ADHD and Emotional Eating in McAllen, TX: Lessons from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A Sweet Lens on ADHD and Emotional Eating
Ever feel like you’re on a wild tour through Willy Wonka’s factory when it comes to food and focus? You’re not alone. In our ADHD therapy in McAllen, TX, we often use creative metaphors to explore complex issues. Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory offers a cast of colorful characters – Augustus, Violet, Veruca, Mike, and Charlie – who surprisingly echo the struggles many people with ADHD and emotional eating face. Each child’s adventure (and misadventure) in the chocolate factory can teach us something about impulsivity, hyperfocus, emotional ups and downs, and the hopeful path to balance.
In this article, we’ll meet these characters anew and see how their traits mirror real-life patterns of ADHD and emotional eating in McAllen, TX. Along the way, we’ll dive into the neuroscience and psychology behind these behaviors, backed by research. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how therapy can help, from cognitive-behavioral techniques to intuitive eating and parent support, offering practical strategies and hope. Whether you’re a teen, adult, or parent seeking emotional eating treatment near McAllen, this friendly tour will give insight into managing ADHD and food in a healthier way. Let’s begin our tour of Willy Wonka’s factory with an eye toward understanding ourselves!
Augustus Gloop: Impulsivity, Reward-Seeking, and Binge Eating
Remember Augustus Gloop, the boy who couldn’t resist the chocolate river? Augustus personifies impulsivity and reward-seeking, much like the patterns we see in ADHD and binge eating. He dives headfirst into gratification. Similarly, individuals with ADHD often struggle to resist tempting rewards – whether it’s sweets, snacks, or that extra slice of cake. The ADHD brain craves stimulation and immediate reward, linked to quirks in the dopamine-driven reward pathways. This can make tasty foods especially hard to resist. Augustus’s constant munching and inability to stop once he starts illustrate how impulsivity can lead to overeating or binge eating episodes. In fact, studies show people with ADHD are over four times more likely to develop binge eating disorder than those without ADHD.
Beyond the storybook gluttony, there’s real neuroscience here: ADHD and emotional eating share common brain circuit patterns related to reward and self-control. When an ADHD brain gets a hint of a reward (like the sight of a chocolate fountain!), the response can be stronger and harder to ignore. Impulse-control challenges make it difficult to stop eating once started, just as Augustus couldn’t pull himself away from the chocolate river. He wanted that instant joy now, consequences be damned. In everyday life, this might look like grabbing cookies without thinking whenever stress hits or mindlessly snacking despite not being truly hungry.
Practical insight
If you see a bit of Augustus in yourself or your child, always craving that next sweet reward, know that ADHD and emotional eating therapy can help build strategies to manage these impulses. Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can increase awareness of hunger vs. impulse, help you pause before diving into the “chocolate river,” and find alternative rewards. For example, learning to check in with your body’s cues can prevent the cycle of going all day without real food and then overeating in a rush of impulsivity. In treatment, we also explore healthier ways to get that dopamine hit, like engaging activities or hobbies, so food isn’t the only source of pleasure. The goal isn’t to banish the love of chocolate (we’re all human!), but to enjoy treats in moderation, rather than as an uncontrolled reflex.
Violet Beauregarde: Hyperactivity, Novelty, and Constant Stimulation
Next, we have Violet Beauregarde, the gum-chewing champion who just had to sample Wonka’s experimental chewing gum. Violet is full of energy and novelty-seeking – traits we often see in ADHD. She’s constantly chewing gum for stimulation and can’t resist a new exciting thing, even when warned. This reflects how ADHD can manifest as hyperactivity and curiosity, sometimes leading to risky or unhealthy choices. Violet’s gum habit is like an oral fidget; many individuals with ADHD find sensory stimulation (like chewing or munching) soothing or focusing. In fact, one ADHD specialist noted that taste, smell, and even the texture of food can provide a form of stimulation that people with ADHD are extra sensitive to. No wonder constant snacking or gum-chewing is common – it’s a way to keep the brain busy.
