Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve persistent patterns of disordered eating and related behaviors. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the most common types of eating disorders. Symptoms of eating disorders include severe restriction of food intake, compulsive overeating or binging, purging (vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use), and a distorted body image. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders as they navigate changing social norms, peer pressure, and shifting identities.

Unfortunately, many adolescents with eating disorders may be in denial about their condition, or they may be afraid to admit that they have a problem. They may worry about criticism and judgment from others, or they may not fully understand the severity of their condition. However, early intervention is crucial for successful treatment, as eating disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences and can even be life-threatening.

For adolescents struggling with eating disorders, therapy can be a vital component of their recovery. At our practice, we offer individual therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), a proven approach that is tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and needs. We also offer Family-Based Therapy (FBT), an evidence-based approach that involves working with all  family members to help the adolescent overcome the eating disorder.

FBT involves three phases:

1. Restoring weight and addressing medical complications

2. Gradually returning control back to the adolescent

3. Establishing a healthy adolescent identity

The restoration of weight is a critical part of FBT, and in phase one, the focus is on refeeding the adolescent with the help of their family. In phase two, the adolescent is gradually given back control over eating and lifestyle decisions; in phase three, the focus is on consolidating the gains made during the first two phases and on establishing a healthy adolescent identity.

Through individual therapy or family-based therapy, we provide a supportive and collaborative environment where adolescents can feel safe to explore their feelings around food and body image. Our therapists are highly skilled and experienced in working with adolescents to help them gain a sense of control over their lives and build the skills and confidence they need to recover from their eating disorder.

In sum, eating disorders are serious conditions that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Early intervention and access to effective treatments are crucial. At our practice, we offer individual therapy using CBT-E as well as Family-Based Therapy (FBT), customized to the individual’s specific needs to help achieve a successful recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) is an evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. One of the strengths of CBT-E is that it examines the relationships between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and eating habits. CBT-E identifies maladaptive beliefs about food, weight, and body image, and targets them with a structured approach. Patients set goals that reflect their personal needs and learn to monitor their thoughts, feelings, hunger, and fullness cues. Through CBT-E, patients learn to challenge distorted thinking, identify and replace negative patterns of behavior, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Furthermore, CBT-E provides a clear structure and transparent goals so that patients can experience a sense of control and progress. CBT-E is also modular in nature, which means that therapists can adapt the treatment plan to the specific needs and experiences of each patient. The flexibility of CBT-E makes it possible for the therapist to adjust for the patient’s challenges and feedback on the therapy processes. Overall, CBT-E is highly effective, providing patients with a clear structure, personalized goals, and a strong foundation for long-term recovery.