I met Fernanda Alfonso, through her CCI eating disorder recovery coach, Holly Curtis, who recommended Fernanda and her family for an episode on this podcast. To prepare for the interview I read her book, , Control: A Story of Losing and Finding Myself, and was blown away by the insight, understanding and recounting of this 15- year- old’s recovery journey, a must read for teens and their family. Sure enough, in our discussion Fernanda speaks through her teenage lens but with an old soul, helping us all understand the interplay between anxiety and eating disorders, why not to give up when initial recommended treatments fail, and what is truly important. She and her parents discuss their harrowing journey and how, in Fernanda’s case neither FBT or 3 hospitalizations worked, but adding a coach to the mix was a game changer. The 20 lessons Fernanda learned and shares at the end of the conversation are some of the truest words of wisdom shared on this show.
Once again, this episode is a reminder for everyone; sufferers, clinicians and loved ones, that there are many paths that lead to becoming recovered and there is always hope.
ABOUT FERNANDA
Fernanda Arevalo is a 16-year-old high school student and recently published author with a strong interest in neuroscience and psychology. Born in Lake Forest, Illinois, she has lived in Singapore, Germany, and the United States. Fernanda i s Hispanic and bilingual in English and Spanish. Growing up, she was a dancer and competitive gymnast for five years. Today, she enjoys playing tennis, working out, and spending time with her family and friends. At just 15 years old, Fernanda wrote and published 'Control: A Story of Losing and Finding Myself', a book where she shares her personal experiences with anxiety, perfectionism, disordered eating, and recovery. She developed an eating disorder at age 13 and was hospitalized three times during her recovery journey. Although recovery was neither easy nor straightforward, her experiences inspired her to share her story. Through her book, Fernanda hopes to help other teens and families feel less alone and that healing and recovery are possible. Fernanda also enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering with Feed My Starving Children and Youth Services. In the future, she hopes to continue studying psychology and neuroscience and pursue a career where she can make a meaningful difference in others’ lives.
Get Fernanda's Book,
Control: A Story of Losing and Finding Myself: https://a.co/d/0hYp9PBP
CAROLYN COSTIN is a world-renowned eating disorder clinician, author, and speaker. Recovered from anorexia, she pioneered the belief that full recovery is possible. Founder of Monte Nido, she transformed treatment with a holistic, home-based model. She later founded the Carolyn Costin Institute, training coaches and clinicians worldwide. She has authored six books, including 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder.
RELEVANT LINKS:
🎁 A gift for listeners: Take Carolyn's free "How vs. Why" mini-course — the teaching video plus two readings from the 8 Keys to Recovery workbook. No account, no cost.
https://carolyn-costin.com/free-course
Receive 20% off the 8 Keys to Recovering from an Eating Disorder book: https://wwnorton.com/promo/costin
Become a Carolyn Costin Certified Recovery Coach: https://www.carolyn-costin.com/
Follow the Carolyn Costin Institute on Instagram: / ccicoaching
RESOURCES:
Books mentioned
Control: A Story of Losing and Finding Myself, Fernanda Arevalo,
Independently Published, June 21 2026
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Project Heal: https://www.theprojectheal.org/
ANAD: https://anad.org/
Thank you for listening. Please take a minute to review our helpful links and resources below.
🎁 A gift for listeners: Take Carolyn's free "How vs. Why" mini-course — the teaching video plus two readings from the 8 Keys to Recovery workbook. No account, no cost. Take the free course here.
Important Links:
Learn about the Carolyn Costin Institute
Apply to become a CCI Certified Recovery Coach
Follow the CCI Institute on Instagram
Subscribe to Carolyn's YouTube Channel
RECEIVE 20% OFF your purchase of the 8 Keys to Recovering from an Eating Disorder (book).
Recovery Resources and Support:
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
Project Heal
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
Carolyn's Bio:
Carolyn Costin is a world-renowned eating disorder clinician, author, and speaker. Recovered from anorexia, she pi...
