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Compassionate Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia, FBT Dietitian Nutritionist in Colorado, Body Image and Nutrition Counseling for Lasting Healing and Recovery

Get specialized Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Anorexia. Also known as the Maudsley model, this treatment gives you the tools you need to help your child, teen, and/or loved one achieve full recovery from anorexia and holistic well-being. Our certified dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy and compassionate care to guide you toward lasting healing and empower you to reclaim food and body trust and freedom,  embracing life with a renewed sense of wellness and vitality.

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What is Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia?

At Side By Side Nutrition, our certified dietitians offer Family-Based Treatment and medical nutrition therapy tailored for individuals dealing with anorexia and their families. The Maudsley Method, or FBT, is an intense outpatient treatment for children and teens struggling with anorexia. It involves empowering and providing support for caregivers and siblings and is proven to be one of the most effective ways to help teens and children recover from eating disorders.

 

In the context of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Anorexia, the primary goal of medical nutrition therapy is to utilize a comprehensive approach that integrates the active participation of the family in fostering complete recovery and holistic well-being. This specialized therapy focuses on restoring and stabilizing nutritional health, with certified medical nutrition therapy dietitians guiding families in planning, preparing, and overseeing meals to ensure gradual and monitored weight restoration.

Medical nutrition therapy within the FBT framework empowers families to actively contribute to modifying disordered eating behaviors, rebuilding trust, and promoting open communication within the family unit. It addresses psychological factors associated with Anorexia, collaborating with mental health professionals as needed. Throughout the process, the therapy supports the transition of responsibilities back to the individual, fostering a sense of autonomy and independence. Ultimately, the goal is to improve overall well-being, encompassing physical and mental health, and to guide individuals towards embracing life with vitality and renewed wellness through the principles of medical nutrition therapy within the collaborative framework of FBT.

Family Based Treatment (FBT) is an evidence based treatment for children and adolescents with anorexia. It uses the family and caregivers to help their child recover from their anorexia.

With locations in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as Woodinville, Washington, our services extend to patients across the state and country through in-person and online nutrition counseling.

 
 

What are the five principles of FBT?

  1. The nutrition therapist holds an agnostic view of the eating disorder.

  2. Anorexia is separated from the patient and externalized.

  3. This is a non-authoritarian treatment.

  4. Parents are empowered. The goal is to empower parents or caregivers to nourish their child and help their child achieve recovery. As parents, you know your child best. As dietitian nutritionists and healthcare providers, we are here for guidance and support.

  5. Focus on treating the eating disorder vs finding a cause. The focus is pragmatic. The focus is now and how, now why. There is also no blaming of the parents or caregivers.

 
 

What does nutrition therapy for anorexia using Family-Based Treatment (FBT) look like?

What are the stages of the FBT process?

There are 3 Phases of FBT.

  • PHASE 1: Parental management and weight restoration.

    • In phase 1, parents or caregivers are in charge of planning, prepping, and plating all meals and snacks to help their child get adequate nutrition. If weight restoration is needed, this is also an essential goal, as full weight restoration is an important part of recovery.

  • PHASE 2: Gradual return of control to your child or teen.

    • As the eating disorder behaviors subside and weight is restored, the adolescent can help to choose or prep some meals or snacks.

  • PHASE 3: Establishing healthy independence.

    • This may be where treatment shifts from a family-focused treatment towards helping the adolescent develop an identity and independence while also being free of their eating disorder.

 

Is Family Based Treatment (FBT) the most effective treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with anorexia?

Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also referred to as the Maudsley Approach, stands out as a prominent and well-supported therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults grappling with eating disorders. Nevertheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that the efficacy of treatment methods can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Extensive research and clinical trials consistently attest to the effectiveness of Family-Based Treatment in addressing eating disorders. Notably, FBT demonstrates short-term efficacy and yields sustained benefits over time. Long-term follow-up investigations, such as those documented in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, indicate the positive impact of FBT even beyond the active treatment phase.

