Eating disorders are unfortunately very common among teenagers today and our tutors have had successes in helping them get over them. They are caused by a form of self-loathing – the teenager is not happy with her body as it is and wants to make herself thinner. 

First of all, the tutor is sent out as a tutor, not a psychiatrist; he never alludes to the teenager’s eating disorder or in any way criticizes it; it is simply not mentioned. The tutor gets on with giving lessons to his pupil, playing sports with her, taking her to movies, doing all the things that she loves doing; they are together 24 hours a day. 

Slowly the tutor becomes a role model for his pupil and the pupil comes to admire and respect him; they become great friends; no mention is ever made of the eating disorder; they are too busy to pay any attention to it. Just the presence of the tutor all day long influences the attitude and outlook on life. The teenager sees herself in the eyes of the tutor and can redirect her own behavior.

Very slowly, without realizing it, the pupil starts eating more and more until she starts eating normally. No mention is ever made of this fact. No congratulations. Her eating disorder is forgotten about. She is so happy rushing around with her tutor – lessons, walks, swimming, movies that the day is full and her eating normal.