Keywords: Eating disorders; Multi-family therapy; Siblings.
Eating disorders can have a serious impact not only on the affected individual but also on their family members. Despite this, the experiences of siblings are often overlooked in both research and clinical services. Multi-family therapy (MFT) for eating disorders—where several families participate together in a group setting led by trained professionals—offers a unique opportunity for siblings of the individual with the eating disorder to feel heard, understood, and supported. This study investigated how these siblings experienced participating in MFT by asking them to complete questionnaires at the end of treatment and again six months later. The findings revealed that siblings valued their involvement in therapy. They gained a deeper understanding of eating disorders, learned strategies for supporting their ill sibling, and reported improved family communication. Most siblings reported that the treatment exceeded their expectations. Our findings suggest that MFT offers a valuable opportunity to engage and support siblings within the treatment process.