Family members and friends always wonder how to help their loved one who is suffering with an eating disorder. Here are a tips. Tip 1: Express love unconditionally. The impulses of a loved one is typically to express love and concern in the same breath. It’s natural and understandable. It’s also risky. Concern often comes across as controlling and directive. Instead, …
Body Neutrality: When body love doesn’t seem real
Those of us who treat eating disorders, disordered eating, or just women in America would like see our clients have more positive self-talk, especially around body image. Unfortunately, body positivity may be a little ambitious…for all of us, not just our clients. Let’s face it. Our bodies do no always do what we want them to do. Sometimes, we …
What is self-talk?: The Reflection Exercise
**I got this exercise from the folks at Green Mountain at Fox Run. I’ve changed it a little bit but the core ideas remain. Thus, they should get the credit!! Self talk is a difficult thing to understand mostly because it tends to happen below the level of conscious awareness. I’d like to present an exercise that, in theory, …
Attitude of Gratititude
The phrase “Attitude of Gratitude” is one you hear used in the rooms of AA and other 12 step programs. Obviously, it refers to giving yourself an attitude adjustment when you get angry or resentful and remember all the good things you have in your life. Gratitude is also what the holidays are supposed to be all about! It seemed like …
Eating disorders from the perspective of a Dietitian: Interview with Elizabeth Jarrard, RD
Elizabeth Jarrard, MS, RD, LDN is a fellow blogger, with Guiltless and Don’t White Sugar Coat It, and a registered dietitian, practicing with Marci RD Nutrition Consulting in Harvard Square. Elizabeth specializes in eating disorders, as well as medical, sports, and plant-based nutrition. She is known for her ability to challenge eating disorder beliefs with a well placed ‘So?” I …
Interview with Tetyana of Science of Eating Disorders
Hi everyone! I’d like to introduce Tetyana, founder of the critically acclaimed blog Science of Eating Disorders. She has made it her aim to “facilitate knowledge synthesis, translation, and dissemination” of the peer-reviewed literature relating to eating disorders. Awesome goal, no? I asked Tetyana to be interviewed because she has become such an important resource for me in keeping up-to-date on all aspects …
My very honest response to the “thigh gap” media frenzy
**Trigger and language warning. This post uses words and phrases that may trigger those who have struggled with an eating disorder, so please do what’s best for you. Also, I am genuine in my response to the media buzz. Be aware that my choice of words is not censored. In the past few month, I’ve heard about the thigh gap …
Interview with David Brendel, MD, PhD
Hi everyone! I recently had the great privilege of interviewing Dr. David Brendel. I have known David for almost two years now and I just adore his style and approach to clinical work. He is, in the truest sense, a humanist scientist. He brings a flexibility and creativity to the science of clinical work. On top of that, David has …
Interview with Joanna Poppink, MFT: Part 2
Hi again everyone. We are resuming the interview.with Joanna Poppink, MFT. She is a licensed psychotherapist in California, the author of “Healing your Hungry Heart: Recovering from your Eating Disorder” and a fellow recovery blogger. Welcome back Joanna! Let’s get to it. 3. Going into a higher level of care can be a terrifying and distressing process but so …
Interview with Joanna Poppink, MFT: Part 1
Hi everyone. I’d like to introduce Joanna Poppink, MFT. She is a licensed psychotherapist in California, the author of “Healing your Hungry Heart: Recovering from your Eating Disorder” and a fellow recovery blogger. I found her blog a while back and have loved the how she covers many different aspects of eating disorders and recovery, from cultural influences to inner …