How Therapy Can Help You Parent a Teen with an Eating Disorder

Are you completely overwhelmed managing your child’s eating disorder?

It could be that they were recently diagnosed with an eating disorder, or their doctor or school counselor has expressed concerns. You may feel burned out and exhausted from finding the right resources and managing their treatment. Where do you even begin?

Maybe you haven’t received a diagnosis, but you have noticed significant changes in their weight or noticed they are not eating enough at meals. Perhaps they’ve started hiding or hoarding food. You’ve tried talking to them, but they became angry, defensive, or shut down. You know parenting isn’t easy, but this is nothing like what you expected.

It’s possible that your child has even come to you asking for help—but you’re at a loss. This wasn’t in any parenting book you ever read. You want to support them, but it’s hard to know what to do or say when you don’t have experience in this area.

Parenting a teen with an eating disorder is a unique experience.

Whether your child is already connected with a treatment team, or you are newly navigating and learning about your options, you need support. You’re navigating a unique experience that will have its ups and downs.

As you navigate this journey, you may need someone to give you the tools to help support your child and navigate your family in your new normal. You may need someone on your team who is knowledgeable about eating disorder treatment and can answer your questions.

There may be times when you need a neutral party that can act as a listening ear, providing you with your own support without judgment.

You may also need someone to help you confront your own relationship with your body and food.

Whatever the situation is, there are going to be times when you want to talk to an expert.

You don’t have to parent a child with an eating disorder alone.

Therapy for parents of teens with eating disorders is valuable for you and for your child. As a therapist experienced in treating eating disorders, I know that when teens have caregivers who are supportive, treatment is more effective.

You deserve to have a professional you can rely on who is knowledgeable about eating disorder treatment and can help you manage your own emotions during this process.

You deserve to have someone on your team who knows how to support you.

Let me be that person.

As an eating disorder therapist, I’m passionate about using my experience to support individuals navigating an eating disorder, as well as caregivers who are supporting someone who is navigating an eating disorder.

My approach comes from a place of respect. I believe parents can both respect and validate their child’s emotions while also drawing firm boundaries and setting clear expectations around eating disorder behaviors.

I also believe that no one knows your child better than you and that when you are empowered to support your child in their treatment, the whole family can thrive. 

I can give you the support you need. Contact me for a free consultation today, and let’s discuss how we can work together to support you and your child.