011 - Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports Recovery

Episode 011

Title: Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports Recovery

In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen dive into the vital but often overlooked topic of caregiver alignment. They discuss how eating disorders can exploit "cracks" in relationships and the profound impact—both positive and negative—that caregiver unity has on a child’s recovery trajectory. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing disagreements, setting non-negotiable boundaries, and balancing the heavy lifting of treatment with the need to protect their own relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

01:02 Defining Caregiver Alignment

03:09 Why Alignment is Critical for Recovery

07:46 The Consequences of Misalignment

09:10 Common Conflict Areas: Meals, Consequences, and Parenting Styles

11:02 Balancing the Workload: Resentment vs. Appreciating Strengths

16:53 External Alignment: Grandparents, Teachers, and Coaches

20:25 Navigating Co-Parenting and Divorce

24:59 Practical Strategies: Education and the Family Recovery Plan

30:34 Managing Disagreements in Front of Your Loved One

40:03 The Power of the 10-Minute Check-In

42:16 Trusting Yourself When Alignment Isn’t Possible

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

The Other Side of the Plate podcast episode:

The Importance of Male Caregivers in ED Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/19f1d2bb-799e-4111-823d-e0db02f3e6c5

(FEAST Blog Post-Abby Sarrett-Cooper)

Parental Alignment in FBT

(FEAST Blog Post-Judy Krasna)

Parenting and Partnership

(FEAST Blog Post-Sarah)

Not on Board But Weathering the Same Storm

Host Bios

Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen are caregivers with lived experience who have supported their loved ones through eating disorder treatment. Together, they serve the FEAST community by sharing personal insights and connecting parents with the professional resources necessary to navigate recovery.