1. Adolescent and Parent Treatment (APT)
APT is an emerging model that integrates elements of both parent coaching AND individual
therapy for the young person. It offers a flexible, tailored approach based on the
child/adolescent’s needs. APT has research to support its effectiveness for helping young
people suffering from anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

Key features:
Combination of three therapy components:

1. Parent work – to support re-feeding and reduce ED behaviours

2. Individual therapy – for the young person to explore underlying issues (e.g. anxiety perfectionism, self-worth)

3. Family sessions – to integrate both perspectives and support communication

 

Best suited for:
Young people who will benefit from both family involvement and individual psychological
support

2. Family-Based Treatment (Maudsley Family Therapy / FBT)
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a well-established manualized treatment for young
people with anorexia nervosa and is increasingly used for other eating disorders. It involves
working with the whole family to support recovery.

Key features:

• Parents take an active role in helping their child restore nutrition and weight

• Focuses on empowering parents to manage eating behaviours at home

• Typically involves joint sessions with the family and therapist

• Structured in three phases: weight restoration, returning control to the adolescent, and

• addressing developmental issues​

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Best suited for:
Children and teens with anorexia nervosa or other restrictive eating disorders.

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3. Individual Therapy for Adolescents
In some cases, especially with older adolescents or those with binge eating or bulimia-type
presentations, individual therapy may be the primary mode of treatment.

Common therapeutic models used:

• AFT (Adolescent Focused Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa): AFT is an individual therapy

specifically developed for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa or
bulimia nervosa who may not engage well with family-based approaches. It focuses on
helping the young person build self-awareness, develop healthy identity and autonomy, and
explore how their eating behaviours function in response to stress, identity development, or
emotional needs.

• CBT-E (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Enhanced): Targets unhelpful thoughts and

behaviours around food, weight, and body image

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Helps teens relate differently to distressing

thoughts and emotions

• DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy): Supports emotion regulation and distress tolerance

• MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy): Strengthens readiness for change

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Role of parents:
Even when the adolescent is seen individually, parents are typically included through
regular check-ins or brief family sessions

4. Dietetic Support
A specialist eating disorder dietitian works alongside Linsey to support nutritional
rehabilitation and meal planning.

Focus areas include:

• Nutrition education for parents and adolescents

• Meal structure and planning

• Understanding food rules, fears, and rituals

• Weight restoration or stabilisation goals

 

Best suited for:
Almost all presentations, especially where weight restoration or dietary change is needed.

5. Medical Monitoring
Due to the physical health risks associated with eating disorders, regular medical
monitoring is often essential.

Involves:

• Monitoring of weight, vital signs, menstrual status, and growth charts

• Blood tests and ECGs as needed

• Managed through a GP, paediatrician, or hospital outpatient clinic

 

Required for:
All children and adolescents undergoing treatment for an eating disorder

6. Parent Consultations and Support
Brief one-off or short-term consultations with Linsey can help parents understand warning
signs, seek guidance on next steps, or gain interim support while waiting for treatment.

Helpful for:

• Early signs of disordered eating

• Navigating school and social impacts

• Managing distress, conflict, or secrecy at home

 

Choosing the Right Treatment
The right treatment depends on:

• The type and severity of the eating disorder

• Age and developmental stage of the child/adolescent

• Family dynamics and available support

• Co-occurring mental health concerns

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A specialist assessment by Linsey Atkins will help guide the most appropriate treatment
plan for your family.