D.E.A.R.S examples

This practical guide is designed for parents and carers who want to support recovery without escalating conflict or feeling like they’re getting it wrong.

Using the DEARS tool from the New Maudsley approach, this resource offers clear, compassionate, real-life scripts to help you respond to some of the most challenging eating disorder behaviours.

Inside, you’ll find practical examples of how to use DEARS for:

• Over-exercising

• Meal plan resistance and food refusal

• Self-harm (SH)

• Binge-purge behaviours

• Body image distress and dysmorphia

Grounded in evidence-based carer skills, this guide helps you balance empathy, encouragement, and respect for autonomy—so you can support your loved one’s recovery while staying connected and regulated yourself.