Eating Disorder Support for Young People (Under 19)
Supporting a child or teenager with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming or frightening, but you don't have to navigate it alone. At PR Nutrition, our dietitian, Caylah, provides eating disorder nutrition support for adolescents, helping young people and their families work towards recovery together.
Who We Support
Caylah is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Family Based Treatment (FBT) Therapist who works with adolescents aged 12 years and older.
Caylah provides FBT for young people under 19 years* experiencing anorexia nervosa. She also offers individualised nutrition support for young people experiencing bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and other disordered eating patterns, working alongside their FBT or psychological therapy team.
Every young person and family is different. Support is tailored to their individual needs, with a focus on recovery, nourishment and building a more positive relationship with food.
*Caylah supports young people under 19, though some 18-year-olds may prefer adult-based support depending on their stage of treatment and recovery
What is Family Based Treatment?
Family Based Treatment (FBT) is an evidence-based, first line treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. It recognises the important role parents and carers can play in supporting their young person’s recovery and empowers families with the skills and support they need throughout the process.
FBT typically involves three phases:
Phase 1: Supporting nutritional recovery and weight restoration
In this phase, parents take charge of eating, interrupting eating disorder behaviours and supporting the young person to eat enough to restore weight and physical health, with the treatment team providing guidance and support.
Phase 2: Gradually returning responsibility
As recovery progresses, responsibility for eating is gradually returned to the young person, with parents continuing to provide appropriate support and guidance.
Phase 3: Supporting independence and development
In this phase, the focus shifts towards age-appropriate independence, supporting the young person's development and helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence beyond the eating disorder.
Progress through FBT is individual to each young person and family, with support adapted to their needs throughout treatment.
How Can PR Nutrition Help?
As both a dietitian and FBT Therapist, Caylah can provide nutrition expertise and support throughout the FBT process, working collaboratively with your family and the wider treatment team, including the GP, psychologist and other health professionals. Dietetic support works alongside FBT and can be woven in as needed throughout treatment.
If you are already working with an FBT Therapist and are looking for additional dietetic support for your young person, Caylah can also assist with this.
You know your young person best, which is why families play such an important role in supporting them through this difficult time. You don’t have to navigate it alone. PR Nutrition is here to support you and your family along the way, working together towards recovery and a more positive relationship with food.
Getting Started
PR Nutrition offers a free 10-minute connection call where you can ask questions and explore whether the service is right for your family.
If you're not sure where to start, that's okay. You're welcome to get in touch, and we can take things one step at a time. Contact us through the link below, by email or call 0494 356 078.
Caylah is an eating disorder dietitian based in Perth, offering both in-person and Telehealth appointments.
More Resources
We understand how daunting it can feel to support a young person with an eating disorder. The following resources may help you learn more about eating disorders, treatment and supporting your family throughout recovery.
FEAST (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders)
Butterfly Foundation - National Helpline available 7 days a week, 8am to midnight (AEST/AEDT)
Survive FBT: Skills Manual for Parents Undertaking Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Child and Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa by Maria Ganci (Book)
