TL;DR The “Freshman 15” is more myth than reality. Research doesn’t support that most college students gain fifteen pounds, and the fear surrounding it does far more harm than the weight gain itself ever could. What often goes unmentioned is that some weight gain during the college years is completely normal and expected, since the …
TL; DR When it comes to sending a young adult with an eating disorder off to college, six months of demonstrated recovery is recommended. Summer break simply doesn’t replicate the academic pressure, social dynamics, and independence of college life, making it an unreliable measure of true college readiness. Six months allows enough time for recovery …
Transitioning to college can be exciting yet challenging, especially for those with a history of eating disorders. It’s crucial to prioritize your recovery during this time. Here are key strategies: Build a Support System: Reach out to family, friends, and potential new connections at college. Keep a list of contacts for support. Follow Your Meal …
![ARFID in College[Image description: photo of 3 college students in college dining hall, represents potential students with ARFID in college in California]](https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/shutterstock_26147331192-1024x1024.jpg)
Going to College With ARFID: What to Know Going to college with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be challenging for many reasons. Many people with ARFID find eating to be a chore and unpleasant, and the added stress of college, eating in front of others at the dining hall, and limited food options. …
![Eating Lunch in Recovery [Image description: Neon Light spelling "EAT"] Depicts the instruction for a person in eating disorder recovery to eat lunch.](https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pexels-timmossholder-111352011-1024x682.jpg)
Guest post by 2024-2025 doctoral extern, Natalie Cynamon. School lunchtime is ideal for catching up with friends, decompressing, or watching a show on your phone. However, it’s not long until the bell rings again, telling you it is time to return to class. With so little time to do what you want, it can be …
![Eating on a date with ARFID [Image description: a man and a woman smiling at each other seated at a table. The man holds a glass and the woman has food in front of her] Depicts a potential couple on a date where one of the members has ARFID](https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/happy-valentines-day-1807617_1280-1024x682.jpg)
by Carly Poynter, Psy.D. & Emily Walker, AMFT Dating under normal circumstances is hard. Nerves are high. Palms get sweaty. And you wonder nervously, ‘Does this person like me?’ Many people find dating challenging, even though common dating activities are supposedly fun. Many first dates revolve around meeting over food or drinks — grabbing a …
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What is Group Therapy? Group therapy is when several patients are treated together in the same room—or as is often the case today, the same zoom meeting—as other patients with the same problem, usually with one or two leaders or therapists. Group Therapy can be helpful for people with eating disorders and their supportive loved …
![Eating Disorder College Process Group for college students in California [Image description: photo image of Kristine Flanigan and full details about the group: "Currently Enrolling! Secure your spot for EDTLA's virtual eating disorder recovery process group for college students in California. 6-7 pm every Tuesday, $60 per session. We accept Anthem, Aetna, Carelon, and Anthem Medi-Cal. Led by Kristine Flanigan, Psy.D., Supervised by Lauren Muhlheim, Psy.D. PSY15045 Register now Email hello@EDTLA.com for inquiries"]](https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/College-Process-Group-2024-IG-Post-1024x1024.png)
We are excited to offer an eating disorder college process group. We know how hard it is to be a college student with an eating disorder. Beginning February 2026 over Zoom every Monday at 7pm. You’re away at school and want to begin your adult life. But you are dealing with an eating disorder and …
Dr. Muhlheim gives this webinar once every year in February. Email Hello@EDTLA.com with the subject line “Purchase college readiness” to purchase the recording from 2026 webinar. Are you a parent of a High School Junior or Senior with an eating disorder? Learn how to ensure your student is ready for the transition to college. Attend …
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What is an eating disorder college contract? And do you need one? If you are sending a young adult with a history of an eating disorder to college (or seminary or another away program), it is a good idea to have a college contract in place. This is our recommendation for young adults with anorexia, …