1. Exploring Cultural Differences in Eating Disorders Presenter: Hella Lee, Family Therapist, VCH Eating Disorders Program

2. Similarities and differences

3. Family stories

4. Curiosity  Be aware of your own biases and assumptions.  Ask good questions. It’s also interesting for family members to hear the answers.  When we listen carefully, people make sense.  It is more important to understand why people do what they do rather than look for the « cause » of the eating disorder.

5. Education  How does the family understand the eating disorder?  A variety of factors contribute to the development of an eating disorder.  Family is not to blame.

6. Supporting someone with an eating disorder  Support looks different at different ages and stages:  Family based therapy  Meal support  Emotional support  Exploring family dynamics

7. Family therapy  How does the family impact the eating disorder?  How does the eating disorder impact the family?  How can we help family members be curious about self and each other and:  Listen and mirror  Empathize and validate

8. Working with an interpreter

9. VCH Eating Disorders Program Family and Friends Support Group  1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month  6-7:30 pm  2750 East Hastings, Vancouver  (604) 675-2531