What we do
We draw on the principles of the evidence-based Family Based Therapy treatment, believing that parents and carers are the most useful resource in treatment for their young person with an eating disorder.
We adopt a dialogical approach that values different perspectives. This means we have conversations where all ideas, experiences, and concerns are valued and considered equally. We offer our professional multi-disciplinary expertise to support a collaborative decision-making process. We encourage all important people in the young person’s life to participate in the process with the aim of achieving better health outcomes.
Our approach
Recovery from anorexia nervosa involves restoring weight and health, getting back to normal eating behaviours, and helping young people deal with ongoing fears, mood problems and body image concerns.
Families are a key resource in recovery, but we understand they may feel isolated and under pressure in meeting these challenges.
Key principles
1. Immediate help
The first meeting is arranged as soon as possible.
2. Social network perspective
All important people in the young person’s life are involved.
3. Flexibility and mobility
The meetings and approach are adapted to meet the needs of the person and their network.
4. Responsibility
The team takes responsibility to coordinate support and work effectively with families.
5. Psychological continuity
The team strives for long-term continuity of staff and care provided.
6. Tolerance of uncertainty
Where possible, the team avoids making premature decisions about the nature of the crisis, diagnosis, treatment and medication required.
7. Dialogue
Open conversation is encouraged to support healing. This is shared equally between the young person, their support network and the treatment team.
Who do we support?
The Eating Disorders Program is for children and young people up to the age of 25 who require a higher level of care.
We cover the areas of:
- Port Phillip, Stonnington and Glen Eira (north of North Road): Age 0-25
- Glen Eira (south of North Road), Bayside and Kingston (west of Boundary Road)*: Age 0-18
*Monash Health provides services for over 18s in these Local Government Areas.
Self-referral is encouraged. Alternatively, a health professional or family member may refer a young person.
Principles of the program
We take a flexible, purposeful and family-centred approach to treatment that is tailored to each child or young person’s individual needs. We combine our expertise with feedback from your family to guide our treatment approach. Our new Eating Disorders Intensive at Home program aims to avoid the need for hospital treatment or, if required, reduce the length of stay and support the young person after leaving hospital.
Our hope
Recovery is all about belief, hope and persistence. We strive to have impactful, healing and hopeful meetings with children and young people and their family/carers that are tailored to each family’s needs.