Family caregivers of those with eating disorders often STILL get a bad rap. Thankfully, many clinicians now see the value in supporting these caregivers who are typically trying to help save a family member’s life.
It’s still very common sadly to hear clinicians say things like, “Parents are trying to control the situation.” or “I’m so tired of parents trying to push their own agenda.” And on and on. Many clinicians have had their own eating disorder and some sadly, have had abusive parents as their own lived experience. Unfortunately, the view of ALL parents is then clouded with this unsavory lens.
What I’ve witnessed are loving, terrified parents who are hoping that recovery is a straight upward trajectory and not the horrifying roller coaster path that it really is. See photo below. This results in FEAR running the show until these parents get some support from a non-judgemental source who will accompany them to have some post traumatic growth to be able to be calm, compassionate, confident caregivers. 
When all clinicians can see parents and other family caregivers as competent, caring, capable allies, then we’ll have parents who are helping support a loved one toward recovery much more painlessly for all.
I’ll give you a peek into the amazing growth I’ve witnessed over the past 20 years of accompanying family caregivers.
Tools & Skills Family Caregives use to Support a Loved One Effectively:
- Let it unfold.
- Release our own fears.
- Accept what is.
- Focus on my own reactions.
- Be calm.
- Ask self, “Is it an emergency?”
- Believe in our family member in recovery.
If you know of a family who is looking for support or you’re a clinician who wants help to support the family of your clients, give me a call this week to discuss options.
Feel free to contact me to learn more about how HUG Kits and our Recovery Roadmaps webinar series can support the work you’re doing with families in your private practice or clinic.
