ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 continues to discuss how the Reconnecting for Recovery (R4R) therapist effectively engages and evaluates young adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their families during the second of two (single-family) assessment, joining, and orientation sessions. This chapter outlines how the therapist reviews patient and family member points of tension and perceptions of disconnections related to anorexia nervosa (AN), assists with the development of patient and family group goals, and finishes the orientation to the R4R Multifamily Therapy Group. A clinical vignette shows how the therapist promotes perceived mutuality (i.e., mutual trust, empathy, and empowerment) among family members while reviewing disagreement about the points of tension and disconnections experienced by a patient and his or her family members. The therapist uses this early opportunity to help the patient and family members practice the emotional and relational skills of being “different-in-connection” with one another. The chapter then moves on to a description of R4R goals, norms, orientation handouts, and recommended readings. Session 2 goals, materials, and handouts are summarized at the end of the chapter.
