Maudsley Family-Based Treatment (MFBT)
A Highly Effective Family-Based Approach for Eating Disorders
Maudsley Family-Based Therapy (MFBT) is an evidence-based treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) and has emerging support for the treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN). Developed by Christopher Dare and colleagues at the Maudsley Hospital in London, MFBT is a structured, short-term therapy that actively involves the entire family in the recovery process. The central premise of MFBT is that the family plays a key role in helping their child recover by implementing meal support, parental oversight, and environmental adjustments while ensuring recovery occurs at home.
Research indicates that 70-90% of adolescents who achieve a healthy weight by the end of MFBT treatment maintain their recovery five years post-treatment (Hurst, Read, & Wallis, 2012). The treatment is increasingly being recognized as a viable alternative to inpatient or partial hospitalization programs, allowing adolescents to remain in their home environment while receiving structured treatment.
How Does MFBT Work?
MFBT is a three-phase treatment typically spanning 6 to 12 months, with structured family involvement at every stage. The primary goal of MFBT is to restore the patient’s weight, address distorted eating behaviors, and help the family establish healthy dynamics that support long-term recovery.
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The Three Phases of MFBT
Phase One: Weight Restoration
Initial evaluation: The therapist conducts a thorough assessment of the family’s eating patterns, medical stability, and emotional dynamics.
Setting expectations for treatment: Parents assume full responsibility for their child's nutrition and meal support.
Refeeding strategy: Parents supervise and enforce all meals and snacks, ensuring that their child gradually restores weight in a structured and supported manner.
Weekly weigh-ins and progress tracking: The therapist provides guidance, problem-solving strategies, and emotional support for the family.
Externalizing the eating disorder: Families are encouraged to view the eating disorder as separate from their child, allowing them to support their child rather than blame them.
At the end of Phase One, once the adolescent reaches an appropriate body weight and demonstrates improved eating behaviors, the family moves into the next stage.
Phase Two: Returning Control of Eating to the Adolescent
Gradual transition: Parents begin relinquishing some control over meals, allowing the adolescent to gradually assume responsibility for their eating habits.
Problem-solving challenges: The therapist helps the family navigate common setbacks, such as fear of weight gain or resistance to eating.
Age-appropriate autonomy: The adolescent is encouraged to make small, independent food choices, such as selecting snacks or eating with friends without parental supervision.
Support and reinforcement: The therapist ensures that the family continues to provide emotional support and encouragement, while also monitoring for relapse signs.
By the end of Phase Two, the adolescent should be fully weight-restored and able to make independent food choiceswithout triggering disordered behaviors.
Phase Three: Establishing a Healthy Identity
Reinforcement of recovery: The adolescent maintains their stable weight without parental supervision of meals.
Restoration of family roles: Parents transition back into age-appropriate parenting, no longer having to oversee meals but remaining supportive.
Emphasizing identity beyond the eating disorder: The therapist helps the adolescent focus on personal goals, school, friendships, and hobbies outside of the disorder.
Improved family communication: Therapy sessions shift toward strengthening healthy family interactions, promoting emotional openness and healthy coping mechanisms.
Gradual conclusion of therapy: Once the adolescent is confidently managing their recovery, treatment is gradually phased out.
Who is MFBT Right For?
MFBT is best suited for:
Children and adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa who are medically stable.
Families willing to actively participate in treatment and meal supervision.
Adolescents recently discharged from inpatient treatment who need continued support.
Individuals who require an alternative to inpatient care, allowing them to recover at home while engaging in daily life.
Benefits of Maudsley Family-Based Therapy
High success rate: Research suggests that 70-90% of adolescents who complete MFBT maintain recovery long-term.
Recovery within a familiar environment: Patients remain at home, surrounded by family support, rather than in an inpatient setting.
Parental empowerment: Parents take an active role in their child's recovery, reducing reliance on hospitalization.
Long-term effectiveness: MFBT teaches sustainable coping skills, reducing the risk of relapse.
Stronger family relationships: Therapy improves communication, problem-solving skills, and emotional support within the family unit.
Why Choose Upper East Side Psychology for MFBT?
At Upper East Side Psychology, we specialize in Maudsley Family-Based Therapy and provide a collaborative, structured, and evidence-based approach to treating eating disorders in adolescents. Our experienced clinicians guide families through each phase of treatment, offering:
Highly trained therapists with expertise in eating disorder recovery.
Personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each family.
A supportive environment that fosters growth, healing, and long-term success.
Flexible therapy options, including in-person and virtual sessions for accessibility.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If your child or adolescent is struggling with an eating disorder, MFBT can provide the structure and support necessary for lasting recovery. Contact Upper East Side Psychology today to learn more about our family-based approach to eating disorder treatment.
Empower your family to take control of eating disorder recovery. Schedule a consultation today to start the journey toward healing and wellness.
References
Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2013). Treatment manual for anorexia nervosa: A family-based approach (2nd ed.).Guilford Press.
Hurst, K., Read, S., & Wallis, A. (2012). Anorexia nervosa in adolescence and Maudsley family-based treatment. Journal of Counseling & Development, 90(3), 339-345. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.2012.00042.x
