Book Jennifer Beasley: Honest Conversations About Teens and Eating Disorders
Are you ready for an unfiltered, heartfelt conversation about the realities of teens struggling with eating disorders? Jennifer Beasley brings a unique perspective—rooted in both personal experience and years of professional insight—on what it truly means to support teens facing these challenges.
Why Jennifer?
Jennifer's raw honesty and deep understanding cut through the noise. As a survivor of an eating disorder who navigated recovery at just 14, Jennifer knows firsthand the complexities of these struggles. Now, as a therapist, coach and advocate, she empowers parents, educators, and professionals to better understand and support teens in meaningful, impactful ways.
Jennifer’s talks go beyond surface-level advice. She dives into:
The hidden battles teens face daily. Why some approaches, like Family Based Therapy (FBT), may not be right for every family. How parents and educators can identify harmful behaviors early—and intervene effectively. What real, long-term support looks like for teens and their loved ones.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and why you wrote this book.
A: I’m Jennifer Beasley, a licensed professional counselor and certified eating disorder specialist. I’ve had extensive education and experience in the field, working with adolescents and adults in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I wrote this book because I wanted to provide a different perspective on eating disorders, one that isn’t just a recovery memoir but a creative way to spark conversations among teens, parents, educators, and coaches.
Q: What initially got you interested in helping adolescents specifically with disordered eating?
A: My personal experience as a teenager is what inspired me. I struggled with an eating disorder myself, and it was the treatment providers in my life who made a significant impact on my recovery. I consider myself fortunate to have recovered, knowing that many do not. I wanted to pay it forward by being that same kind of support for other teenagers who are facing similar challenges.
Q: Do you think the problem of disordered eating among adolescents is growing or decreasing?
A: I’ve seen the issue growing, though it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause. It could be due to increased awareness, more tools for assessment, or the influence of social media. The availability of unhealthy ideas about food and body image through various platforms may also contribute to this rise.
Q: What would you say to a mother whose daughter is showing early signs of disordered eating?
A: I would encourage her to hold onto hope and stay curious. It’s important to stay curious not just about her daughter’s behaviors but also about how best to support her. Open-ended questions can help maintain open communication, allowing the mother to better understand her daughter’s experiences and choose an approach that works for their family.
Q: How does technology, especially social media, affect disordered eating in adolescents?
A: Technology can be both helpful and harmful. It can offer recovery tools, like access to virtual therapy or recovery coaches, which can be supportive. However, social media can be detrimental, particularly for those predisposed to eating disorders, as it often promotes unhealthy behaviors under the guise of "health tips." Because social media content is not regulated, it can spread misleading ideas that might trigger harmful behaviors.
Q: What are some warning signs or red flags of disordered eating that parents and teachers should look out for?
A: Some key warning signs include an adolescent frequently saying they aren’t hungry, skipping meals, leaving immediately after meals to go to the bathroom, or spending lunchtime in the library rather than eating. Other signs are excessive exercise beyond what a coach recommends, persistent body dissatisfaction, increased isolation, and possible depression or anxiety. Additionally, if large amounts of food are suddenly missing from the home, it could indicate binge eating.
Q: How did you come up with the idea of writing a fictionalized book about disordered eating?
A: I noticed that most books in this field were memoirs, so I wanted to create something different—something that could encourage meaningful conversations without presenting explicit details that might inadvertently encourage unhealthy behaviors. My book aims to illustrate what it’s like to be in a relationship with an eating disorder, emphasizing that treatment is not a weakness but a part of the healing journey.
Q: What’s your hope for a young girl who reads your book?
A: My hope is that she remembers who she truly is and recognizes that she is not her eating disorder. I deliberately framed the eating disorder as an external relationship to help readers separate it from their identities. I want them to turn toward their true selves, embrace their values, and see themselves as God created them, rather than allowing the eating disorder to act as a counterfeit sense of identity.
Get a copy of DumpED by Jennifer Beasley
Click here to order a copy on Amazon.
Bring Jennifer to Your Podcast or Event
Whether you're hosting a podcast, a school event, or a professional conference, Jennifer’s voice is one of hard truths, hope, and empowerment. Her message resonates with parents, coaches, educators, and anyone passionate about helping teens thrive. Click here to email Jennifer's team to check availability.
Schedule Your Interview or Event
Ready to have the hard conversation? Jennifer is now booking for podcast interviews and speaking engagements. Click here to find a time to schedule a podcast interview with Jennifer.
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