Family Program

The treatment model we use in our eating disorder program and mental health disorder program follows a family-systems approach because we believe that healing can only happen when all aspects of a person’s life are cared for and family members and other loved ones are the main sources of support in each person’s healing process. We recognize that working with our clients’ families is critical for making sure that they gain the most benefit from their care, so we offer family therapy sessions as part of our clients’ daily programming. We also offer bimonthly intensive family training and support groups. 

Everyone who is healing from an eating disorder or other mental health disorder needs a strong support system, and that support system typically revolves around family, which is why it is important for family members to feel equipped to help their loved ones.  

Mental health concerns can impact the entire family, disrupting daily routines and taking attention away from other family members while everyone is focused on the individual who is struggling. Family members may have conflicting emotions when their loved one comes home from an eating disorder program or a mental health disorder program. They are likely excited to have the person back home, but they may also feel residual pain, resentment, and frustration caused by hurtful memories. 

Our team wants to make sure that families can heal as a unit. For this reason, we place an emphasis on working closely with families while their loved ones are in our program. 

The process of recovery can be both inspiring and discouraging, with alternating successes and setbacks. Family therapy helps family members learn how to best take care of their own needs and address their own emotions while offering the support their loved one needs on their recovery journey. 

Clients in our eating disorder program and our mental health disorder program can receive family therapy once a week. They can also request additional family therapy sessions on an as-needed basis. In these sessions, families may engage in discussions about a variety of topics, such as: 

• The causes and consequences of eating disorders and other mental health disorders 
• What the process of recovery looks like 
• How families can support their loved ones during and after their time in treatment  
• Resolving underlying emotional concerns 
• Effective communication and conflict resolution 
• Healthy boundaries 
• Setting realistic expectations 
• Developing a healthy sense of self 

Offering unconditional support for a loved one can be a challenge, but the reward is great.  

At Carolina House, we offer a recurring “Family Day” once every six weeks. Family Day includes a full day of psychoeducation and support for families or the primary support system of any client in our eating disorder program or our mental health disorder program. 

Family Day is focused on providing families with information about what the care process looks like for clients, offering a realistic view of recovery, and teaching them how they can best support their loved ones on their healing journeys. 

In addition to Family Day, Carolina House offers a free weekly family support group that is open to anyone in the community who has a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder or other mental health concern.

During  treatment, family therapy can help the entire family learn about:

• The causes and consequences of disorders, as well as the process of recovery
• How to support their loved one during treatment, and help resolve underlying emotional issues
• Effective communication and conflict resolution
• Setting realistic expectations for themselves and others
• Setting healthy boundaries
• Developing a healthy sense of self