ABSTRACT
In this chapter we discuss some of the cognitive and behavioural strategies we use in our work with family members, both on their assumptions about and reactions to anorexia nervosa. We start by identifying the underlying model of anorexia nervosa held by family members. Often their conceptual framework contains inaccurate assumptions about the illness. These can fuel unhelpful emotional reactions such as anger, shame or guilt. Education and cognitive restructuring can help build a more realistic parental model of the illness that can, in turn, improve the emotional atmosphere in the family.
