Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder
A carer worksheet contrasting helpful and less helpful responses to a loved one's eating disorder, planning new responses and carer self-care.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Carer support
- Approach / concern
- Body Image & Eating
- Technique
- Carer support
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Supporting a Loved One with an Eating Disorder?
Carers play a key role in eating disorder recovery. Skills-based approaches help carers reduce accommodation and high expressed emotion while staying warm and connected.
Why it works
The New Maudsley method teaches carers skills to support recovery (Treasure et al., 2017). Family-based treatment involves parents in supporting adolescents’ eating (Lock & Le Grange, 2013).
When to use it
- Parents and partners
- Family-based treatment
- Carer support groups
- Teens with eating disorders
How to use it in session
- Review helpful and less helpful responses.
- Identify common situations.
- Plan new responses.
- Practise.
- Plan self-care.
Clinician tips
- Validate carer stress.
- Avoid blaming families.
- Connect to carer resources.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it my fault my loved one has an eating disorder?
No. Families don’t cause eating disorders, and they’re an important part of recovery.
Should I comment on their body?
Avoid comments about weight or shape, even positive ones.
References
Treasure, J., Smith, G., & Crane, A. (2017). Skills-based caring for a loved one with an eating disorder: The new Maudsley method (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Lock, J., & Le Grange, D. (2013). Treatment manual for anorexia nervosa: A family-based approach (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
