Eating Disorder Awareness Month: DBT for Teens at Heartwood Program

February is National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA) Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges teens face with food, body image, and mental health. As a parent, it can be concerning to see your teen struggle with restrictive eating, binge eating, or obsessive thoughts about their body. Early support is critical—and the Heartwood Program offers evidence-based care, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to help teens build emotional regulation, coping skills, and resilience.

Understanding Eating Disorders in Teens

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect both emotional and physical well-being. Teens may show signs such as:

• Rapid weight changes or unhealthy dieting

• Preoccupation with food, calories, or body image

• Skipping meals, hiding food, or secretive eating

• Anxiety, depression, or irritability

• Withdrawal from friends, school, or family activities

If left untreated, these behaviors can escalate, impacting school performance, friendships, and overall health. Early intervention through programs like Heartwood can make a meaningful difference.

What Is DBT and How It Helps Teens

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps teens manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve relationships. For teens with eating disorders, DBT can:

• Teach skills to handle emotional triggers that may lead to restrictive eating or bingeing

• Reduce negative self-talk and body image concerns

• Build healthy coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and depression

• Improve communication and relationships with family and peers

• Support long-term resilience and emotional stability

DBT focuses on practical skills that teens can use daily, helping them respond to challenges in healthier ways.

How the Heartwood Program Uses DBT

The Heartwood Program is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for teens who need more support than weekly therapy but want to remain at home and in school. DBT is central to the program, combined with:

• Individual therapy for personalized guidance

• Group therapy to practice skills with peers who understand

• Family support and education to improve communication and strengthen the home environment

• Expressive arts therapy to explore emotions creatively

This combination ensures that DBT skills are not just learned—they are applied in real life, helping teens manage triggers, build healthy habits, and strengthen self-confidence.

Benefits of Early DBT Intervention

Early intervention is key to preventing eating disorders from escalating. Teens who participate in the Heartwood Program using DBT often:

• Reduce harmful eating behaviors

• Develop stronger emotional regulation skills

• Maintain or improve academic performance

• Strengthen peer and family relationships

• Build long-term resilience and confidence

Supporting Your Teen This Eating Disorder Awareness Month

During Eating Disorder Awareness Month, it’s important for parents to know that help is available. The Heartwood Program offers DBT-focused, compassionate care for teens struggling with eating disorders. Early support can set your teen on a path to recovery, emotional balance, and long-term mental health.

📞 Call 301-970-4099 to speak with our team📅 Or click the Request Services button to schedule an informational call

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