Living with an ED is one of the most overwhelming, frightening, and isolating experiences a person can go through and sadly, this can also be true for those around them. Especially when you’re a family member or carer who just wants to help.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Vicki Mountford, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Eating Disorder Service Lead at Sage Clinics, to explore what family support can look like in recovery. We talk about the vital role parents and carers play at every stage of recovery, from early intervention to adulthood. Plus, Dr Vicki shares tools on helping a loved one navigate fear, boundaries and autonomy without losing sight of the bigger picture.

With decades of clinical experience behind her, Dr Vicki brings compassion to a conversation that so many families are grappling with. If this is something you or someone you know is going through, we really hope this episode is useful. Keep going from people who’ve been there, your support means more than you know.

Topics covered:

* Dr Vicki’s background

* The part of parents and carers alongside professional support

* Helping parents feel more confident in their role

* Supporting a child when they feel overwhelmed, panicked, or shut down

* Balancing boundaries with autonomy and choice

* Understanding quasi-recovery and how families can respond

* Supporting adult children

* Making sense of difficult decisions, including inpatient care

* What parents often find hardest – and what helps them keep going

* Reassurance for families who feel exhausted, scared, or unsure

Connect with us:

Meg

Instagram: @megsy_recovery

YouTube: Megsy Recovery

TikTok: megsy recovery

Safia

Instagram: @safia_edrecoverycoach

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.safiaed.com

Dr Vicki Mountford

Instagram: @dr_vicki_mountford

Sage Clinics

Instagram: @sage_clinics

AED Middle East

Instagram: @aedamiddleeast

Em (copywriter & editor)

Instagram: @em_schone

Resources mentioned:

* Skills-based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder – Janet Treasure et al.

[DISCLAIMER]

Please keep in mind we’re not medical professionals, and the podcast content reflects our own experiences and opinions, as well as that of our guests, so it shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, please reach out to a medical professional to discuss your own situation and get professional help with your own unique recovery.