Oh the teenage years. The mood swings, crazy schedules, and raging hormones. During this time of life transition, it might be difficult to tell when abnormal eating patterns are actually a sign of an eating disorder. If you are concerned that might be the case with your child, it’s time to talk with a Boaz therapist.
Defining an Eating Disorder
According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.” They go on to list the types of eating disorders to include “anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder, pica and rumination disorder.”
Types of Therapy for an Eating Disorder
Various therapies can help treat eating disorders. Depending on your teen’s struggles, the right therapy varies. Other factors included in devising the appropriate treatment plan includes specific needs as well as the goals your teen and the therapist want to achieve. Common therapy approaches to eating disorders include the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – The focus of this approach is on traumatic events and the individual’s response to those events.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy – If relationships are the underlying cause of your teen’s eating disorder, this approach addresses family and social relationships.
Experienced Professionals at Garrett Counseling Offering Therapy for Teenagers in Boaz
When searching for help, it is important that you choose a Boaz teen therapist. Not all counseling centers work with teens, and not all counselors specialize or have the experience in the field of pediatrics (up to age 18). Contact Garrett Counseling Center online here, or call (256) 239-5662 to speak with one of our qualified Boaz therapists.