Discovering that your child has an eating disorder can be one of the most frightening experiences a parent can face. You may feel helpless, guilty, confused, or overwhelmed. There is no manual for parenting in general — and there is especially no manual for parenting a child with an eating disorder. I provide expert guidance to help you understand your child's condition, avoid accidentally reinforcing the illness, and become a critical part of their healing journey.

My Experience with Eating Disorders

With over 15 years of experience treating eating disorders, I have worked in a variety of roles and settings specializing in eating disorder treatment. I co-created the first eating disorder treatment team at a college counseling center and facilitated the first clinician-led eating disorder support group in Miami. I also served as a primary therapist, assistant clinical director, and clinical director at a residential eating disorder treatment center. This depth of experience means I understand eating disorders from every angle — from supporting clients through meal exposures when they are experiencing significant anxiety or panic, to guiding families through the complex process of recovery.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Eating disorders are among the most dangerous mental health conditions, and I strongly recommend not waiting to seek expert guidance for your family. Unlike many other illnesses, eating disorders can rapidly impact physical health — affecting the heart, organs, bones, and overall medical stability in a short period of time. For teens, early intervention is especially critical. Disordered eating and malnutrition during adolescence can permanently stunt growth and interrupt vital brain development during this crucial developmental stage. The sooner your family receives professional support, the better the outcomes for your child's long-term health and recovery.

Understanding Your Child's Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions — they are not a choice, a phase, or a reflection of your parenting. You didn't cause this eating disorder, but you can be a critical part of your child's healing journey from this illness. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. Each presents differently, and understanding the specific nature of your child's condition is the first step toward effective support.

Support for Parents of Adolescents Through Adults

I support parents working with children of all ages — from adolescents to adult children. Together, we will explore the unique needs of your child, their specific eating disorder presentation, and the nuanced dynamics of your family. I will customize and tailor my approach to meet your family's particular needs as effectively as possible. It is imperative that you arm yourself with expert guidance on the dos and don'ts of supporting your child — from navigating challenging mealtimes and bad body image days to avoiding patterns that may unintentionally reinforce the illness.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approach

I draw from multiple proven therapeutic modalities to create a comprehensive treatment plan for your family, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation and distress tolerance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted thoughts about food and body image, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help your child face feared foods and situations, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build psychological flexibility and values-driven recovery. DBT skills are especially valuable for parents — you will learn interpersonal effectiveness techniques for setting the critical boundaries your child needs to support their health and recovery, while preserving the connection and bond of your relationship. These skills help you advocate firmly for your child's well-being without damaging the trust between you.

When Your Child Refuses Help

If your teen or adult child is refusing to seek treatment, you are not out of options. I can guide you on how to approach this refusal in a way that fosters connection with your child rather than pushing them further away. Together, we will develop strategies that increase their willingness to accept the help they need — meeting them where they are while keeping the door to recovery open.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Most parents I work with have shared that they wish they had sought professional support sooner — because you can only be as effective as what you know. Supporting a child with an eating disorder is emotionally exhausting, and it's essential that you also have a space to process your own feelings, develop coping strategies, and receive expert guidance. You don't have to figure this out on your own. With the right support, you can become your child's greatest ally in recovery.

Support for Parents of a Child with an Eating Disorder in Florida