and their struggles and dilemmas always ring true. I learnt so much from this book. An absolute gem. This is a must-read for any clinician working with people with anorexia nervosa and their families." Ulrike Schmidt, MD, PhD, FRCPsych, FAED, professor of Eating Disorders, King's College London and consultant psychiatrist, Maudsley Hospital. National Institute of Health Research senior investigator "Congratulations to Tantillo, McGraw and Le Grange for this exceptional, must read book for providers of young adults with Anorexia Nervosa and their caregivers. R4R MFTG consists of 16-sessions grounded in well known theoretical frameworks, particularly Relational-Cultural theory. In each chapter, the authors provide a step-by-step guide of the structure and processes of delivering R4R MFTG in a variety of different contexts. Through detailed examples, analogies, metaphors, and handouts, providers will be well prepared to deliver this intervention to young adults with AN and their families. This book not only acknowledges the intense emotions experienced by the young adult with AN, but also the tumultuous emotions experienced by caregivers. The authors empower providers to use an optimistic healing and recovery approach that supports all involved in battling against the Anorexia Nervosa. By honouring and giving a voice to the experiences of young adults with AN and their families, those impacted by AN will become more powerful and resilient than the eating disorder." Gina Dimitropoulos, MSW, PhD, associate professor of Social Work, University of Calgary and research lead for the Calgary Eating Disorder Program "A beautifully written, innovative tour de force, a good read, and an inspiring contribution based on a multi-family therapy group approach to the complex, challenge of treating anorexia nervosa. The authors provide an elegant description of the biopsychosocial nature and associated treatment of anorexia nervosa developed in concert with the participating young adults and their families. From the biology of anorexia nervosa to problems with emotion, and internal and external disconnection, the