11-Year Old Who Attended an Intensive Program Who Had a History of Anxiety and Anorexia

Karen came to us unable to eat meals due to significant anxiety before and after meals. We helped her with this anxiety and she was able to finish all meals before discharge. Parents were coached during meal times to help find an effective balance between “pushing Karen” to eat and “comforting Karen” when she was anxious and sad. Mom wrote that “the therapists were very knowledgeable about eating disorders and really listened to our child and us. The coaching around eating was great and we got useful concepts and practical tips.” Dad also wrote that the most helpful part of the program for him was “coaching before/during/and after meals.”