As an ARISE Certified Interventionist, I have witnessed firsthand the power of family-based intervention in the journey toward recovery from eating disorders. The ARISE Intervention Model is unique in its compassionate, non-confrontational approach that brings families together as a unit of healing rather than placing the burden solely on the person of concern. This method not only encourages the individual to seek the appropriate level of care but also empowers the entire family system to change, heal, and grow.
A Mother’s Call for Help
One of the most poignant interventions I facilitated began with a desperate phone call from a mother, Susan. Her 19-year-old daughter, Emily, had been struggling with severe anorexia for years. The family had exhausted every attempt to encourage her to seek help, but Emily remained resistant, convinced she was in control. Susan expressed fear, frustration, and deep sorrow, worried that she would lose her daughter to this devastating illness.
Through the initial ARISE phone call, I helped Susan understand that she was not alone and that an intervention wasn’t about forcing Emily into treatment, but about creating a unified support system to guide her toward the help she needed. We moved forward with the first stage of the ARISE model: assembling the Intervention Network.
The Power of the Family Network
Unlike traditional intervention models, ARISE is an invitational process. We invited Emily’s father, her older brother, and even her close aunt to join the network. Each member had been impacted in different ways by Emily’s struggle. In our first meeting, emotions ran high—there were tears, guilt, and anger—but there was also a shared determination to support Emily and heal as a family.
Through guided discussions, the family identified behaviors that enabled Emily’s eating disorder and patterns of communication that had unintentionally deepened her isolation. Instead of placing blame, we focused on solutions, helping each family member recognize their role in fostering a supportive environment for Emily’s recovery.
The Turning Point
As we progressed through the structured sessions, Emily observed the commitment of her family. She was hesitant at first, attending with skepticism, but over time, she saw that this wasn’t about forcing her into something—it was about love and collective healing. The family’s consistent presence and the changes they made in their interactions gradually lowered her defenses.
One evening, after a particularly powerful session, Emily admitted she was tired. Tired of the fight, tired of the fear, and tired of being trapped in a cycle that felt impossible to break. That night, she agreed to explore treatment options. We worked together to determine the level of care best suited to her needs, ultimately connecting her with a residential treatment program where she could receive intensive medical and psychological support.
Comprehensive Care and Lasting Change
The ARISE model doesn’t end when the person of concern enters treatment. Recovery is a long road, and family support remains crucial. Emily’s family continued their work, attending family therapy and education sessions. They learned how to set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and create a home environment that reinforced recovery rather than relapse.
Months later, Emily returned home with a new sense of self. She still had work to do, but she no longer felt alone in her battle. Her family had transformed alongside her, proving that healing is a collective journey.
The First Call
If you have a loved one struggling with an eating disorder and feel powerless, know that there is hope. The ARISE Intervention Model offers a compassionate, structured path to healing for both the individual and the family. You don’t have to do this alone.
As a Certified ARISE Interventionist, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today, and together, we can build the bridge to recovery. Click Here to read more about family coaching.
—Iris Epstein, CAI
