Frequently Asked Questions about the CPC Day Program

Do you use the Maudsley approach?  What are the pros and cons of the Maudsley Method?

The Maudsley approach is a family-based treatment in which parents play the exclusive role in re-feeding and weight restoring their child.  The Maudsley approach has been found to be most effective with younger adolescents and children.  Here at CPC, we do not use a strict Maudsley approach. Family work is certainly an integral part of treatment here, but, in general, we work on building our patients internal motivation to feed themselves independently from the onset of treatment.  That being said, at times, especially in the early stages of recovery for our adolescent patients, we may provide significant guidance to parents so that they may appropriately support their child after program hours and on weekends.  Before involving the parents in this way, we thoroughly evaluate the family system and assess whether the particular family dynamic will allow for this involvement.  We work creatively to brainstorm different interventions that will be useful and successful for each individual family.  Intervention may involve guided meal preparation and coaching and guidance in changing familial communication patterns around food and weight.  The issue of parental involvement in re-feeding an adolescent is thoroughly discussed with parents in the context of family therapy.