Adolescents

There is a growing body of research in the eating disorders field that points to the efficacy of using a family-based approach in the treatment of adolescents. A specific form of family therapy developed at the Maudsley Hospital in London seems to show the most promising outcomes for adolescents stricken with eating disorders. The Maudsley Method utilizes the family as an invaluable resource in helping the adolescent overcome the disease. The family-based approach, or Maudsley Method, is a non-blaming, “agnostic” model of treatment, meaning that families are not blamed for their child’s disease but are instead empowered and held accountable for helping their child heal.

At La Ventana, the families of adolescents are considered the main players of the treatment team. Families are schooled in individual sessions with the therapist and dietician on how to assist their child with eating and how to break the cycle of the eating disorder symptoms.

An individualized treatment plan will be made to fit the needs of each adolescent at the time of the initial assessment at La Ventana. This treatment plan typically involves:

• family therapy sessions
• family nutritional counseling sessions
• individual therapy and nutritional counseling sessions
• group therapy sessions and supervised group meals/snacks (mixed groups of adolescents and adults) to help increase stress management and coping skills, boost insight and peer support, and enhance recovery skills
• family support group