When Violet impulsively tries the three-course dinner gum and inflates into a blueberry, it’s a great metaphor for how quick fixes can backfire. Many teens and adults with ADHD and struggles around eating might relate to trying a fad diet or an extreme plan (“only gum, no real meals!”) in hopes of quick results, only to have it blow up in their face, much like Violet’s blueberry incident. Her experience also hints at perfectionism and competitiveness (“I’ll be the world record gum chewer!”), which, interestingly, can appear in some folks with ADHD or those with eating issues. Research has found that people dealing with both ADHD and emotional eating may share personality traits like obsessive focus or perfectionism. Violet’s all-in dedication to her gum and her instant grab at a novel candy demonstrate how hyperfocus and impulse can pair together in ADHD: intensely focusing on something interesting, and impulsively jumping to a new thing without considering consequences.
Evidence-Based Guidance
How do we help the Violets of the world? Therapy often involves channeling that need for stimulation and novelty into safer outlets. For example, in ADHD therapy in McAllen, TX we might encourage chewing sugar-free gum or using fidget tools to help with focus, but also teach intuitive eating principles so that one doesn’t rely on constant snacking for stimulation. Intuitive eating is about tuning into your body’s signals and finding satisfaction in eating without going overboard. It’s like learning to savor one piece of gum (or chocolate) at a time. In fact, a mindful or intuitive eating approach has been found to decrease binge episodes and improve self-control. So rather than banning gum or candy, we help clients learn balance: enjoy the flavors and sensations (like Violet loves gum’s taste) without needing to be chewing 24/7. We also work on impulse control strategies – for instance, practicing a pause when something new and tempting comes along. Just because Wonka offers you magic gum doesn’t mean you have to say “yes” immediately! Building that pause-and-plan habit can prevent many a metaphorical blueberry moment.
Veruca Salt: Emotional Dysregulation and Instant Gratification
“I want it NOW!” Veruca Salt’s famous demand might as well be the anthem of emotional eating urges and ADHD frustration. Veruca represents emotional dysregulation and the drive for instant gratification. She’s the child who, when upset or denied, explodes into a tantrum – throwing fits until she gets her way (or until she’s deemed a “bad egg” and sent down the garbage chute!). In ADHD, we often see individuals (especially children) struggle with managing big emotions. The ADHD brain can experience emotions more intensely and find it harder to soothe itself or wait things out. Small setbacks can lead to big reactions. Research in psychology has noted that ADHD is linked to difficulty with emotion regulation, which can contribute to turning to food for comfort. Essentially, when stress or anger strikes, someone like Veruca might reach for a cupcake the way she reached for a squirrel, thinking this will make me feel better now.
This pattern is classic emotional eating: using food as a coping mechanism rather than to satisfy hunger. For someone with ADHD’s heightened emotions, the comfort of sweet or salty snacks can become a quick fix for feelings of boredom, sadness, or anger. Veruca wanted a golden egg to feel happy; an adult with ADHD might want a chocolate bar after a rough day to instantly feel better. Unfortunately, as Veruca learned, demanding instant gratification can lead to trouble. Emotional eating may soothe in the short term, but it often brings guilt or other issues afterward, and it never truly solves the problem that made us upset. In fact, emotional eating can become a cycle that worsens mood and eating habits over time.