While FBT enjoys robust empirical backing, it's essential to acknowledge the presence of individual differences, with varying patient responses to different treatment approaches. Additionally, ongoing research may contribute further insights into the effectiveness of various treatments for eating disorders.

 
 

What is the length of treatment for Family Based Treatment?

FBT and anorexia recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. It often takes several months or longer to restore adequate nutrition and weight. It also can take up to a year after that for eating disorder thoughts to decrease or disappear. 

Sometimes, more intensive treatment options may be recommended. This does not mean your child or family is failing at FBT or outpatient treatment. Often, the eating disorder is so strong, or there are medical consequences, that a higher level of care would be beneficial before returning to outpatient treatment.

Since treatment can be intensive, it’s so important to engage in self-care as the parent or caregiver. This can mean using family or friends for support, eating disorder support groups for caregivers, or alternating who eats meals/snacks with your child.

Typically, it’s recommended to meet with your dietitian and FBT therapist weekly, but this can be individualized to your family’s situation.

 
 

What puts children at risk for Anorexia?

Eating disorders may arise from a blend of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences. While they can impact people of all ages, including children, particular elements may elevate the likelihood of eating disorder development in this demographic. It's noteworthy that these risk factors don't automatically lead to the onset of an eating disorder, and various elements could play into an individual's susceptibility. Here are several potential risk factors for eating disorders in children:

  • Genetic Factors: Evidence suggests a genetic predisposition to eating disorders, meaning children with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions might face a higher risk.

  • Psychological Factors: Certain personality traits like perfectionism, low self-esteem, or self-criticism may render children more susceptible to eating disorders.

  • Sociocultural Influences: Societal pressures, idealized body images in media, and cultural emphasis on thinness can foster body dissatisfaction and impact the development of eating disorders.

  • Peer Influence: Children influenced by peer pressure to conform to specific body standards or engage in unhealthy eating behaviors may be at increased risk.

  • Dieting and Weight Concerns: Children practicing dieting or expressing worries about weight and body shape may be prone to developing disordered eating patterns.

  • Sports and Activities: Participation in sports or activities focusing on weight, body shape, or performance, such as gymnastics or wrestling, may heighten the risk of eating disorders in children.

  • Childhood Trauma: Exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse, may contribute to eating disorder development in some children.

  • Parental and Family Influence: Family dynamics, parental attitudes toward body image and weight, and modeling of unhealthy eating behaviors can shape a child's view of food and body image.

  • Mental Health Conditions: Children with pre-existing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression may face an increased risk of developing eating disorders.

  • Puberty and Body Changes: The physical and hormonal changes during puberty can lead to body dissatisfaction and elevate susceptibility to eating disorders.

 
 
 

It's crucial to recognize the complexity of these risk factors as eating disorders are multifaceted conditions. Not every child with these risk factors will develop an eating disorder, and the interaction of different elements shapes an individual's risk. Early intervention, transparent communication, and a nurturing environment play key roles in minimizing these risks and fostering a positive body image and healthy relationship with food in children.

We want to work with you.

 
 

 What does a dietitian do for ED?

 

Our devoted team of nutrition experts specializing in eating disorders is dedicated to guiding clients toward a journey of healing that transcends fear and shame. By addressing concerns around food and dismantling negative body image perceptions and behaviors, we empower clients to reclaim ownership of their relationships with food and body and to shift their outlook, beliefs, and behaviors towards love, respect, and acceptance. This transformation paves the way for sustainable recovery and lasting wellbeing. Together, we strive to eradicate feelings of shame related to food and body image, identify triggers that fuel self-doubt, and nurture a trusting relationship with both food and body, creating space for our authentic selves and true values to emerge and thrive.

