Acting Towards Our Values with Kaitlin Shimer, MSW, LCSW

This week, Karin welcomes Kaitlin Shimer, MSW, LCSW, eating disorder therapist at KLEDC, to the show for, "Acting Towards Our Values."

Join us as we explore the false belief that multiple treatment stays are an indicator of helplessness, the intersection of eating disorders, ADHD, and substance abuse, peer-to-peer healing, the complexities of eating disorder recovery and food allergies, the function of avoidance, “symptom swapping,” the benefit of Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), and much more.

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Eating Disorder Hope with Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC

This week, Karin welcomes Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, president, founder, and licensed therapist, to the show for, ”Eating Disorder Hope”

Listen for a discussion on finding meaning in suffering, what happens when one’s external image does not align with their internal sense of self, ways to feel “whole” even when others do not acknowledge it, treating eating disorders and substance abuse simultaneously, the changing family dynamic, how to recognize strides towards recovery, and more!

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Peeling Back the Layers of Suffering with Jules Xenakis

This week, Karin welcomes Jules Xenakis, transformational recovery coach, to the show for our newest episode, “Peeling Back the Layers of Suffering.”

Tune in to learn about how suffering can be a launch pad for personal growth, finding meaning in suffering, pressures to “grow up” in a competitive environment, allowing space and time to process difficult emotions, the use of psychedelics for healing and creating new neuropathways, and the importance of trust between clients and treatment providers.

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Healing Journey(s) with Tamie Gangloff, MA, MFT

This week, Karin welcomes Tamie Gangloff, MA, MFT, marriage and family therapist and recovery coach specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, addiction and trauma, to the show in our newest episode, “Healing Journey(s).”

Tune in to learn about the intersection of eating disorders, trauma, chronic pain, and substance abuse, the freedom that can come with a diagnosis, sobriety’s role in eating disorder recovery, the importance of safe space to work through trauma, the difference between “body image” and “body image disturbance,” and more!

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Secured Attachment With Food and Self with Tiffany North, RN, CIEC

In this episode, Karin welcomes Tiffany North, RN, CIEC, RN, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and creator of the Food Attachment Model™, to the show for the newest episode of Recovery Bites, “Secured Attachment With Food and Self”

Join Karin and Tiffany for a conversation on Tiffany’s Food Attachment Model™and the four attachment styles, steps to healing one’s relationship with food and body, the importance of mindfulness and intentional living, “ruptured attachment,” the intersection of eating disorders, substance, and alcohol abuse, setting barometers for success in recovery, and much more.

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The Ballad of a Thin Man with Ken Capobianco

In this episode, Karin welcomes Ken Capobianco, music critic, former college writing instructor, and recovered author to the show for the newest episode of Recovery Bites, “The Ballad of a Thin Man”

Join Karin and Ken for a conversation on shame and detail for men with eating disorders, the harm of specific gender focused treatment, the challenges of treating all genders, how food and sexuality intertwine, the medical complications of an eating disorder, the misperception of “scaring people straight,” the liberation of sharing one’s story of recovery, and much more.

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I'm Not Broken, I'm Just Gay with Lindsey Magner, MMFC-T (she/her)

In this episode, Karin welcomes Lindsey Magner, MMFC-T (she/her), Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in trauma, LGBTQIA+, attachment, non-traditional family structures, relationships, and life transitions, to the show for the newest episode of Recovery Bites, “I'm Not Broken, I'm Just Gay”

Join Karin and Lindsey for a conversation on the challenges of feeling broken and finding authentic self, the spiritual experience of loving your body, love as a feeling as opposed to an action, the intersection of eroticism and embodiment, examining pleasure outside of the confines of societal and religious beliefs, embracing sexual and spiritual transformation in recovery, recognizing the harm of performative lifestyles, inner child work, societal demands for self-denial, non-traditional family structures, the sanctity of truth, the act of “showing up” for yourself and others, what recovery is to Lindsey, and much more!

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Facing Trauma and Peacing Yourself Back Together with Dr. Moreen Rubin

In this episode, Karin welcomes Dr. Moreen Rubin clinical therapist and eating disorder and trauma specialist to the show for the newest episode of Recovery Bites, “Facing Trauma and Peacing Yourself Back Together."

Join Karin and Moreen for a discussion on the mind, body, spirit connection, the habitual nature of human bodies, unresolved trauma as a barrier to change, aligning the body with one’s consciousness and destiny, challenging distress and disease through balance, the seven human needs, defining trauma from a bio psychosocial viewpoint, the role of “tuning out,” and much more!

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Killing Us Softly with Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D.

In this episode, Karin welcomes pioneering activist, speaker, and writer, Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D. to the show for the newest episode of Recovery Bites, “Killing Us Softly.”