Data-Driven Takeaways
The key lesson from Veruca’s tale is the importance of learning emotional coping skills. In ADHD therapy, especially with approaches like CBT or even Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, individuals practice tolerating that “I want it now” feeling without immediately giving in. We teach alternative coping strategies for those big feelings – for example, journaling, taking a short walk, or using mindfulness breathing when upset, instead of raiding the pantry. We also help clients distinguish between emotional hunger and physical hunger. Is your stomach empty or is your heart lonely/angry/tired? A therapist specialized in ADHD and binge eating disorder will often help you trace that pattern: e.g., “Every time I have a stressful work meeting, I crave junk food after.” Once you see it, you can change it. We work on delay techniques (just like a parent might with Veruca, saying “wait 5 minutes”) – often, cravings pass or lessen if you give them a moment. By gradually building these skills, those with ADHD learn that they can survive not getting what they want this very second. And when it comes to food, that translates to more mindful choices and breaking the tantrum-to-treat cycle. The tone in sessions is supportive and hopeful – we’re essentially re-parenting that inner Veruca with warmth and structure. Over time, clients get better at saying, “I’m upset, but I don’t need a candy bar to deal with it. I’ve got other tools.”
Mike Teavee: Hyperfocus, Distraction, and Mindless Eating
Mike Teavee – the kid glued to his screens – gives us a glimpse into the hyperfocus aspect of ADHD. Sure, his obsession in the story was television (and it got him literally sucked into the TV in Wonka’s factory!), but today’s Mikes might be absorbed in video games, smartphones, or computers. Hyperfocus is that ADHD paradox: the ability to focus intensely on something interesting for hours while tuning out other important things. How does this relate to eating? Quite a lot, actually. When someone with ADHD is in a hyper-focused state, they may completely forget or ignore signals like hunger or fullness. For example, a teenager can get so engrossed in a game that they skip meals without even noticing, only to suddenly feel starving later and then impulsively overeat. As one specialist explains, ADHD’s intense focus on one thing at a time may not leave room for other needs; people with ADHD might skip meals during hyperfocus and then binge later when their hunger can no longer be ignored. It’s a bit like Mike Teavee being so captivated by his TV that he forgot everything else, potentially even dinner.
Hyperfocus can also lead to mindless eating. Picture Mike watching TV with a giant bowl of candy at his side – he might munch through it without realizing, because his mind is elsewhere. Many of us have experienced snacking in front of a screen and suddenly the food is gone. With ADHD, this can be pronounced; the person might not pay attention to what or how much they’re eating.
Alternatively, if food isn’t present, they may not eat at all, then later their ravenous hunger drives urgent overeating. Both patterns are disruptive. Research has noted that irregular eating habits – forgetting meals and then overcompensating – are common in ADHD. Such patterns can mess with metabolism, energy, and mood (ever see a hangry Mike Teavee? Not pretty!).
Actionable Strategies
Managing hyperfocus-related eating issues involves building structure and awareness. In ADHD therapy and emotional eating, we often help clients set up external cues and routines since internal cues (like hunger) might not break through during hyperfocus. This could mean scheduling alarm reminders for meal and snack times, or creating a rule to take a screen break for lunch. Parent coaching is crucial here for younger folks: we guide parents on how to gently interrupt a hyper-focused child to ensure they eat something at reasonable times (without it turning into a power struggle). We might use tools like visual schedules or smartphone reminders that pop up (“Time to eat lunch!”) to prompt the person to pause their activity. Additionally, we encourage mindful eating habits even during enjoyable activities. For instance, if you want to snack while gaming or studying, portion out a set amount beforehand rather than bringing the whole bag of candy along. This way, even if your mind wanders, you have a built-in stop. ADHD therapy sessions in McAllen, TX, also incorporate problem-solving for transitions – that is, how to shift attention from a hyperfocus activity to something else (like coming to the dinner table) with minimal distress. This might include techniques like using timers or practicing “attention-switching” exercises. By learning to balance focus with basic self-care, the Mikes of the world can enjoy their passions and keep themselves nourished and healthy.
