After completing 75 consecutive days of treatment at Eating Disorder Solutions, if you experience a significant setback you can receive an additional 75 consecutive days of treatment at no cost.
Maya's Eating Disorder Recovery Story
Maya had no idea she was struggling with disordered eating until her parents brought it up in 2024. At first, she didn’t think much of it—she truly believed her habits were normal. But once she started her recovery journey and learned more about herself, she realized she had actually been dealing with disordered eating since she was around 12 years old.
Growing up as a dancer, Maya was under immense pressure to perform, fit in, and maintain a certain image—though she didn’t fully recognize it at the time. The constant exposure to mirrors and the unspoken expectations of the dance world shaped how she saw herself.
“I’ve struggled with body dysmorphia for as long as I can remember. I started dancing at three years old, always looking at myself in the mirror, constantly analyzing. There’s this expectation for dancers to fit a certain mold, and it was really tough growing up in that environment.”
Over time, little habits started to add up, and by the time she got to college, things had really escalated. Her friends and family began to notice that she wasn’t just the “healthy” friend anymore—she was pushing herself too hard, believing she could handle more than most people.
“At first, I thought I was just making a lifestyle change. It started so innocently. I never meant to develop these severe symptoms or become addicted to over-exercising. I was working out for four hours a day and barely eating enough. I saw it as just toning up, just losing a little weight. Then, suddenly, I dropped a lot of weight really fast. I thought, ‘Oh, well, I’m just the gym girl in the friend group.’ But I didn’t realize how scary it got. When I finally tried recovery, things actually got worse at first—I wasn’t ready to let go of that part of me.
My eating disorder convinced me that I wasn’t sick, that I was fine, that I was just stronger than most people. My parents found this holistic healing center, knowing how much I love nature and how important that is for me. But I resisted. I wasn’t ready. I was scared to admit I needed help. Eventually, I realized I didn’t have much of a choice—so I gave in. And once I got here, I finally saw how much I truly needed this. I haven’t looked back since.”
Maya shared that as soon as she walked through the doors at Eating Disorder Solutions, she immediately felt safe and comforted.
“Everyone was so smiley, so welcoming. It was peaceful. What struck me most was that they wanted to know me—not my eating disorder. That was my biggest fear. But the staff made such an effort to get to know the real me. They asked about my dreams, my goals, and what motivates me. They cared about me as a person, not just as someone in recovery. Some of my recovery coaches and therapists feel like family. I’ve never felt so safe and supported.”
For Maya, taking time off from college felt like a huge hurdle. She struggled with the fear that it might mean falling behind or failing, especially since she had always been driven and focused on her future. That fear was a constant weight on her shoulders, making the decision even more challenging. It felt like stepping away from everything she had worked so hard for, but deep down, she knew it was the right step for her well-being.
“Now that I’ve been in recovery, I can say with full confidence—taking time off was the most loving thing I could have done for myself.”
Now, Maya is looking ahead with excitement. She’s transitioning to PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and preparing to return to college — this time with a fresh outlook and a deeper appreciation for herself. She’s gained tools to navigate challenges, confidence in her strength, and a sense of pride in how far she’s come. With a strong support system and a renewed sense of purpose, she’s ready to embrace what’s next.
“If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be life-changing. I know that sounds cliché, but Eating Disorder Solutions gave me a second chance. They believed in me. They still believe in me. They’ve shown me how to love myself, flaws and all. And I’ve never done that before. I never had self-compassion, kindness, or gratitude for my own life. But now I do.
If you’re struggling, please know—having an eating disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. It wasn’t your fault. You did nothing wrong. Your eating disorder lies to you. But you are enough, just as you are. You are loved. And you are more deserving of recovery than you’ll ever know.”
Video Testimonial Summary
Key Takeaways from Maya’s Story
Video Testimonial Transcript
It Wasn’t My Choice to Come — and That’s Okay
How Body Dysmorphia and Societal Pressure Built Over Years
The Roots: Divorced Parents, Fad Diets, Social Media, and the Drill Team
The Intervention: Both Parents, Together
Arriving at EDS: Terrified but Welcomed
Getting to Know Maya — Not Her Eating Disorder
Putting Life on Pause for Recovery
Connection Through Food and Looking Forward
Individualized Treatment: No Two Plans Are the Same
The EDS Environment: Homey, Comfortable, and Alive
Vulnerability, Affirmation, and Feeling Less Alone
A Physical and Emotional Transformation
Transitioning to PHP: Applying Recovery in the Real World
One Word: Life-Changing
A Message to Anyone Considering Treatment
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
Our anorexia nervosa treatment focuses on restoring healthy eating habits and addressing underlying psychological issues. Individual therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring are integrated to support clients in achieving a balanced relationship with food and body image.
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
Bulimia treatment aims to break the binge-purge cycle by addressing the emotional triggers and behaviors associated with bulimia. Therapy and nutritional support help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their relationship with food.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Our binge eating disorder treatment program focuses on managing the emotional factors that lead to overeating. Clients receive therapy and nutritional guidance to develop healthier eating habits and gain control over their eating behaviors.
