An adjunctive multi-family intervention based on non-verbal techniques in a day hospital for parents and toddlers with feeding problems

Abstract

Feeding problems in early childhood are common and affect parental behaviour with more use of maladaptive feeding strategies. Although multi-family therapy is well known as an effective intervention for adolescents and adults with eating disorders/problems, the use of multi-family therapy for toddlers with feeding problems is rather rare. In this paper we describe how we adapted the evidence-based goals of multi-family therapy to a specific format for parents and toddlers and how we used it in our clinical work. We explain the importance of creating a supportive culture in which parents may develop effective feeding strategies. We describe how we used non-verbal techniques in multi-family therapy as a tool for growth for both toddlers and parents. We end with some retrospective reflections and directions for future therapy and research.