Charlie Bucket: Resilience, Balance, and Hope
At the heart of the story is Charlie Bucket – the one child who doesn’t succumb to temptation (at least not for long) and who leaves the factory with a lifetime supply of chocolate and a new future. Charlie represents resilience, moderation, and hope. Unlike the other kids, Charlie savors a chocolate bar one small bite at a time, making it last for weeks. This mindful savoring is akin to what we encourage in intuitive eating: truly tasting and enjoying food without overdoing it. Charlie also demonstrates honesty and willingness to learn – remember when he and Grandpa Joe sampled Fizzy Lifting Drinks and almost met a sticky end with the ceiling fan? Charlie owned up to his mistake. This humility and ability to learn from slip-ups are qualities that serve people well in therapy. Recovery from emotional eating or managing ADHD isn’t about being perfect; it’s about bouncing back like Charlie did.
Charlie’s story shows that with support and the right mindset, positive change is possible. He came from a struggling family, much like someone dealing with ADHD and emotional eating might feel they have the odds stacked against them. Yet, he found strength in his love for family, his dreams, and a moral compass. In therapy, we try to nurture the “Charlie” in our clients – the part that is curious, hopeful, and capable of growth. We also strive to be guides like Grandpa Joe or even Willy Wonka (albeit a more predictable and helpful guide than Wonka!). The metaphor here is that your journey through life’s challenges can have a golden ticket at the end: better self-understanding, healthier habits, and a sense of control over both your attention and your eating.
Charlie’s Happy Ending
Charlie’s happy ending in the book is a reminder that change is possible. Many individuals who come to us feeling defeated – maybe identifying with an Augustus or a Veruca – eventually discover their inner Charlie. They learn to enjoy food without fear or guilt, to use their ADHD strengths (like creativity and enthusiasm) to their advantage, and to manage the tougher aspects of ADHD with skills and support. Charlie’s trait of balance (one candy bar enjoyed over time, versus dozens devoured in a day) is something we specifically aim for with emotional eating treatment. We help clients build a balanced relationship with food: all foods can fit in a healthy diet, and you can eat that chocolate without either losing control or feeling horrible about yourself after. In short, Charlie embodies the hope that we want every person with ADHD and emotional eating issues to hold onto – the idea that you can overcome these challenges and write a new chapter for yourself.
Why Do ADHD and Emotional Eating Often Go Together?
You might be wondering, is it just a coincidence that ADHD and emotional eating issues co-occur, or is there a real link? Turns out, it’s not just a coincidence – there are scientific reasons these patterns overlap. Neuroscience and psychological research have uncovered multiple connections:
Shared Brain Pathways
ADHD and emotional eating both involve the brain’s reward circuitry. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward, is often lower or utilized differently in ADHD brains. To compensate, individuals might seek external rewards like tasty food. One study noted that people with ADHD and those with binge eating disorder have heightened reward responses to food – essentially, the cupcake may give a bigger dopamine hit to someone with ADHD than to someone without, making it harder to resist. Brain imaging research likewise suggests overlapping neurobehavioral circuits for ADHD and overeating, especially in regions that control impulse and reward processing. It’s a double-whammy: high cravings, low brakes.
Impulsivity and Inattention
Core symptoms of ADHD – impulsivity and difficulty maintaining steady attention – can directly impact eating. Impulsivity means grabbing food without pause (just like Augustus Gloop). Inattention can mean not noticing what you eat, or not planning meals properly. These behaviors contribute to irregular eating patterns such as bingeing or constant grazing. In fact, impulsivity in ADHD has been strongly linked to loss-of-control eating episodes. And those with ADHD symptoms show higher tendencies toward emotional eating, external eating, and general overeating than those without ADHD. Simply put, ADHD can turn the dial up on appetite signals or drown out the cues that would normally tell you “you’re full” or “you’re not really hungry, just bored.”
Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD isn’t just about attention; it often comes with intense emotions. Many people with ADHD experience higher stress, frustration, or sadness, sometimes cycling through these feelings in a single day. These emotional swings can trigger cravings for comfort food. As we discussed with Veruca Salt, ADHD-related emotional dysregulation can lead directly to emotional eating. Food becomes a self-soothing tool – the chocolate bar or bag of chips offers a momentary relief or distraction from overwhelming feelings. Unfortunately, using food to numb emotions often creates a vicious cycle (feel upset → eat to feel better → later feel guilt or physical discomfort → feel upset again). Breaking this cycle is a key goal in ADHD therapy.
