ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 discusses how the Reconnecting for Recovery (R4R) therapist effectively engages and evaluates young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their families during the first of two (single-family) assessment, joining, and orientation sessions. Chapter 5 outlines how to describe the nature and goals of R4R, reframe eating disorders as diseases of disconnection, and educate patients and families about the importance of mutual relationships in recovery. A clinical vignette shows how the R4R therapist moves from an educational to a process-oriented discussion during Session 1, modeling how to work through disconnections using a real-life example for the family. Visual depictions of the two main kinds of disconnections, perceived mutuality (PM) in relationships, and caregiver styles that promote or obstruct PM, are described. There is discussion of the various Session 1 patient and family member assessments: (a) patient and family member experiences of AN (including points of tension and disconnections); (b) the level of PM in family relationships; and (c) relational patterns related to AN’s impact on the family. Chapter 5 ends with how to wrap up Session 1 and an outline of Session 1 goals, materials, and handouts.
