ABSTRACT
There are many parallels in the process of beginning therapy and beginning supervision. This chapter explores some of the common challenges that arise as both clinicians and families alike undertake FBT to treat restrictive eating disorders. There are many important points of learning emphasized here, including how to conduct an initial assessment with families, how to engage families and the important points to cover both in supervision and in the informed consent process as treatment ensues so that all parties understand the journey they are to embark upon. This chapter introduces the concept of common dilemmas or clinical sticking points. We address dilemmas arising in early treatment, including confusion about how to best empower parents, how to keep the focus on intervening on eating disorder symptoms, and helping clinicians manage their leadership role within the framework of the broader treatment team. We provide concrete tools and case examples to illustrate and provide solutions to these common early challenges.