Recognizing that each individual holds the key to their own healing journey, our diverse team of medical nutrition specialists facilitates a process of self-exploration and empowerment. Recovery from an eating disorder and disorder eating extends beyond overcoming the eating disorder; it involves cultivating a rich and empowered life through healing around food and body image.

A full treatment team is recommended in order to provide effective care. Your dietitian at Side by Side can help refer you to other care providers.

  • A dietitian can assist in developing and adjusting a suitable meal plan, offer educational resources, facilitate exposure to diverse foods to broaden variety, provide exercise recommendations, help with body image struggles, aid in challenging eating disorder thought patterns and much more.

  • A FBT family therapist who has been trained specifically in FBT can with the family to provide support for challenges, help teach coping skills, provide guidance, and more.

  • A PCP that is ideally educated on eating disorder can help regularly monitor vital signs, weight, labs, and any other tests recommended.

  • Other providers, such as a psychiatrist or therapists for other family members, may be recommended.

 

What does nutrition therapy include?

 

A Comprehensive Initial Assessment

Our holistic approach begins with a comprehensive initial assessment, where we delve into your unique needs, exploring your past and present relationship with food, body image, and health history. With your permission, we work collaboratively to understand your goals and aspirations for our partnership. In our specialized work with Anorexia Nervosa, we prioritize the holistic healing of the individual by fostering a positive relationship with food and body.

 

Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues

Our approach is centered on breaking free from the constant thoughts and behaviors associated with the eating disorder that keep individuals stuck in a cycle of distress. Together, we embark on a transformative journey to build trust in the body's natural cues, allowing for a renewed sense of freedom and openness in life. Through targeted interventions, we address the root causes of disordered eating, working towards liberating individuals from the constraints of Anorexia Nervosa.

 

Go Beyond Symptom Management - Shift Body Image Perception

Our focus extends beyond mere symptom management; we strive to instill a profound shift in body image perception, promoting self-acceptance and a genuine appreciation for one's unique identity. By dismantling the mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder, we empower our clients to embrace a life unburdened by constant thoughts, fostering a newfound sense of joy, purpose, and possibility. Follow-up sessions form the core of our work together. We thoroughly examine your relationship with food and body, addressing challenges and co-creating individualized tools. We delve into body image exploration, dismantling external influences of food and body shame, and establish supportive structures as needed. Our goal is to help you increase variety and flexibility with eating, learning to respond to your body's hunger and satiety cues, and developing a joyful relationship with food and body.

 

Continued Support

Throughout your journey, we offer unwavering support, navigating the inevitable ups and downs. We celebrate your progress and stand by you as you cross the finish line. Our mission is not only eating disorder recovery but also the cultivation of a life that is rich, meaningful, and fully aligned with your values. We believe in the importance of this journey and the therapeutic relationship, and our dedicated dietitians are here to guide you every step of the way.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials List

Recent “graduate” from Side by Side Nutrition. I started working with SBSN to figure out how food worked after having an eating disorder for years. And I’m so happy I got so much more than that! SBSN introduced me to Self-Compassion and met me with an approach that never included shaming me. I looked forward to our sessions every week, even if I hadn’t done any of my work, because I knew she’d be understanding and work with me to figure out what I needed to make it happen. And none of that compassion and presence was lost when we had to switch to telehealth. When I started, I didn’t think healing from an eating disorder was possible. And I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d come out of it with an unshakable love for my body (certainly not a plus size body with chronic illness)! I’m so glad circumstances sent me here because I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this place with my previous dietician! I am STRONG, I am CONFIDENT, and I am in LOVE with myself! Thank you so much for helping me on my journey here! It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it!

— Michaela Myers

I worked with SBSN at Side by Side after an eating disorder diagnosis, and it changed my life for the better. The entire team is incredibly supportive, patient, and full of resources. There's a lot of confusion out there about dieticians and nutritionists, and I'm lucky to have found a place that helped me the way no one ever had. I thought recovery was impossible for me, but it's not! You just have to find the right people, and that can take some digging. Side by Side is the real deal.

