Thrive Therapy
Treatment Approaches
Dr. Feehan draws from established approaches including FBT, CBT, CBT-E, and CBT-AR. The recommended approach depends on age, symptoms, medical considerations, developmental needs, family circumstances, and treatment goals.
Sessions may include individual work, caregiver participation, education, behavioral practice, support for changes at home, and—with appropriate authorization—coordination with other professionals. Frequency and duration vary. No particular outcome or timeline can be guaranteed, and recommendations may change as needs and progress are reviewed.
Family-Based Therapy
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a structured, research-supported therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Parents and caregivers support nutrition and interrupt disordered behaviors; as the young person stabilizes, responsibility is gradually returned.
Treatment may address impacts on development, relationships, and family life.
FBT isn’t right for every client; recommendations follow assessment and, when indicated, coordination with medical, nutritional, or other providers.
Typical format: weekly sessions at first, then less frequent as appropriate; overall duration varies by individual needs and progress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps clients understand how thoughts, feelings, physical reactions, and behavior influence one another.
Depending on the concern, treatment may include identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, gradually approaching feared or avoided situations, developing coping and problem-solving skills, and practicing strategies between sessions.
CBT is collaborative and goal-oriented. The specific plan is adapted to the client’s age, needs, and readiness, and progress is reviewed together over time.
CBT may also address related mood symptoms when they occur alongside the primary treatment concern.
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT-E, is a structured treatment developed specifically for eating disorders. It may address eating patterns, beliefs about food and body image, self-evaluation, and factors that maintain the eating disorder.
Treatment is individualized within a structured framework and includes planning for how clients can continue using skills after regular sessions end.
Typical format: Sessions may be more frequent during the early stage of treatment and then transition to weekly appointments. The schedule and duration depend on the client’s presentation, progress, and broader care needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID
CBT-AR is a structured approach for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Depending on the factors driving food avoidance, treatment may include education, gradual exposure to foods or eating-related experiences, development of more flexible eating patterns, and guidance for parents or caregivers.
Family involvement is determined by the client’s age, developmental needs, clinical presentation, and treatment plan.
Typical format: Sessions are generally held weekly, with frequency and duration adjusted over time.