May 2025 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE...

• Message from the Chair
• Understanding FBT
• Article on what it is and why it works
• Videos
• Books
• Upcoming EDANZ support meetings

Kia ora koutou

My daughter asked me if I knew what POV meant the other day and it had me thinking. Yes, I know the social media trend to post a video from the content creator’s point of view, with “POV:” written, usually in white letters – do I also understand that my point of view is not necessarily how others experience the world? I like to think so. Here at EDANZ we work as peer supporters within our own Lived Experience Viewpoint and as it says on our website, we advocate for Family-Based Treatment (FBT) because, from our lived experience, that treatment works.  I was fortunate enough to attend a teaching day with Prof James Lock, MD, PhD, in Auckland earlier this year and I was interested to learn more about this treatment option from a clinician’s and a researcher’s point of view.  Whichever way you look at FBT, the data shows that it works. So, in this newsletter, we are focusing on understanding a bit more about FBT. There is an article explaining FBT, two video links to help families pragmatically with FBT by Eva Musby and Dr Adele Lafrance, and lastly, a couple of book recommendations on the topic.

Wishing you well this month.

Ngā manaakitanga
Megan

Family-Based Therapy 

– What it is and why it works

Firstly, here is a great one-page summary on Family-Based Treatment – What it is and why it works. This article is easy to read and although written for a clinic in the United States, it is relevant to our families trying to navigate treatment here in Aotearoa New Zealand. It simply gives you facts on FBT.

Parents often ask us here at EDANZ, How?

We are in the clinician’s office for 50 minutes / an hour once a week if we are lucky. Caregivers are with their children for three meals and three snacks a day. There are a few YouTube videos out there to help parents understand eating disorders and navigate the how. Mostly, it comes down to love and compassion.

Below are two videos. The first one, from Eva Musby, is in cartoon form and easy to digest. The whole video is about 21 minutes long. 

Then, a longer video by Dr Adele Lafrance explaining how to support your child emotionally through meals.

The following two books are recommended for parents who are going through FBT.

(Links to buy included for convenience, but a title search will show you where they are available elsewhere online.)

Upcoming support group meetings

EDANZ believes parents/carers have unique abilities to support one another and we hold regular meetings to which you are warmly invited. Currently, we're joining together around the country once a month thanks to videoconferencing technology. 

If you would like to participate in a virtual support group, please RSVP to info@ed.org.nz and we'll send you the link.

Upcoming meetings:

• Wednesday, 7 May at 8pm
• Wednesday, 4 June at 8pm

Did you know EDANZ doesn't receive any regular funding? The EDANZ team are all volunteers who generously give their time to support families and the community. 

Even a small donation from you will help us stay afloat. 

We're so grateful to those who have helped us financially this year.

Make a Donation