Restore Family Bonds in the Wake of an Eating Disorder with Kristin Fickes
“Siblings often lose their voice and don't know how to communicate what they need during this family situation.”
Kristin Fickes is a licensed eating disorder therapist and eating disorder recovery coach for parents of children with an eating disorder. Her story is relatable, and her experience is a gift. We’re so thankful to be connected with her and to have her on the podcast today.
In other episodes on the Old School Food Freedom podcast, we’ve discussed supporting your child through their recovery, as well as supporting your significant other through an eating disorder. But there’s another important person we need to talk about…
In today’s conversation, Kristin is sharing how we can support siblings in the recovery process. An eating disorder impacts the entire family, and for there to be lasting healing, the whole family unit needs to be included.
You’ll discover common family dynamics that show up in the midst of eating disorder recovery, why a multi-pronged approach works best, and the difference it makes to have a Christ-centered approach to treatment.
Here’s what we cover:
Kristin’s personal recovery story and family experience
The difference it makes to have Christ-centered care as a part of treatment
How the entire family is impacted by an eating disorder
How to care for your child who’s sick as well as other children in the household
The types of relational wounds that start to spring up, and how to deal with them
The family recovery aspect that’s often overlooked
Practical first steps siblings can take to let their concerns be known
And what parents can do to ensure the sibling feels included and supported
The Biblical view of what reconciliation and restoration look like
Christ-centered treatment and support options are available to you
Mom, Dad, brother, sister… we see you. We know you're carrying a lot, and it’s hard. It's too much for a family to manage on their own.
“The family healing journey, the recovery journey, is not something that I would recommend one embark on on their own.” - Kristin Fickes
Healing is not only a desire that you carry, but that God carries for you. The recovery and restoration process works best when there’s both a community and a relational aspect, as well as a clinical component. Be sure to check the resources below wherever you are on this journey.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop us an email at admin@findingbalance.com, send us a voice message via SpeakPipe, or you can also subscribe for more practical episodes coming your way.
More About Kristin Fickes
Kristin is a licensed eating disorder therapist and eating disorder recovery coach for parents of children with an eating disorder. She lives in sunny Arizona with her husband, two teenage sons, and 4 large dogs.
Hello Freedom Community
This January, we're launching our Hello Freedom community. This is a Christ-centered space to find connection, encouragement, and gentle steps toward freedom from food and body-image struggles.
No pretending, no fixing yourself first, come just as you are. If you want in, your next step is to join our interest list at findingbalance.com/community.
You were not meant to walk this alone. We're saving a seat for you!
Links & Mentioned Resources
Coaching Program (Use code OLDSCHOOL at checkout for 50% off)
Related Episodes
56: Supporting Your Child Through an Eating Disorder with Amy Ozier
57: Supporting Your Significant Other Through an Eating Disorder with Amy Ozier
Connect with Kristin
FINDINGbalance
Facebook
Instagram
SpeakPipe – Send us a voice message!
CHRIST-CENTERED RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND FREEDOM
The Daily Vitamin eDevo: A free devotional with bite-sized truth emailed 5 days a week
Community Groups: Find connection with prayer groups and our Hello, Freedom! community.
Christian Treatment Finder: Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.
Lasting Freedom Online Course: A Christ-centered, non-diet course to work through false beliefs about food and weight so you can live free from disordered eating and body image issues.
CREDITS
Interlude music by “Hotham” – Morning Thoughts
Intro music by “MokkaMusic” – Old Jeans (Funk)
Wrap-up music by Jesse Quinn – Christian Instrumental
Production & Editing by Leah Bryant Co
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The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you have, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder, please consult your healthcare provider. If you desire to receive faith-based care, visit ChristianTreatmentFinder.com to browse professionals with a Kingdom campaign against eating disorders.
