Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa
A Treatment Manual

Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa is a treatment manual that details an empirically supported and innovative treatment for this disorder.

This book provides a detailed description of the theory and clinical practice of MFT-AN. The treatment draws on the Maudsley Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa model as well as integrating other psychological and group frameworks. Part I details the theoretical concepts, MFT-AN structure, content and implementation, including clinically rich and detailed guidance on group facilitation, therapeutic technique and troubleshooting when the group process encounters difficulties. Part III provides step-by-step instructions for the group activities in the initial four-day intensive workshop and for the subsequent follow-up days that occur over a further six to eight months.

The book will serve as a practical guide for both experienced and new clinicians working with children and adolescents with eating disorders and their families, in utilising multi-family therapy in their clinical practice.

Part I: Theory, structure and techniques; 1 What is multi-family therapy?; 2. Who can benefit from MFT-AN?; 3. MFT-AN theoretical concepts; 4. MFT context and mechanisms of change; 5. MFT-AN structure and content; 6. The MFT treating team; 7. Managing process and group facilitation; 8. Therapeutic techniques; 9. MFT meals; 10. Effectively managing and containing the group process; 11. MFT troubleshooting and managing risk; Part II: MFT activities; 12. How to use activities in MFT-AN; 13. Four-day intensive workshop: the activities; 14. Follow-up days and exercises

Mima Simic is Joint Head at the Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders and a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She is an internationally recognised expert and trainer in the field of child and adolescent eating disorders.

Julian Baudinet is a Principal Clinical Psychologist with expertise in family therapy and multi-family therapy for adolescents with eating disorders. Alongside his clinical work he is actively involved in treatment and service development, research, teaching and training.

Esther Blessitt is a Principal Systemic Psychotherapist and a team manager in the Maudsley outpatient treatment team. Alongside her clinical work Esther also trains others in the Maudsley eating disorders treatment models.

Andrew Wallis is a Clinical Social Worker and Family Therapist who has worked with adolescents and families for more than 25 years. In 2012 he introduced Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. Andrew provides family therapy training, clinical supervision and consultation to services across Australasia.

Ivan Eisler is Professor of Family Psychology and Family Therapy at King’s College London. He is known internationally as a leading developer, researcher and trainer of evidence-based psychotherapies for eating disorders. Ivan has received a number of awards including Academy for Eating Disorders Outstanding Clinician Award, BEAT Lifetime Achievement Award and American Family Therapy Academy Distinguished Contribution to Family Research.