Executive Function Challenges
Executive functions are like the brain’s management skills – planning, organizing, time management, and self-monitoring. ADHD impairs these skills, which can wreak havoc on healthy eating routines. For example, someone with ADHD might have every intention to cook a balanced dinner, but then they get distracted, lose track of time, and suddenly it’s 10 PM and they order fast food or binge on whatever’s handy. Forgetting to grocery shop, procrastinating on meal prep, or not remembering to eat on time are common issues. One article pointed out that people with ADHD may neglect regular meals due to poor time management or hyperfocus, leading to disorganized eating habits. It’s not lack of knowledge – it’s the execution that’s hard when your mental secretary is a bit... scatterbrained. In ADHD and emotional eating therapy, we treat these as skills to build, not moral failures.
Shared Genetic & Psychological Factors
Research indicates there may be genetic links between ADHD and eating disorders. If a parent has both ADHD and a history of disordered eating, their child might be more likely to have similar issues. Psychologically, issues like low self-esteem, perfectionism, or impulsive personality traits can underlie both conditions. For instance, the all-or-nothing thinking (“I already broke my diet, might as well eat everything”) can derail both ADHD management and eating habits. A tendency to seek novel experiences might make one try dangerous diet pills, just as it might lead to thrill-seeking behaviors in ADHD. These overlapping tendencies mean that therapy often must untangle a web of contributing factors.
The good news is that understanding these connections means we can tackle the root causes. You’re not lazy, crazy, or hopeless if you struggle with ADHD and emotional eating in McAllen, TX – your brain is wired a certain way, and knowing that lets us find targeted solutions. For example, if we know dopamine is a driver, we might incorporate more natural dopamine boosts (exercise, hobbies, positive social activities) into your treatment so that food isn’t doing all the work. If time management is a problem, we work on routines and maybe even nutritional planning that fits an ADHD lifestyle (like keeping grab-and-go healthy snacks for those rushed moments). Knowledge is power here, and neuroscience is offering a more hopeful picture that these patterns can be changed with the right support.
Treating ADHD and Emotional Eating Together in McAllen, TX, with Therapy
Facing both ADHD and emotional eating in McAllen, TX, might feel like a two-headed monster, but effective therapy treats them together, showing that improvement in one area helps the other. In our McAllen practice, we specialize in this intersection. Our clinician is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW-S) and an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), with specialized training in both ADHD and binge eating disorder. That means when you come in, you’re not told to tackle just one problem at a time – we get that these challenges intertwine. In fact, integrated treatment is considered best practice: you shouldn’t have to “fix” ADHD before addressing eating, or vice versa. A tailored program can help you address both issues at the same time, because progress in one area often supports progress in the other.
Here are some ADHD and emotional eating therapy approaches and services we use to guide children, teens, adults, and families toward balance:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Skill-Building
CBT is a cornerstone for both ADHD and eating disorders. We work on identifying unhelpful thoughts (like “I failed again” or “I need sugar to get through this day”) and reframe them into more positive, realistic ones. With teens and adults, we often create concrete strategies such as meal schedules, planning tools, and checklists to aid memory and organization (tackling that executive function issue). For managing binge urges or emotional eating, CBT techniques might include keeping a food and mood journal to identify triggers, challenging all-or-nothing thinking about foods (“there are no ‘bad’ foods, just moderation”), and practicing urge surfing (riding out a craving wave without giving in immediately). We also incorporate behavioral strategies like breaking tasks into small chunks – for example, one small goal could be adding one fruit or veggie per day, or pausing 5 minutes when you get the urge to snack, gradually building up your self-control muscles. Importantly, CBT is collaborative and practical: between sessions, you’ll have tailored experiments to try, like using a timer to stay on task, or trying a new coping skill instead of comfort eating. These small wins add up.
