
Anorexia Nervosa and Critical Parents
If a young person develops an eating disorder, it’s not the fault of the family. Eating disorders develop as a complex result of social, biological,
Fiona Yassin is the International Program Director at The Wave, holding multiple credentials including being a registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor in both the U.K. and UNCG (Registration number #361609 National and International Council of Psychotherapists). She is EMDR trained (EMDRIA) and practices as a Trauma therapist (Registration number #10000054651).
Fiona’s expertise includes being a member of the International Chapter of IAEDP, with training in CBTe (Oxford Group), FREED (King’s College, London), TF-CBT, RO-DBT, and GPM. Her specializations cover the treatment of Eating Disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as families in High Conflict Divorces and Psychiatry across the female lifespan.
Additionally, Fiona holds the distinction of being a Fellow of APPCH, a senior accredited Addiction Professional, and a member of The Association of Child Protection Professionals. She is also trained in MBT (Child and Family and Adult) and Reflective Parenting with The Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families, and is a Member of The Australia and New Zealand Eating Disorders Association.
Fiona holds an MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health awarded by King’s College London, where she received The Dean’s Award. She is currently completing an MSc in Psychiatry at Cardiff University Medical School and is a PhD Candidate in Mental Health Research at Lancaster University. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending time with her three cats, going for long walks on the beach, and appreciating the beautiful animals in her garden.

If a young person develops an eating disorder, it’s not the fault of the family. Eating disorders develop as a complex result of social, biological,

Many people prescribed with Ozempic eat less food than before and, as a result, have a lower body weight. In the past two years, it’s become a well-known medication that is promoted across social media platforms, including TikTok. This has led to serious concerns about its potential for misuse among people with eating disorders.

Most people with anorexia nervosa can recover with professional treatment, especially in the earlier stages of the disorder. But some young people require more intensive care than others. In particular, some adolescents and young adults need inpatient or residential treatment to stay safe and have the best chances of recovery.

While medical emergencies are frightening, with urgent medical care, young people can be kept safe and recover. Long-term treatment for eating disorders supports young people to recover physically, psychologically, and socially – and prevents medical emergencies in the future.

The cognitive interpersonal maintenance model is a theory about the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa. It describes the way that personality traits, ways of thinking, and difficulties forming relationships with others make people vulnerable to developing the disorder.

Families usually constitute young people’s closest relationships and support systems. That’s why family therapy is so important in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Working with young people and their families, family therapy sessions support families in overcoming unhelpful behaviours that may reinforce eating disorder symptoms, replacing them with positive systems of relationships that nurture lasting change.

Families are not to blame for the development of eating disorders. However, eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can strain the relationships within any family. It’s common for families affected by eating disorders to face challenges relating to one another and caring for a young person with an eating disorder.
Some people think that anorexia nervosa is just about food, body shape, or weight. But the reality is much more complicated. Anorexia is caused and

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are one type of mental health support available for young people. They offer a higher level of care than weekly or daily appointments but don’t involve residential stays in a treatment space. They support young people to reconnect with themselves and achieve transformative change while continuing to stay with their families in the evenings and weekends.

Many families in Mexico are choosing The Wave Clinic for residential mental health support for a young person. The Wave’s residential programs combine exceptional clinical

Every family experiences moments when somebody feels disappointed, misunderstood, criticised or let down – these are all part of the orchestra of family life. For

Every family has its own dynamics, its own patterns and, at times, its own moments of feeling stuck. While the details may differ, one experience

In June, the UK government announced plans to ban social media use for under-16s. This decision followed a consultation process with parents, children and experts







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