Teen Eating Disorder Therapy in Naples, Florida
In-person therapy in Naples and
virtual counseling for Florida residents
The teenage years come with big changes physically, emotionally, and socially. When concerns about food, body image, or exercise begin to take up too much space in your teen’s life, you may have the feeling that something is not right. Maybe meals have become more stressful, foods they once enjoyed are being avoided, exercise has become more rigid, or they seem increasingly withdrawn from friends and family.
I provide teen and adolescent eating disorder treatment in Naples for teens and families who need compassionate, specialized support.
Emily McDonagh + LCSW + CEDS-C
Sometimes the signs of an eating disorder are obvious, and other times they are subtle or hidden. Your teen may become increasingly focused on “healthy eating,” begin cutting out entire food groups, avoid eating with others, or seem more preoccupied with calories, weight, ingredients, or exercise. You may also notice changes in mood, energy, concentration, or social engagement.
There is no single look of an eating disorder. Teens of all body sizes, shapes, genders, backgrounds, and personalities can struggle with disordered eating or an eating disorder. If you are noticing changes and something does not feel right, it is okay to seek support. As a teen eating disorder therapist in Naples, I help adolescents and their families better understand what may be happening and identify a supportive next step.
Signs of Teen Eating Disorders Parents and Caregivers May Notice
Teen Eating Disorders Can Look Different From Person to Person
There is no single “look” of an eating disorder. What you see at home may look different from what your teen is carrying privately. Some teens experience one of these patterns, while others experience more than one. The behaviors can also change over time.
Food Avoidance & Restriction
Body Image, Purging & Exercise Concerns
Binge Eating & Feeling Out of Control
Your teen may begin skipping meals, cutting out entire food groups, avoiding foods they once enjoyed, or feeling increasingly anxious around meals. Food rules may become more rigid, and eating with other people can start to feel overwhelming.
Some teens may feel out of control around food, eat in secret, hide wrappers or food, or feel embarrassed, guilty, or upset after eating. These experiences can be difficult to talk about, especially when shame or fear is involved.
Your teen may become preoccupied with calories, weight, ingredients, or body shape. You might notice frequent body checking, increased distress about appearance, rigid exercise, or behaviors meant to compensate for eating. These concerns can affect mood, energy, concentration, friendships, and daily life.
Collaborative Teen Care
Check out this video to learn more about Family Based Treatment/The Maudsley Method
When a teen is struggling with an eating disorder, parents and caregivers often feel scared, overwhelmed, and at a loss for what to do. You may find yourself wondering, “Why can’t they just eat?” “Am I making things worse?” or “Should I be firm or back off?” You are not expected to have all the answers on your own.
I am trained in Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also known as the Maudsley Method, an evidence-based treatment approach for adolescents and teens with restrictive eating disorders. Family involvement is often an important part of care. Parents and caregivers need education, guidance, and support just as much as the teen does.
In teen eating disorder therapy, I work hand in hand with families to better understand the eating disorder, respond more effectively in difficult moments, support meals and routines when appropriate, and create an environment that is more conducive to healing. I also collaborate with physicians, registered dietitians, psychiatrists, school supports, and other providers when clinically appropriate so your teen’s care is coordinated and supported from multiple angles.
Treatment for Anorexia, Bulimia, & Binge Eating Disorders
If your concerns around food are connected to restriction, bingeing, purging, body-image distress, or feeling out of control around eating, I also provide specialized support for anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. This treatment is different from ARFID therapy and focuses on the thoughts, behaviors, and emotional experiences that can keep these eating disorders in place.
Learn More About Eating Disorder Treatment
ARFID Treatment
If food avoidance is connected to fear of choking or vomiting, low interest in eating, sensory sensitivities, or a very limited range of accepted foods, I also provide therapy for ARFID. I also provide therapy for ARFID. ARFID is more than “picky eating,” and it may require an individualized approach that includes family support, anxiety management, gradual exposure work, and coordination with other providers when appropriate.
Ready to take the next step?
You do not have to wait until your teen is “sick enough” or until you know exactly what to do. If food, body image, exercise, or eating-disorder behaviors are taking up too much space in their life, reaching out can be an important first step. Together, we can talk through what you are noticing and explore whether teen eating disorder therapy and family support may be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Eating Disorders
Q. Is an eating disorder a choice?
An eating disorder is not a choice. It is a serious medical and psychiatric disorder with biological and environmental influences.
Q. At what age can body dissatisfaction begin?
Body dissatisfaction can begin in early childhood, sometimes before age six. This does not mean that every child who notices or comments on their body will develop an eating disorder. It does mean that children can begin absorbing messages about appearance, body size, food, and what they believe a body is “supposed” to look like at a young age.
Body-image concerns can affect children of all genders. Family conversations, peer comments, bullying, media, and social expectations can all influence how a child feels about their body. Creating a more supportive environment means avoiding body criticism and diet talk, recognizing that bodies naturally come in many shapes and sizes, and making space for children to talk about their feelings without judgment.
Q. Do teen eating disorders only affect girls?
No. Teen eating disorders can affect people of all genders. While girls may be more likely to be identified or referred for support, boys, transgender teens, and gender-diverse teens can also struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, body-image concerns, and related anxiety.
There is no single “look” of an eating disorder. Teens of all body sizes, shapes, genders, backgrounds, and personalities can be affected. Cultural bias, mental-health stigma, and gender bias can make it harder for some teens to recognize what they are experiencing or feel comfortable asking for help.