Early Intervention Is Critical – and Available
Eating disorders in children and teenagers are not the same as eating disorders in adults. They develop in the context of growing bodies, forming identities, peer pressure, and family dynamics – and they require a treatment approach that accounts for all of that.
At Empire Psychotherapy in Hamilton, we offer specialized eating disorder therapy for young people – from school-age children with selective eating and ARFID, to teenagers navigating anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Family involvement is central to our approach, because parents and caregivers are the most important protective factor in a young person’s recovery.
If you are a parent worried about your child’s relationship with food, please reach out. Early support makes a profound difference in outcomes.
Meet Our Therapists
Our registered therapists bring specialized experience in eating disorder treatment for children and teens – with a family-inclusive approach that keeps parents informed and involved.
Every Week Matters When It Comes to Eating Disorders in Young People
Don’t Wait to Reach Out.
Eating disorders in young people tend to become more entrenched over time – and the earlier a family accesses support, the better the outcomes. If you’re noticing concerning patterns in your child’s relationship with food, you don’t have to be certain it’s an eating disorder to reach out. Our therapists can help you assess what’s happening and determine the best next steps. In-person in Hamilton or online across Ontario. No referral required.
Eating Disorders in Children and Teenagers
Eating disorders in young people present differently from adult eating disorders – and require a different therapeutic approach. The developmental context matters enormously: identity formation, peer relationships, puberty, and family dynamics all intersect with the eating disorder in ways that must be addressed for recovery to take hold.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
The most common eating concern in younger children. ARFID involves highly restricted eating driven by sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse food experiences (such as choking or vomiting), or low interest in food – not by body image concerns.
Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents
Adolescent anorexia requires early, intensive intervention. Our approach is family-inclusive and follows best practices for adolescent anorexia treatment – including collaboration with physicians when medically necessary.
Bulimia Nervosa in Teenagers
Binge-purge cycles in teenagers are often hidden and accompanied by intense shame. Therapy creates a safe space for teens to be honest about what’s happening – and provides the tools to begin breaking the cycle.
Binge Eating and Emotional Eating
Using food to manage emotions is extremely common in young people – and when it becomes a primary coping mechanism, it deserves therapeutic support rather than judgment or dietary restriction.
Body Image Concerns
Even when a clinical eating disorder hasn’t developed, significant distress about body image affects mental health, self-esteem, and relationships. This is worth addressing early.
You don’t have to carry this on your own.
Parents Are the Most Important Part of Recovery.
In eating disorder treatment for young people, family involvement is not optional – it’s essential. Our Hamilton therapists work closely with parents and caregivers, providing education about the eating disorder, guidance on how to support mealtimes and conversations about food, and support for the stress that eating disorder caregiving places on the whole family.
Our Approach to Youth Eating Disorder Treatment
For adolescents with anorexia, we follow a family-based treatment model – which places parents in an active role in supporting their teenager’s nutritional recovery, with the therapist guiding the process. For older teenagers and those with bulimia or binge eating disorder, we draw on CBT-E, DBT skills, and motivational interviewing.
For children with ARFID, we use graduated exposure approaches, sensory integration strategies (in collaboration with occupational therapists where needed), and parent coaching to reduce mealtiming anxiety and expand dietary repertoire.
Coordinated Care
- Collaboration with pediatricians and family physicians for medical monitoring
- Coordination with school staff when school functioning is affected
- Referrals to registered dietitians when nutritional guidance is needed
- Parent consultations at every stage of treatment
- Online sessions available for families across Ontario
Treatment Approaches for Youth Eating Disorders
Why Hamilton Families Choose Empire for Youth Eating Disorder Support
Youth-Specific Expertise
Eating disorder treatment in young people is distinct from adult treatment. Our therapists understand the developmental context and use approaches designed for children and teenagers.
Family-Inclusive Approach
Parents aren’t bystanders in their child’s treatment – they’re central to it. We provide active guidance, education, and support throughout the recovery process.
Collaborative, Coordinated Care
Eating disorder recovery often requires a team. We coordinate with medical providers, dietitians, and schools to ensure your child receives comprehensive, integrated support.
Questions About Eating Disorder Therapy for Children and Teens
My child is a picky eater. How do I know if it's ARFID?
ARFID involves more than typical picky eating – it causes significant distress, affects nutrition, and often limits social functioning around food. If you’re concerned, a therapist can help you assess what’s happening and whether intervention would be helpful.
Does my teenager need to want to recover for therapy to work?
Motivation varies significantly in adolescent eating disorder treatment – especially in anorexia. Family-based treatment approaches can be very effective even with low initial motivation, because they place parents in an active support role.
Will therapy coordinate with our family doctor?
Yes. Eating disorder treatment often requires medical monitoring, and we coordinate with physicians when appropriate. We’ll discuss this with you as part of your child’s treatment plan.
Is there a referral required?
No. You can book directly online or by calling (905) 962-2220.
Our Locations
Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Empire Psychotherapy offers accessible counselling services with flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. We serve clients in Hamilton and across Ontario through both in-person and online therapy appointments.
Hamilton
236 Pritchard Road, Hamilton, ON
Online Therapy
Our therapists are available no matter where in Ontario you call home.
Your Child Does Not Have to Stay Stuck in This.
Start Feeling Better.
Our Hamilton therapists offer specialized, family-inclusive eating disorder support for children and teenagers. Book today – no referral needed. The earlier the support, the better the outcomes.
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