Why digital pressures affect boys more than we realize — and what parents and professionals can do to help. By Dr. Allison K. Chase, Ph.D., AK Chase Consulting When conversations about social media and mental health come up, our focus often lands on girls — and understandably so. But a recent report from Common Sense […]
We Can’t Forget the Boys: Social Media, Body Image, and Eating Disorders Read Post »
A highly recommended book: Slip by Mallary Tenore: A Brave and Brilliant Exploration of Eating Disorders, Recovery, and Hope I recently had the privilege of participating in a virtual conversation with author Mallary Tenore, whose new book Slip is one of the most beautifully written and deeply vulnerable explorations of eating disorders, healing, and recovery
Slip Conversation with Mallary Tenore Read Post »
Protecting Youth from the Hidden Harms of Social Media and Eating Disorders By Dr. Allison K. Chase, Ph.D., AK Chase Consulting A Growing Concern That Hits Close to Home If you spend any time talking with teens—or the parents who love them—you’ve likely heard growing worry about social media’s impact on mental health. Platforms that
Why the Kids Online Safety Act Matters — and What Parents and Professionals Can Do Now Read Post »
And What Parents Should Really Be Watching For When It Comes to Their College Student’s Health This week, I had the honor and privilege of being quoted in TIME Magazine about why the phrase “Freshman 15” does more harm than good. For decades, this term has been tossed around casually—as if gaining or losing weight
A Parent’s Guide to Trusting Your Instincts By Dr. Allison Chase “I’m fine.” Two little words—and yet so often, they come with a pang in your gut that says otherwise. As a parent, you know your child. You know their humor, their habits, their rhythm. So when something shifts—even slightly—it’s normal to second-guess yourself. Especially
When Your Teen Says “I’m Fine” — But You Know They’re Not Read Post »
Eating disorders are among the most complex and challenging illnesses to treat. They are medical, psychological, and nutritional disorders all at once, and they often have profound impacts on family systems, identity, and daily functioning. That’s why recovery is never the work of one professional alone—it takes a coordinated and multi-disciplinary team. In my 25
College is an exciting time for young adults, full of new experiences, freedom, and independence. But it’s also a period of significant pressure—academic, social, and cultural—that can impact how your student thinks about food, body image, and self-care. As a parent, it’s important to stay mindful of these pressures and be prepared to notice any
Even though eating disorders have been studied for decades, misinformation still spreads — and some of it is surprisingly persistent. As a parent, these myths can quietly shape how you view your child’s behaviors, how quickly you seek help, and even the kind of treatment you pursue. Let’s set the record straight. Myth #1: “They
5 Myths Parents Still Believe About Eating Disorders (And Why They’re Dangerous) Read Post »
As the school year begins, new schedules, social pressures, and changes in daily routines can have a big impact on a young person’s relationship with food, body image, and self-esteem. While some kids adjust easily, others may experience stress, anxiety, or shifts in behavior that can quietly affect their health and well-being. For parents, this
Back to School and Body Image: What Parents Should Watch For Read Post »
In my work supporting families navigating eating disorder treatment, I’ve seen how deeply family involvement can shape a person’s recovery, whether younger or older — for better or worse. And yet, too often, families are underused, misunderstood, or sidelined altogether. Here’s what I wish every provider knew about bringing families into the fold more effectively
What I Wish Every Provider Knew About Family Involvement in Eating Disorder Recovery Read Post »
One of the most common—and most heartbreaking—misunderstandings I see in eating disorder treatment is the belief that once a child turns 18, they are fully independent and must be left to manage their own care. In theory, turning 18 signals adulthood. In practice, it’s rarely that simple—especially when an eating disorder is involved. The Myth
When “Independent” Isn’t Independent: Supporting Young Adults with Eating Disorders Read Post »
Supporting Your Child Through an Eating Disorder When You Struggle Too One of the most powerful and damaging misconceptions about eating disorder recovery is that parents must have it all figured out — especially around food, body image, and wellness culture — in order to help their child heal. It’s simply not true. Many parents
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Help Your Child Recover from an Eating Disorder Read Post »
If you’re a parent of a child struggling with an eating disorder, you’ve likely asked yourself this question more than once: How do I bring up my concerns without pushing them away? It’s a valid—and deeply human—fear. Many parents worry that addressing eating behaviors will trigger shame, secrecy, or defensiveness. It’s hard to know how
Talking to Your Child About Eating Disorders Read Post »
In a recent New York Times article, ‘Anorexia in Middle Age and Beyond’” was a powerful reminder that eating disorders don’t “expire” with age. These illnesses can emerge or re-emerge in middle and later adulthood, often masked by the invisibility that can come with age, caregiving roles, and shifting medical focus. I’m truly glad this
For the past 25 years, my professional calling has centered around helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grips of eating disorders. Over the course of my career as a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorder treatment and providing treatment at all levels of care, I’ve witnessed both the devastating toll these illnesses can take
