When parents first notice changes in eating, mood, or behavior, one of the most common questions I hear is,“What if I say the wrong thing?” That fear makes sense. When it comes to eating disorders parents often feel like the stakes are high, and they are. But the truth is you don’t need the “perfect” […]
5 Ways to Start the Conversation About Eating Disorders and Navigate Getting Help Read Post »
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is February 23rd – March 1st and it is an important reminder that eating disorders don’t usually arrive loudly or clearly labeled. More often, they show up quietly or subtly, through small changes that are easy to second-guess or explain away. Many parents tell me, “I wasn’t sure if I
5 Early Signs Your Child Might Be Struggling With an Eating Disorder Read Post »
As 2025 came to a close and I stepped into 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the path that brought me here and the direction I feel called to move next. For more than 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families affected by eating disorders. Over the past decade
January arrives, and suddenly it feels impossible to escape it. Detoxes. Cleanses. “Reset” plans. Before-and-after photos. Algorithms that seem to know exactly how to find us, without us even searching. The message is everywhere: Your body needs fixing. Your eating needs controlling. A better version of you is just one plan away. For kids, teens,
Helping Kids Resist Diet Culture in a “New Year, New You” World Read Post »
For many mental health providers, the holiday season brings a complicated mix of meaning, stress, and emotional load. This is the time of year when our clients are under more pressure, more activation, and often more distress—and so are we. And unlike many other professions, our personal and professional worlds often overlap in a very
Boundaries & Self-Care for Providers: Navigating Compassion Fatigue During the Holidays Read Post »
The holidays bring joy, connection, and often some complicated feelings around food. In a recent Austin American-Statesman article, I shared guidance on how we can approach this season with more mindfulness, moderation, and self-compassion. Read the full article below to learn practical tips to help you and your family build a healthier, more balanced relationship
Skip the holiday food guilt: Expert tips for mindful, stress-free eating Read Post »
The Thanksgiving break can be a revealing moment for many parents. Your college-aged young adult comes home, and what you hoped would be connection, warmth, and rest instead becomes a wake-up call. Maybe you noticed they picked at their plate. Maybe you saw anxiety take over at mealtimes. Maybe the weight loss was undeniable. Maybe
By Dr. Allison K. Chase | AK Chase Consulting Confidence Creates Change. The holiday season often brings warmth, connection, and tradition. But for families navigating eating disorder recovery, it can also bring a unique set of challenges. Meals become more complicated. Routines get disrupted. Family gatherings can stir up unhelpful comments about food, bodies, or
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
