What was your introduction to FBT like? And what do you wish you knew in the beginning that may have changed things?

In first sessions with parents, I often find myself holding two responsibilities at once.

I need to be honest about how serious malnutrition can be. And I need to help families feel steady enough to begin the work.

Those two things don’t always sit comfortably together.

This feels especially hard when malnutrition is not treated with urgency or as an emergency by other clinicians. I know I am biased toward this viewpoint as a dietitian; however, the evidence points to early, faster refeeding for better long-term outcomes.

Over the years, my approach has become firmer. Not harsher, but clearer. Experience has shaped me. I have seen what underfeeding does to the brain and body over time. I have also seen how much can change when nutrition is restored early and consistently.

I care deeply about getting that balance right.

I don’t want to frighten parents. But I also don’t want to soften the biological reality of what starvation does. At the same time, I know that panic does not help a family feed their child six times a day. Calm structure does.

I suspect many clinicians, especially dietitians working closely with nutritional rehabilitation, feel this same tension.

I am very passionate about continuing to learn. I read, I reflect, I review my practice often. Every family teaches me something. I know I do not get it right every time, and I hold that with humility. Communicating urgency without creating overwhelm is something I think about a lot.

So I would really value your perspective, as this could help shape a follow-up book to Food Mad, more of a no BS guide as to the refeeding process.

If you are a parent further along in recovery, with another clinician or with me, what was it like in those early appointments?

What helped you understand the seriousness without feeling flooded?

What felt steady or reassuring?

What do you wish you had known sooner?

What would you say to a parent sitting in that very first session today?

If you feel comfortable sharing, I would love to hear your reflections. Please keep comments general and focused on your experience rather than specific individuals or services.

And if you would prefer not to comment publicly, you are very welcome to send me a private message. I genuinely want to understand this better.

This work matters deeply. And I believe we can keep learning together.

Read more about Food Mad here.

If you would like to share your thoughts privately, please email me at theeatclinic@gmail.com