Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.
- Jane Howard
Eating disorders affect not just our clients, but their families, who themselves require healing and understanding. We recognize that family relationships can shed light on and provide a better understanding of eating disorders, and we believe that family members can play a powerful role in recovery.
Magnolia Creek's Family Program is run by a our dedicated family therapist, Anna Stanley, and is designed to provide education for family members, helping them learn how to relate to their loved ones in a supportive way.
Family Nights
On Tuesday nights, we host a Family Night for local and visiting family members and loved ones to provide them an opportunity to attend groups and family therapy.
For confidentiality and safety reasons in our community, Family Nights are by "invitation-only." A staff member will contact you to make arrangements for you to attend, based on the health, progress, and treatment goals of your family member. If you are interested and have not yet heard from a staff member, please inquire by contacting our Family Therapist.
- Family Education Group - Family Night begins with an education and support group, which educates families about eating disorders and treatment methods, addresses concerns they may be having, and provides support.
- Multi-Family Group - Family Night concludes with Multi-Family therapy group. Led by our family therapist, the group promotes exploration of family dynamics that may be impacted by the eating disorder and provides a forum for both clients and their families to discuss the treatment process.
Family Therapy
Family therapy takes place on an individual basis. Our family therapist and treatment team collaborate with each client to form goals for family and relationship work during their stay at Magnolia Creek. Based on these goals, the therapist works with family members to solicit their involvment and participation.
Therapy sessions may take place by phone or in-person to explore family dynamics, determine potential goals related to family functioning, and promote family healing. These sessions are set up by the family therapist according to the week's treatment goals, the needs of the individual client, and her schedule.
Family Weekends
Family Weekends take place every four to six weeks, providing local and visiting family members the opportunity to more actively and intensively participate in the treatment process. The weekend is focused around providing family members with information and tools to cope with eating disorder behaviors and promote recovery.
The weekend is filled with classes, shared meals, group therapy, and individual appointments with the client's treatment team. Meal passes (approved on individual basis) and lunches/snacks are provided.
There is a small cost for each participant to cover materials, lunch, and snacks. Children under 12 are not able to participate due to the intensity of the groups and the themes of the sessions.