— Melanie Smith

As the director of an eating disorder outpatient clinic, licensed psychologist, and certified eating disorders specialist, I am extremely picky about the dietitians my team and I will collaborate with. I can say with full confidence that my team completely trusts Jamie Magdic and her entire team of dietitians. Jamie is incredibly compassionate and dedicated to her patients, in addition to being extremely knowledgeable . Side By Side Nutrition is one of our clinic's top picks for nutrition therapy. They are excellent, know eating disorders, and are actually weight-inclusive and HAES-informed. I would trust Side By Side Nutrition with any patient with any diagnosis in any stage of recovery.

— Dr. Janean Anderson

I started working with SBSN after 20 years of disordered eating and 3 years of eating disorder treatment. My RDs were always focused on my weight restoration and how I felt food, but never really got how I felt about my body. I have made bigger strides in recovery working with SBSN than I ever did with any other RD. SBSN is kind, compassionate, non-judgemental, and easy to relate to. I felt comfortable with SBSN starting from day 1. To quote my therapist, SBSN is a unicorn and you won't find anyone like them!

— Alexandria McCombs

When I started working with SBSN, I had been struggling with my eating disorder for over six years. I had worked with RDs and therapists before, but they solely focused on weight restoration and not the mental aspect of recovery, so I stayed stuck in my disorder while in a "recovered" body. SBSN's approach was unlike any other RD or eating disorder specialist I had worked with before in that she treats her clients as whole, multifaceted people and addresses so much more than just the food piece of recovery. They helped me to constantly challenge my eating disorder and tackle food fears while also teaching me about the importance of self care and self compassion in recovery and how I could incorporate these into my life. I truly feel that my work with SBSN not only helped me win my battle against my eating disorder but helped me to be a stronger, happier, healthier person in general now that I have those self care tools. It was so refreshing to work with someone with a holistic approach to eating disorders and body image issues and I cannot recommend working with her enough! Thank you so much SBSN for your support!

— Kacey

SBSN gave me peace and restoration in my mind, body, and life. I had deeply rooted issues surrounding food and my body, and I thought I would never recover from my concerns. I had my reservations about meeting a dietician on my first appointment, but the therapy is never diet-focused, and focused more on client-centered care and recovery. They tailor therapy sessions around your goals and comfort. They provide many resources for her clients to guide them through each phase of recovery. I will never forget SBSN, they were an essential factor in my recovery.

— Lauren

I am so thankful to this organization, they are helping me out so much in so many different areas. My dietitian is an outstanding registered dietitian to work with and Jamie has jumped hoops to make sure that I could get into this program and I am so humbled by their partnering care! I love the inviting and accepting feel of the staff and overall office feel, from when I walk in the doors through when I walk out after my appointment every time I come. I truly don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Side by Side guiding me through my healing journey. My eyes well with gratitude for this practice as I write this review! Thank you!!!

— Mary Sanders

Our team of Expert Dietitian Nutritionists Have Been Featured In:

 

Our Team of Dietitian Nutritionists, Expert ED and Medical Nutrition Counselors

 

The Side by Side Nutrition team has a team of 12+ outpatient registered dietitians. We provide online nutrition counseling to patients in Colorado and around the country. We offer one-on-one and family nutrition counseling for patients either online or in person, with offices located in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. We specialize in eating disorder recovery and body image healing.

RD - Registered Dietitian
RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
MS - Masters of Science

As specialists in ED nutrition counseling our mission is rooted in compassion. We:  

  • Strive to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals on their journey to wellness. 

  • Understand the profound impact that eating disorders can have on one's life.

  • Are committed to fostering a supportive community where every client feels seen, heard, and understood. 

  • Work from an intuitive eating, HAES (Health at Every Size) Informed Approach.

  • Believe everyone has the right to high-quality care – accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of our values.

