Multiple family group treatment for eating disorders: a short term program

Abstract

This paper describes a six session multiple family group therapy program for patients and families dealing with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The program was developed during the course of treating five such groups in our clinic and was adjunctive to other forms of therapy. The groups were highly structured and combined education, homework, psychodynamically informed group discussions and skills training. The aim of encouraging families to develop a therapeutic environment was made explicit. Responses from patients and families was extremely positive, but most felt the program was too short for their needs.