Intuitive Eating and Mindfulness
Unlike strict dieting (which often backfires, especially if you have ADHD and forget or rebel against rigid rules), we promote a more flexible, intuitive eating approach. This means learning to tune into your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals and finding non-judgmental awareness around food. Therapies for binge eating frequently include mindfulness training, which has been shown to reduce binge episodes and even improve ADHD symptoms by strengthening emotional regulation. In sessions, we might practice a mindful eating exercise with, say, a chocolate kiss – slowing down to truly taste and enjoy it, noticing how a little can actually be very satisfying. We also teach clients to recognize different types of hunger (stomach hunger, heart hunger, boredom hunger) and respond appropriately. Intuitive eating is about making peace with food: nothing is off-limits, but you learn to trust your body. This approach, combined with mindfulness, addresses the core challenges of both ADHD (improving focus and awareness) and emotional eating (handling emotions without food, respecting fullness cues). Many clients find this weight-neutral, compassionate approach refreshing after years of yo-yo dieting or self-criticism. It’s about well-being, not strict weight control. And don’t worry – you can still have your Wonka chocolate; we’ll just help you enjoy it in a way that leaves you feeling in control and guilt-free.
Parent Coaching and Family Support
When children under 14 are struggling, we know that parents are key players in the solution. We offer parent coaching as part of ADHD and emotional eating treatment for kids. Young kids might not have the insight yet to notice their patterns (or might sneak candy like it’s their own golden ticket), so we equip parents with tools to create a supportive structure. This can include setting up consistent meal and snack routines at home (kids with ADHD thrive on routine), having a mix of foods available that include fun foods in moderation (to avoid making any food overly enticing or forbidden), and modeling healthy coping (showing your child how you deal with stress without immediately diving into the ice cream). We also guide parents in handling tantrums or emotional moments, much like handling a Veruca Salt episode with calm boundaries. For example, a parent might learn to use a calm-down corner or sensory tool kit instead of offering treats to soothe an upset child. We stress an intuitive eating approach for kids, too: no forcing diets or shaming food choices, which can backfire and lead to secret eating. Instead, the focus is on balance and listening to body cues. Parent coaching sessions might involve discussing positive reinforcement strategies for ADHD behaviors (like a reward chart for following the meal routine, or earning extra playtime for using coping skills). We also ensure parents get support for their own stress, because having a child with ADHD and possible eating issues can be challenging. With the right guidance, families in McAllen and across Texas can create a home environment that nurtures healthier habits for the long run.
In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options
We understand that accessibility matters. For those in the Rio Grande Valley, our clinic provides in-person ADHD therapy in McAllen, TX, creating a warm, welcoming space (sorry, no actual chocolate rivers – the candy is metaphorical here!). If you’re outside the McAllen area or prefer convenience, we also offer virtual therapy across Texas. This means you can get specialized help whether you’re in McAllen or anywhere from Dallas to Laredo, all from the comfort of home. Teletherapy has proven effective for both mental health and nutritional counseling needs, and we ensure our virtual sessions are engaging (sometimes even more comfortable for teens who feel at home in their own room). No matter the format, the quality of care is the same, and we tailor our approach to each individual.
Importantly, our clinician’s dual expertise in ADHD and emotional eating means you won’t get a one-size-fits-all approach. We truly get that skipping breakfast because you were distracted and then bingeing at midnight is not a willpower issue – it’s a treatable pattern related to ADHD. We also recognize when ADHD medications (like stimulants) affect appetite, and can work with your prescribing doctor to coordinate care, if needed. ADHD therapy is a team effort: you, your ADHD therapist, and often your family or other providers, all rowing in the same direction toward your goals.
