Maudsley family therapy

The Maudsley model is a successful, evidence-based approach to therapy that places whānau at the centre of a young person's recovery from an eating disorder.

This therapy recognises that parents, caregivers and siblings play an important role in supporting recovery at home. Rather than assigning blame, it helps whānau to work together, drawing on their unique understanding of the rangatahi.

Our family therapy team is fully trained in this specialist model. Through guided sessions, whānau learn practical strategies to help their rangatahi return to healthy eating patterns and rebuild confidence and trust.

For whānau where the standard Maudsley model may not be suitable, we offer an adapted version of the programme tailored to their availability for sessions.

The Maudsley model is beneficial for treating all types of eating disorders.

International research shows the Maudsley model to be one of the most effective treatments for rangatahi with anorexia nervosa. With Mausdley therapy, 75% to 80% of rangatahi recover after one year of treatment.

Three phases of Maudsley model treatment

Phase 1

• Weekly sessions until 90% to 95% ideal body weight is achieved. There is an average of 20 sessions but this will likely be more if the eating disorder has been long term.
• Every session involves weighing the rangatahi at the beginning of the session.
• Parents are given the task of re-feeding the rangatahi. Siblings are given the role of supporting the rangatahi if they are distressed during this process.
• Whanau are supported to view the eating disorder as separate from the young person, helping to reduce guilt, blame and anger within the whānau.

Phase 2

• Sessions every 2 weeks to maintain weight at 90-95% of target. There is an average of 9 sessions in this phase.
• The focus is on making sure the rangatahi eats without pressure from parents.
• Every session involves weighing the rangatahi at the beginning of the session.
• Over time, the parents allow the rangatahi to reclaim control over their eating and exercise behaviours and choices.
• The ongoing impact of the eating disorder on the young person's life is explored and therapy focuses on challenging the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that contribute to the illness.
• The rangatahi restarts, or further develops, contact with peers and the wider world.

Phase 3

• Move to monthly sessions when the parents are convinced the eating disorder will not return. There are usually around 6 of these sessions.
• The young person's concerns are isolated and addressed and the whānau are supported through problem solving to deal with these concerns.
• It is no longer necessary to weigh the rangatahi.