Families, Carers and Professionals

Grainne Smith is a former Head Teacher, based in North East Scotland. When her daughter developed anorexia and bulimia nervosa, Grainne became her main carer, and wrote Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family (published by Wiley in 2004) about her experiences to help other carers. Since then she has spoken about the role of carers and families at a number of professional conferences, and has collaborated with academics and practitioners on various eating disorders initiatives, including preparing a CD-ROM for use by professionals and families.

"Professionals can use this practical handbook when working with families."  (SSTI, 2007) "This is essential reading for all professionals involved in the care of patients with challenging behaviour..." (Booktopia, 2007)"This book will help you communicate effectively with your loved one even when faced with very challenging and extreme behaviour!"  (The Tonbridge and West Kent Eating Disorders Support Group for Carers, 2007)

• Foreword by Janet Treasure. Preface.Acknowledgements.Introduction.1 Families are fascinating.2 Families coping.3 Back to basics.4 Consequences.5 Friends and family.6 Lies, manipulation and control freakery.7 Difficult scenes and destructive relationships.8 Resources: creating 24-hour best care.9 Professionals and carers: pressures, problems and pleasures.10 Confidentiality: a thorny issue.11 More assumptions, perceptions and interpretations.12 Constructive professional–carer conversations.13 Challenging the behaviour.14 Communications in difficult days.15 Actively helping carers cope.16 Put on your own mask first.A final word.Appendix.References and bibliography.Index.