A Group for the Parents of Children with Eating Disorders

Abstract

In this article, we describe the role and functions of a group for the parents of children receiving treatment for eating disorders. We comment on the group process and evaluate the usefulness of the group from our viewpoint as therapists, and from the point of view of parents who have attended the group over the last year. Examples are given from the leaders' session notes. The role and content of the group is discussed in relation to other treatment modalities and to the current thinking about effective treatment for severe eating disorders in the younger age group. In our view, a group for parents is a valuable adjunct to other therapies in the treatment of early onset eating disorders.