Join Karin and Jean for a discussion on the societal impact of advertising both historically and currently, the the focus of modern day advertising, the trivialization of violence in advertising, advertising's subjective view of beauty, the role of capitalism, recovering amidst the pressure of advertising, “Killing Us Softly” Jean’s groundbreaking film examining advertising’s image of women, and much more!

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Little Boy Monster with Brian Cuban

In this episode, Karin welcomes Brian Cuban, Dallas-based attorney, author, and mental health awareness recovery advocate to the show for our newest episode of Recovery Bites, “Little Boy Monster.”

Join Karin and Brian for a discussion on childhood trauma as a precursor to eating disorder development, when adults fat-shame children, the intergenerational nature of emotionally abusive relationships, how body shame isolates and silences, how Body Dysmorphic Disorder can feel from those who struggle with it, sobriety before eating disorder recovery, equipping oneself with tools to prevent getting pulled into dysfunctional behaviors, Brian’s book “Shattered Image,” and “The Ambulance Chaser,” and much more!

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[Repost] Wasted and the Phenomenon of the Trainwreck Girl with Marya Hornbacher

As we get closer to end of our first season of Recovery Bites, we decided to share a previous episode that listeners may have missed. It is an honor to announce the re-release our twenty third episode, “Wasted and the Phenomenon of the Trainwreck Girl with Marya Hornbacher."

Join us as Marya candidly reveals the motives and controversy behind the raw, graphic nature of "Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia." In addition, Marya and I discuss the invasiveness and unintentional/intentional “glamorization” of eating disorders in the media, the line between being “triggered” and being an educated consumer, how recovery is “messy,” the roles of self in the process of healing, how Marya incorporates the Twelve Step model in her recovery and current life, and much more. This is a must-listen!

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Progress Not Perfection with Lara Reaves

 
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Episode 48 - Progress Not Perfection with Lara Reaves

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

This week I welcome Lara Reaves to the show. Lara is a certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, specializing in eating disorders, and recovered from her own battle with an eating disorder that nearly destroyed many of her dreams for her future. Since recovery, Lara has worked in residential clinical settings, adolescent mental health facilities, and is well-versed in communicating with a treatment team. She is the Chief Operations Officer and Coach for Rebecca's Eating Disorder Foundation, and a Recovery Coach for the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center. Her mission became to increase awareness and educate the public about eating disorders and the journey of recovery.


SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The ways in which the journey to recovery can be one of the greatest teachers and source of growth.

  • Using behaviors in an effort to soothe the pain form the voices in your head.

  • How eating disorder behaviors (falsely) “protect” loved ones from the severity of one’s pain.

  • Recovery requires learning how to not negotiate one’s values.

  • The idea that one can make space for courage through disallowing fear from paralyzing the process.

  • How the courage and self-esteem gained from moving through fear outlive and outlast fear itself.

  • Recovery allows one to be “a part” of life as opposed to being “apart” from it.

ABOUT LARA REAVES:

When Lara Reaves arrived at a place of meaningful recovery with an urge to help people like herself. When asked by mentor Rebecca Cooper “what do you want to do deep down inside in your gut,” Lara knew the answer was to help others with eating disorders and Lara’s training began her training shortly thereafter. The clinical expertise and decades of recovery from her mentor offered Lara a unique education that “I would have never experienced during a psychology master's program.” During this time, Lara assisted in building a virtual Disorder Eating program, seminars on Eating Disorder Treatment, workshops, and writing projects. The experience was inspiring, and watching people make peace with food and their bodies felt like witnessing miracles. Lara realized that the Recovery coaching aspect of the work was what she loved and felt the most passionate about, leading to Lara receiving her certification as an Eating Disorder Recovery Coach from The Rebecca's Foundation Institute.

Lara was supervised and trained directly under Rebecca Cooper, world-renowned eating disorder therapist, author, and founder of Rebecca's House residential treatment center. Lara also volunteered as a Recovery Mentor, an experience that planted the seed to pursuing work as a recovery coach. She found it deeply rewarding to be a part of someone else's transformative journey towards a deeper, more peaceful relationship with food, addiction, and themselves. Through looking at the causes, effects, and social pressures, she grew her awareness of how much needed to be done to help people with Eating Disorders and mental health. As a recovered anorexic, bulimic, and alcoholic, Lara realized her new mission was increasing awareness of multiple aspects of the problem, guiding people in steps on the journey to recovery, and educating the public about the seriousness of eating disorders.

Since recovery, Lara has worked in residential clinical settings, adolescent mental health facilities, and is well-versed in communicating with a treatment team. She is the Chief Operations Officer of The Rebecca's Eating Disorder Foundation, where they fund men and women who want to get treatment. Lara is a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach from The Rebecca’s Foundation Institute, Chief Operations Officer and Coach for Rebecca’s Eating Disorder Foundation, Body Image Training for Clinicians: The Missing Piece of Whole-Body Healing with Marci Evans, CEDRD-S & Fiona Sutherland, and Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Tempe AZ.

