ABSTRACT

Chapter 9 outlines how the Reconnecting for Recovery therapists assist patients and families to: a.) identify biopsychosocial factors related to the development and maintenance of eating disorders; b.) relationally reframe these factors into internal disconnections (including intrapersonal [e.g., not accurately perceiving internal states] and interpersonal [e.g., avoiding intense emotion and conflict, self-silencing] processes of disconnection related to anorexia nervosa [AN]); c.) discuss how these processes can contribute to interpersonal disconnections and decreased perceived mutuality with loved ones; d.) describe how AN capitalizes on disconnections and perpetuates illness; and e.) discuss the connection between AN and other co-morbid conditions. Language is provided for how to educate members about these topics and a clinical vignette shows how internal processes of disconnection can interplay and contribute to interpersonal disconnections with loved ones. The chapter encourages the use of a PowerPoint presentation to conduct psychoeducation about the biopsychosocial factors creating and maintaining eating disorders. It outlines recommended reading regarding these factors to review as needed before engaging in psychoeducation. Chapter 9 ends with a focus on the importance of briefly reviewing the comorbid conditions that accompany eating disorders. It includes an outline of Session 5 main goals, materials and handouts.