What Munchausen by Proxy Looks Like

Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) is thought to be rare, but what if it isn’t as rare as we were taught? What if the real issue is that we have not been taught how to recognize it when we see it? This presentation will discuss what MBP is and how to recognize it, particularly in the mental health setting. In addition to going over the DSM criteria, a few case examples will be discussed to help bring MBP to life. Anna Steele will also discuss how clients were crucial in helping her uncover a couple cases of MBP, and that then helped her be able to recognize it when it is currently happening in real life with real people. Please note that in the current DSM, MBP has been renamed to Factitious Disorder Imposed Upon Another. Most people are not as familiar with this new name, so many professionals still refer to it as MBP.

Anna Steele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who has been in private practice in Vail, AZ for over 10 years. Prior to private practice Anna worked in the public mental health system for around 15 years. Anna has a wide range of experience with adults, adolescents, families, and couples. Anna has worked in residential settings, outpatient, crisis, detention, and of course private practice. Anna has helped people with a wide range of struggles, like relationship conflict, anxiety, addiction, abuse, suicidal ideations, trauma, and much more. To help people with these different struggles, Anna has been trained in a wide variety of treatment modalities. Through all of the training and experience, what has become evident to Anna, is that it is the human therapeutic relationship above all else that creates healing and change. The human understanding and validation of emotion is what helps us heal and have good mental health. Through helping others and getting help for herself, Anna has become an expert in human emotion, and loves supporting others in becoming more knowledgable and skillful with their own emotions. You can learn more about Anna at her website vailcounseling.net. You can also call Anna for a free 15 minute consult at 520-474-5574.