Finding Hope (and Help) in McAllen, TX
The tour through our whimsical metaphorical factory is coming to an end, and hopefully, you’re leaving with some golden insights. Managing ADHD and emotional eating together can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Just as Charlie had Grandpa Joe and even Willy Wonka’s guidance, you or your child can have supportive guides on this journey.
If you’re looking for ADHD therapy in McAllen, TX, or emotional eating treatment near McAllen, you’ve come to the right place. Our practice offers specialized treatment for teens and adults dealing with ADHD and overeating, as well as parent coaching for children under 14 who need help with ADHD-related eating habits or emotional outbursts. We take a friendly, curious, and hopeful approach to therapy, believing firmly in each person’s capacity to change and grow. Every day, we see clients make strides – an adult learns to cope with stress without food, a teen gains self-esteem and better focus at school, a family starts communicating and coordinating effectively. These successes, big and small, are like discovering golden tickets in what used to feel like garbage.
Being locally based in McAllen, TX, we understand the local culture and family dynamics in South Texas. We weave that understanding into our counseling, whether it’s incorporating a client’s love for pan dulce in a balanced diet plan or accommodating busy family schedules. Recovery and growth might not be as instantaneous as snapping your fingers (or grabbing a flying elevator like Charlie did), but with patience and the right support, change does happen. It’s a lot like tending an orchard: you plant the seeds of new habits, nurture them with therapy and support, and in time, you’ll enjoy the fruits of a healthier relationship with food and a more focused, fulfilling life.
Take the Next Step with ADHD and Emotional Eating Therapy in McAllen, TX
The road to wellness – much like Wonka’s factory tour – starts by stepping inside. Consider reaching out to schedule an appointment or a free consultation call. Remember, addressing ADHD and emotional eating is not about blame or shame; it’s about understanding your unique brain-body connection and learning tools to thrive. With specialized ADHD and emotional eating therapy, you can transform from feeling out of control (whether in a room full of chocolate or in the face of life’s stress) to feeling empowered and hopeful. As Willy Wonka himself said, “Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple.” In therapy terms: a bit of hard work, some scientific know-how, some magic of human connection – and a sweet dash of hope – can invent a whole new you. Your story isn’t over, and bright, positive chapters lie ahead. Let’s find that golden ticket together!
Here’s how to get started:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to talk about your goals and how therapy can help with ADHD and emotional eating in McAllen, TX.
Book your first ADHD therapy session to explore your patterns and begin creating sustainable strategies for change.
Start building a more compassionate relationship with food, focus, and yourself.
More Services Available in the Rio Grande Valley
In my practice, I offer ADHD and emotional eating therapy in McAllen, TX. For LMSWs working toward their LCSW in Texas, I provide clinical supervision in a collaborative space focused on building confidence, refining clinical skills, and meeting licensure requirements.
Sources Compiled by an ADHD Therapist in McAllen, TX
Dahl, R. (1964). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Alfred A. Knopf. (Literary reference for character examples)
Seymour, K. E., et al. (2015). Overlapping neurobehavioral circuits in ADHD, obesity, and binge eating. CNS Spectr., 20(4), 401-411 scite.ai.
Alliance for Eating Disorders. (2023). How ADHD Influences Eating Patterns: Insights into Eating Disorders. (ADHD and binge eating statistics and patterns) allianceforeatingdisorders.comallianceforeatingdisorders.com.
Healthline. (2021). ADHD Eating for Stimulation: What to Know. (Impact of hyperfocus on eating habits) healthline.com.
Within Health. (2022). The Relationship Between ADHD and Binge Eating Disorder. (Shared reward pathways and treatment approaches) withinhealth.comwithinhealth.com.
Eating Disorder Hope. (2022). ADHD as a Co-Occurring Disorder with Eating Disorders. (Concurrent treatment recommendation) eatingdisorderhope.com.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2020). ADHD and Emotional Dysregulation. (Emotional eating as coping in ADHD) allianceforeatingdisorders.com.
