Treatment for Anorexia in Teens with Expert Dietitian Nutritionists:
At Side By Side Nutrition, our nutrition therapy for teens grappling with anorexia is a personalized and nuanced approach that acknowledges the distinctive needs of each individual and their family. The determination of the extent of family involvement is made through a thorough assessment, enabling us to choose the most effective approach for sustainable recovery. This may encompass individual support for the teen, with varying degrees of family engagement, ranging from some family assistance to extensive collaboration with caregivers.
In our individual therapy, tailored for holistic healing in conditions like Anorexia, we adopt a comprehensive approach:
A Comprehensive Initial Assessment: Our holistic approach begins with a detailed assessment. We explore the teen’s past and present relationship with food, body image, as well as health history and exercise history. Together, we establish goals and aspirations. This shapes our partnership in your teen’s recovery. For those diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, we prioritize holistic healing by nurturing a positive relationship with food and body.
Build Trust in the Body’s Natural Cues: Breaking free from the distress cycle associated with eating disorders, we embark on a transformative journey to cultivate trust in the body's natural cues, fostering freedom and openness in life. Targeted interventions address the root causes of disordered eating, liberating your teen from the constraints of Anorexia Nervosa.
Shift Body Image Perception: Beyond symptom management, our focus extends to instilling a profound shift in body image perception, encouraging self-acceptance, and dismantling mental and emotional barriers imposed by the eating disorder. Follow-up sessions involve examining the relationship with food and body, addressing challenges, and co-creating individualized tools.
Continued Support: Throughout the journey, we offer unwavering support, celebrating progress, and standing by teens during the inevitable ups and downs. Our mission encompasses not only eating disorder recovery but also cultivating a life aligned with their values.
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia:
A modified version of FBT might be the best approach for your teen’s recovery from anorexia. This is one of the most successful treatment approaches for children and teens struggling with anorexia. There are three phases of FBT:
PHASE 1: Parental Management and Weight Restoration: Parents or caregivers take charge of planning, preparing, and plating all meals and snacks, focusing on adequate nutrition and weight restoration if needed.
PHASE 2: Gradual Return of Control to the Teen/Adolescent: As eating disorder behaviors subside and weight is restored, the teen/adolescent gradually participates in choosing or preparing some meals or snacks.
PHASE 3: Establishing Healthy Independence: Treatment may shift towards helping the teen/adolescent develop identity and independence while being free of the eating disorder, moving towards a life that is rich, meaningful, and aligned with their values.
As a parent/caregiver with a teen with anorexia, it’s fundamental to understand that recovering from an eating disorder is different for everyone. There is no set timeframe, and FBT requires active participation by parents and caregivers. This option might not be for everyone. Talk to a dietitian nutritionist and family therapist to determine if this is the best route for you and your family.
Recent “graduate” from Side by Side Nutrition. I started working with SBSN to figure out how food worked after having an eating disorder for years. And I’m so happy I got so much more than that! SBSN introduced me to Self-Compassion and met me with an approach that never included shaming me. I looked forward to our sessions every week, even if I hadn’t done any of my work, because I knew she’d be understanding and work with me to figure out what I needed to make it happen. And none of that compassion and presence was lost when we had to switch to telehealth. When I started, I didn’t think healing from an eating disorder was possible. And I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d come out of it with an unshakable love for my body (certainly not a plus size body with chronic illness)! I’m so glad circumstances sent me here because I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this place with my previous dietician! I am STRONG, I am CONFIDENT, and I am in LOVE with myself! Thank you so much for helping me on my journey here! It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it!
— Michaela Myers