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.

Mary Tantillo, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, CGP, FAED, is professor of clinical nursing at University of Rochester School of Nursing, director of the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders, and founder of The Healing Connection Inc.

Jennifer Sanftner McGraw, PhD, is professor of psychology and department chair at Slippery Rock University and founder and director of the Slippery Rock chapter of the Reflections Body Image Program.

Daniel Le Grange, PhD, holds a distinguished professorship in the department of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco and is director of the eating disorders program in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Santo Caruana, Artist and young adult in recovery from an eating disorder.

Marie Bieber RD, CSP, CDN, Registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders in private practice and on the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders Project ECHO TM team.