Description
There are few things more difficult for an adolescent than battling with anorexia. Whilst family, carers and friends can support them to eat and recover, psychological recovery is a solitary journey clouded by fear and uncertainty where they are overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, shame and disgust about who they are and how they look.
This book has been written specifically for the adolescents who are on this terrible journey. The authors promote the view that adolescents deserve to be fully involved in their treatment; to be heard; and to be given a voice to tell their story. It is through being understood by others that they can then understand themselves and make progress on their journey to recovery. This book emphasises the crucial need for adolescents to develop a deep sense of who they are and an awareness of their many valuable resources which they can draw upon despite their internal conviction that they have none.
Every aspect of anorexia is addressed with a focus on helping adolescents understand that they do not need anorexia to function. It helps them explore ways to stand up to anorexia instead of being captive to the illness and provides multiple methods for overcoming significant obstacles that anorexia puts in their way. Importantly, it outlines a framework of psychological support for adolescents.
The information in the book is based on the latest evidence and the authors’ clinical expertise over many years of working with adolescents and listening to their needs. This book is also a valuable resource for parents to help them understand and support their child as well as an indispensable guide for clinicians working in the field as it provides several effective treatment strategies focusing on adolescents.
“Unpack Your Eating Disorder is a brilliant resource for parents, carers, clinicians and most importantly, the adolescents themselves who are experiencing the anorexia. It is the “missing link” in anorexia treatment today. It gives the adolescent a voice, understanding and validation while providing critical and practical information about what is going on in the brain and why reactions and perceptions are not always as they seem. Reading this book in conjunction with the journal will no doubt help guide many struggling teenagers to have a better understanding of what is going on and help teach them to develop a healthier view of self as they work towards their recovery. – Highly recommended”
Christine Naismith, Parent. Eating Disorders Families Australia, EDFA. (edfa.org.au)
“Unpack Your Eating Disorder has given me a thorough understanding of how anorexia operates. Every aspect of the book has validated my feelings and not belittled them. It is through such ownership of my true self that I have been empowered to recover and develop the skills I need on my recovery journey.”
Adolescent in recovery
“This book provides a long awaited new direction in the treatment of adolescent eating disorders by utilising the strengths of both the adolescent and their carers. This essential resource has been distilled from the many years of extraordinary dedication and commitment shown by both Linsey and Maria towards their patients. This handbook will become an invaluable tool for all working in the challenging field of eating disorders.”
Dr. Jacinta Coleman, Head of Adolescent Medicine, Monash Children’s Hospital