Body Dysmorphia Treatment
Body dysmorphia treatment helps clients challenge distorted perceptions of their body image. Through specialized therapy, clients learn to develop a more realistic and positive view of their appearance, reducing obsession and anxiety.
ARFID Treatment
Treatment for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) focuses on expanding dietary variety and reducing food avoidance behaviors. Our program uses therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual’s needs to promote nutritional health.
OSFED Treatment
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) are treated with customized care plans that address their unique symptoms. Our program provides therapy and support to help clients develop a healthy relationship with food.
UFED Treatment
For Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorders (UFED), we offer personalized therapy that meets each client’s specific needs, promoting recovery and overall well-being.
Orthorexia Treatment
Orthorexia treatment focuses on reducing the obsession with “perfect” eating. Our approach helps clients develop a balanced relationship with food, emphasizing health without rigid dietary rules.
Compulsive Overeating Treatment
Our treatment for compulsive overeating targets the emotional triggers that lead to overeating. Clients learn to manage these triggers through therapy and nutritional counseling and adopt healthier eating patterns.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
We provide integrated care for clients with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a client’s well-being are addressed, supporting recovery and overall mental health.
We’re Here to Help
Eating Disorder Solutions offers personalized residential and outpatient eating disorder treatment in the Dallas, TX area. We provide treatment with integrity, promoting holistic approaches that heal the mind, body, and soul. If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, call us now at 855-245-0961 or complete the form.
What Sets Us Apart
- Personalized Treatment
- Licensed Specialists
- Same-Day Intake
- Flexible Scheduling
- Evidence-Based Therapies
- Long-Term Recovery
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Adults of All Ages
We treat adults across all life stages, from young professionals to those in midlife or retirement. Some have battled OSFED since adolescence, while others develop symptoms later in life due to stress, health changes, or personal loss.
College Students
College life can increase OSFED risk, with pressures from academics, social comparison, and irregular eating patterns. We help students develop balanced routines, manage campus triggers, and build coping strategies for dining halls, parties, and late-night study sessions.
LGBTQ+ Individuals
We provide affirming, culturally sensitive care for LGBTQ+ clients, recognizing the unique impact of stigma, body image pressures, or gender dysphoria. Our team creates a safe space where clients can explore identity issues and learn healthier ways to cope without relying on disordered eating.
Athletes
Athletes may develop OSFED due to weight pressures, performance demands, or rigid training routines. Our sports-informed team helps clients balance proper nutrition with athletic goals while addressing perfectionism and identity tied to sport.
Working Professionals
High-pressure careers can fuel disordered eating patterns like skipping meals, nighttime overeating, or extreme dieting. We offer flexible in-person and virtual OSFED treatment options to fit around busy work schedules and professional demands.
Most Insurances Accepted
Real People, Real Results
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an eating disorder develop from a college fitness routine?
Yes. Maya’s story is a powerful example of how an eating disorder can begin as an innocent health goal — working out and eating better — and escalate rapidly into a life-threatening condition. The transition from structured home life to independent college living, combined with underlying body image pressures, created the conditions for her disorder to take hold. EDS treats patients whose disorders developed at any stage of life and in any context.
What is body dysmorphia and how does it relate to eating disorders?
Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which a person has a distorted perception of their physical appearance, often fixating on perceived flaws that others cannot see. Maya describes having body dysmorphia thoughts from childhood, shaped by dance, social media, and societal beauty standards. Body dysmorphia frequently co-occurs with eating disorders and is addressed directly in EDS’s individualized treatment plans.
How do childhood diet culture and family messaging contribute to eating disorders?
Maya describes growing up in a household where both divorced parents followed the keto diet, where carbs were labeled “bad,” and where comments about weight loss were normalized. These early messages — even when well-intentioned — can plant the seeds of disordered eating. EDS’s treatment approach addresses the root causes of each patient’s disorder, including family dynamics and internalized diet culture beliefs.
Can a family member intervene when someone with an eating disorder refuses to seek help?
Yes. Maya’s parents intervened when she was unable to recognize the severity of her illness herself. They researched facilities, toured EDS, and made the decision to enroll her when she was too deep in her disorder to do so on her own. EDS works closely with families throughout the admissions process and offers guidance to loved ones who are navigating this difficult situation.
Does EDS allow family visitation during residential treatment?
Yes. Maya’s parents intervened when she was unable to recognize the severity of her illness herself. They researched facilities, toured EDS, and made the decision to enroll her when she was too deep in her disorder to do so on her own. EDS works closely with families throughout the admissions process and offers guidance to loved ones who are navigating this difficult situation.
Does EDS treat patients who are severely medically compromised?
EDS evaluates each patient individually and, in some cases, may recommend medical stabilization before admission. Maya notes that EDS was initially hesitant to accept her given the severity of her condition. However, they believed in her and gave her the chance to begin her recovery — a decision she credits with saving her life.
What does "meeting patients where they are" mean in eating disorder treatment?
At EDS, “meeting patients where they are” means that treatment is paced according to each individual’s readiness, not a standardized timeline. Some patients move quickly through the recovery process while others need to take smaller steps. EDS staff continuously assess and adjust each patient’s plan, checking in after therapy sessions and meal plan changes to ensure the patient feels supported and not overwhelmed.