It’s unfortunate, but 22% of children and adolescents in the world have disordered eating behaviors. This means that in a classroom, around five kids have an eating disorder. And your child might be one of them.

It’s tough figuring out yourself as a teen while society pushes images of picture-perfect celebrities on you. Add on pressure from peers at school, and kids can easily develop an eating disorder to cope.

If you’ve noticed issues with your child, then you might want them to get eating disorder treatment. Read on to see if therapy for eating disorders can help your kid.

Do Therapies for Eating Disorders Work?

Let’s first answer the main question: will therapy even work for your child’s eating disorder? The answer is a resounding yes!

Various forms of therapy can help a person reevaluate their relationship with food and also build confidence in themselves. This, combined with other things (like medications and education), can enable your child to be successful in overcoming their eating disorder.

What Therapies Are Available?

Now that you know that therapy for eating disorders is effective, you might be wondering what options are available. Here are the common types your child can consider, which are usually accessible through primary psychotherapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT has been proven to be effective for a wide variety of uses, including substance abuse, anxiety and depression, and eating disorders. This is because the therapy teaches you to identify negative thought patterns and modify them to be more positive.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for an eating disorder can help your kid have a new perspective on food, as well as their weight and appearance.

Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is similar to CBT but aims to teach you skills to change your behaviors. It’s been particularly studied for eating disorders, so you can trust that it’ll work for your child.

During therapy, they’ll explore their emotions and learn ways to cope with distress. They’ll also gain valuable interpersonal skills and practice more mindfulness.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT)

FBT is also known as the Maudsley Method, and it’s specifically used for children and adolescents. Their loved ones (such as their parents and siblings) are key in assisting them during recovery.

For example, you might keep track of their unhealthy behaviors and interrupt them. You’ll also help them keep up with healthy eating patterns.

Therapy for Eating Disorders Works

Therapy for eating disorders can do wonders for your teen. Not only can they create a healthier future, but they can also form a better relationship with those around them.

So if you suspect that your child has an eating disorder, it can be beneficial to sit down with them to discuss your concerns. Together, you can decide which therapies to use and when to sign your kid up. When you treat them with love, respect, and patience, they’ll be more open to treatment options and a brighter future.

Do you need more assistance with parenting? Then keep reading our blog page for more advice.