Siblings Family Drama

Abstract

Little is known in the process and outcome of family treatment for families with a member suffering from anorexia nervosa in Chinese contexts. To show the rich narratives of the family's experiences of the course of family treatment with twelve sessions when struggling through anorexia nervosa, the authors present a case from Hong Kong for describing and analyzing the processes of change in both anorectic symptoms and family relationships of the afflicted family. Lily (a pseudonym), 21 years old, weighed 33 kg at a height of 160 cm (BMI = 12.9) when she first sought help from us in 2000. After receiving family treatment, she weighed 43 kg (BMI = 16.8) in July of 2001. The ultimate goal of treatment for this family was to resolve the patient's symptoms and improve the family's relationships. Several considerations were important: (a) to understand the process and outcome of family treatment; (b) socio-cultural influences; (c) handle sibling rivalry; (d) significance of the father's voice; and (e) avoiding blame. Finally, understanding applications of family therapy in various cultures and giving every family member a voice was encouraged. doi:10.1300/J086vl9n02_02

Key Words:

• Feminist family therapy
• sibling relationships
• family therapy in Hong Kong
• socio-cultural informed therapy
• anorexia nervosa