| Do: |
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Encourage and emphasise successes and positive steps (even just coming in for treatment).
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Take everything the client says seriously.
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Approach the client in a calm, confident and receptive way.
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Be direct and clear in your approach.
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Use open-ended questions such as ‘So tell me about...?’ which require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. This is often a good way to start a conversation.
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Constantly monitor suicidal thoughts and talk about these thoughts openly and calmly.
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Encourage the client to express their feelings.
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Focus on feelings and relationships, not on weight and food.
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Be available, supportive, and empathetic.
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Encourage participation in healthy, pleasurable, and achievement-based activities (e.g., exercise, hobbies, or work).
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Encourage, but do not force, healthy eating patterns.
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Assist the client to set realistic goals.
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Involve family or friends in management or treatment strategies.
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Be patient in order to allow the client to feel comfortable to disclose information.
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Explain the purpose of interventions.
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| Don't: |
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Act shocked by what the client may reveal.
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Be harsh, angry, or judgemental. Remain calm and patient.
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Use statements that label, blame or shame the client.
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Invalidate the client’s feelings.
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Make comments (either positive or negative) about body weight, appearance, or food – these will only reinforce their obsession.
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Express any size prejudice or reinforce the desire to be thin.
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Engage in power struggles about eating.
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Criticise the client’s eating habits.
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Trick or force the person to eat.
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Get frustrated or impatient.
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