  • Stand firm in our belief in the possibility of full recovery. 

  • Continually invest in our education to stay at the forefront of the field.

  • Are committed to ongoing learning.

  • Channel all our resources into becoming the best eating disorder nutritionist counselors.

  • Are dedicated to guiding our clients toward a life of lasting health and empowerment.

 

We Accept Insurance:

We are committed to ensuring that our clients have access to healthcare, and we make every effort to facilitate this. We accept insurance plans such as BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), United HealthCare (Optum), Aetna, and Cigna.

 
 

Dietitian for ED and Medical Nutrition Therapy FAQ

 

How successful is FBT?

FBT has shown success in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, particularly in adolescents. Research indicates positive outcomes, including weight restoration and improved family dynamics. Success may vary among individuals.

How does the success of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) compare to individuals attempting to manage anorexia nervosa independently in adolescents?

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) has demonstrated greater success in treating anorexia nervosa in adolescents compared to individuals managing it independently. The active involvement of the family in FBT contributes to more positive outcomes, including weight restoration and improved psychological well-being.

What are the cons of FBT?

While FBT has demonstrated effectiveness, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some cons include the intensive involvement of the family, potential resistance from the individual, and the need for specialized and experienced providers who may not be as accessible.

What common family dynamics are associated with anorexia nervosa?

Common family dynamics associated with anorexia nervosa may include high levels of control, perfectionism, communication difficulties, enmeshment, and challenges in expressing emotions.

Is family-based treatment evidence-based?

Yes, family-based treatment (FBT) is considered evidence-based for the treatment of anorexia nervosa, especially in adolescents. Research supports its efficacy in promoting weight restoration and recovery.

What is family-based treatment for eating disorders?

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders involves collaborative efforts between the individual, their family, and treatment professionals. It aims to address maladaptive eating behaviors and improve family dynamics.

What is Maudsley Family-Based Treatment?

Maudsley Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a specific form of family therapy for anorexia nervosa. It originated from the Maudsley Hospital in London and emphasizes family involvement in the refeeding and recovery process.

What insurance plans do you accept?

Side By Side Nutrition is in network with Cigna, Cigna Localplus, Aetna, BlueCross Blue Shield (Anthem/Regence), UMR, and United Healthcare. Prior to your visit, please call your insurance company to check your benefits. We can not guarantee coverage. For other insurance companies, we are out-of-network providers. This means we can provide you a superbill to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. SBS can not submit superbills without a medical diagnosis. Payment is due at time of service for folxs using out of network benefits.

How does treatment work? What does a typical session look like?

An outpatient team consists of a dietitian, therapist, and primary care physician at minimum. Sessions are highly individualized and change from week to week depending on the needs, goals, behaviors, and journey of each client. Our dietitians are constantly assessing the needs, progress, safety, and next steps with their client’s short and long term goals in mind. 

An outpatient team works collaboratively to ensure clients get the best care for their recovery while staying in their day to day life. Clients in eating disorder recovery being treated on the outpatient level will typically visit with their dietitians 1-2x/week, therapist 1-2x/week, PCP monthly, and psychiatrist as needed.

I don’t live in Colorado, can we still work together?

Absolutely! We are passionate about making care accessible for you and offer telehealth services and online nutrition therapy when appropriate. We will meet via a HIPAA-compliant video conference platform and communicate between sessions using email. 

We provide nutrition counseling to clients from around the county. 

Do you work with children and adolescents?

Dietitians at Side By Side Nutrition work with teens and adolescents ages around 9+ and up. With treating adolescents for an eating disorder, we typically use a modified family based treatment approach which involves treating the entire family. You can learn more about Family Based Treatment for eating disorders here.

How do I get started?

You can schedule directly online here!

You can also contact us to help you schedule via our contact form here.

If you have any questions about working with us or scheduling, feel free to contact us via email or phone: contact@sidebysidenutrition.com or call us at 708-717-7394.