Dietitians and Nutritionists for Teens and Adolescents
Is your adolescent struggling with an eating disorder? Or are you worried about your teen developing an eating disorder? We are here to help.
Adolescence is the most common time for someone to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. Because their bodies change rapidly during this time, many teens begin to develop body image and food related concerns. Not to mention the significant amount of stress they’re under, both academically and socially. Courage to Nourish is here to help your teen and your family find peace around food again.
How Do We Help Our Adolescents?
At Courage to Nourish, our dietitians work one on one with our clients and their individual struggles. We value trusting and compassionate relationships between our dietitians and our clients. We value safety and a non-judgemental space so your teen is able to process their relationship with food and body in a way that is met with understanding and empathy.
To help your adolescent in recovery from their eating disorder, the first step is ensuring they are taking in adequate nutrition. We work directly with families alongside the adolescent, to help guide and support them through this overwhelming time. Our dietitians provide accurate, gentle nutrition information and meal planning guidance to assist you and your loved one. Not only do we work with you or your loved one in individual sessions, but we also collaborate with various members of the treatment team. We provide text and email support and keep our caseloads small. This can assure you are getting the highest quality of care
Adolescent Nutrition Services We Offer
One on One Nutrition Counseling Sessions
Consistent, specialized care is paramount when treating an eating disorder. Courage to Nourish provides individualized care specific to each person. We will explore your relationship with food, provide accurate, gentle nutrition education, evaluate growth charts as needed, and provide personalized meal planning guidance.
Virtual Support Group
for the Adolescent
Eating disorders can be lonely and isolating, leaving your adolescent oftentimes feeling misunderstood. We offer a free, weekly support group to provide a safe space to be around other recovery-focused individuals who are learning to prioritize recovery and find meaning outside of their eating disorder.
Virtual Support Group
for Family and Loved Ones
Supporting a loved one in their recovery can often leave you feeling exhausted and hopeless. We offer a monthly free support group to allow family and loved ones to discuss the ups and downs of being in a supportive, caregiving role, learning how to take care of yourself along the way, and find comfort that you are not alone.
FAQs About Our Services
How do I know if my adolescent needs support?
Below are some signs that your adolescent may be struggling with an eating disorder and would benefit from nutrition counseling sessions:
- Are they exhibiting rigidity in their routines, especially around food?
- Have you noticed drastic changes in how they are eating, what and when they are willing to eat?
- Does your adolescent feel their self-worth and self-esteem is dependent on body size, eating/not eating certain foods, or how much physical activity they do in a day?
- Is your adolescent socially withdrawing, showing decreased interest in activities, irritable or having mood swings out of the ordinary?
- Is your adolescent reporting concern around their weight, shape or size?
- Use your gut as a parent! If you believe something is amiss, we’d be happy to set up a call to discuss how we can support you and your teen.
How long will it take for my adolescent to recover from their eating disorder?
What are typical individual sessions with the dietitian like for my adolescent?
- Eliminating shame and guilt surrounding eating
- Spending less time thinking about food and body image
- Managing nutrition concerns through a weight-inclusive approach
- Re-learning intuitive eating
- Discovering a more body positive body image through body trust and appreciation
We Offer In-Person and Online Services
for Adolescents at These Locations
About Courage to Nourish
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland, and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Maryland. Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Interested in finding out more?
Tell us more about how we can help you.