Lara continues to value and love doing the things that helped her to reach full recovery by continuing to deepen her sense of spirituality and connection with the world including attending 12 step support groups, prayer and meditation, journaling, walking in nature, and reading a mix of spiritual and self-help books. Lara resides in Southern California, where she lives with her beloved husband Amir and their two dogs Ariel and Ernest. In her free time, Lara enjoys doing what she genuinely loves. Lately, this has been a lot of writing, playing with her dogs, service work (collecting and donating food and clothes for charities), gardening, and watching “I Love Lucy.”

CONNECT WITH LARA REAVES:

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

House on Fire with Caryn Raba

 
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Episode 37 - House on Fire with Caryn Raba

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Caryn Raba, a recovered eating disorder recovery coach, and substance abuse counselor. Working in the eating disorder field independently for over 3 years, Caryn's work as an eating disorder recovery coach has taken her all over the world both physically and through fostering virtual connections.


SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Working in the “here and now” by openly addressing eating disorder behaviors and how they affect individuals.

  • The bravery and courage needed to allow a recovery coach into your home.

  • How restriction can often be the driving force and/or precursor for bingeing and purging.

  • Evaluating the intentions behind movement and exercise.

  • How the eating disorder manipulates honest people to dishonest acts, such as stealing food.

  • The importance of reaching out to someone who can hold and validate one’s struggle.

  • Facing challenges and struggles with coping skills.

  • How the eating disorder and recovery process teaches and allows one to be in the world.

ABOUT CARYN RABA:

Caryn Raba has been an athlete since the age of four. She worked as a counselor and mentor in Substance abuse treatment for 10 years before coming into eating disorder recovery Coaching. Caryn is a Certified Eating Disorder Coach with the Carolyn Costin Institute and works independently and with Recovered Living as one of their eating disorder recovery coaches.

Caryn knows the importance of meeting a client where they are at, yet encouraging them to challenge themselves, as that is what was so important in her own recovery. She believes that strong, supportive relationships are key to getting better and the only people who don’t recover, are the ones who stop trying.

Caryn currently lives in Lives in Los Angeles, California USA, and is available for virtual sessions or 24/7 live in's both domestically and internationally.


CONNECT WITH CARYN RABA:

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

The Slower You Go, The Faster You Get There with Sarah Chipps, PsyD, CEDS-S

 
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Episode 27 - The Slower You Go, The Faster You Get There with Sarah Chipps, PsyD, CEDS-S

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this week’s episode, I am joined by Dr. Sarah Chipps, PsyD, CEDS-S. Sarah is the Chief Clinical Officer of Sanctuary, the Founder and Clinical Director of Well Williamsburg Psychotherapy, and a noted speaker on Intuitive Eating. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma, Sarah is also a regular presenter at conferences on topics such as diversity issues in the treatment of eating disorders, the client/therapist relationship, and the treatment of co-occurring eating disorder and substance abuse diagnoses. Sarah’s personal recovery from an eating disorder and substance dependence give her an inside perspective that helps both support and challenge clients.


SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The consequences of early childhood trauma and caregiver inattentiveness/absence.

  • How often trauma and eating disorders coexist, which is why dual diagnosis treatment is necessary.

  • The difference between the big “T" and the little “t" in trauma.

  • The effects of feeling “outside of the connection.”

  • How there is no “perfect” way to recover.

  • The intersection of eating disorders and substance abuse.

  • Rejection and relationship fears.

  • The importance of finding a community for multidimensional support.   

  • Recovery is not linear, you will make mistakes, and that’s ok!   

ABOUT SARAH CHIPPS:

Sarah Chipps, PsyD is the Chief Clinical Officer of Sanctuary, the Founder and Clinical Director of Well Williamsburg Psychotherapy. She is a New York State licensed psychologist (license #020206). Sarah specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma.

Sarah received her master's and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco. Since 2008, she has had the privilege to work with people with diverse identities and histories, in a variety of settings. Prior to opening a full-time group practice, she was clinical director at Monte Nido's residential program for women with eating disorders in Irvington, NY.

Sarah is a regular presenter at conferences on topics such as ethnic diversity, the client/therapist relationship, and the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. Her own recovery from an eating disorder and substance dependence give her an inside perspective that helps her both support and challenge clients.

CONNECT WITH SARAH CHIPPS:

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following Karin on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Tutu Thin and Dancing Around the Issues with Dawn Smith-Theodore, LMFT

 
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Episode 24 - Tutu Thin AND Dancing Around the Issues with Dawn Smith-Theodore, LMFT

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Dawn Smith-Theodore, LMFT a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and addictions. Dawn has a private practice in Agoura Hills and Westwood, CA, and she was the Director of Day Treatment Services for Monte Nido and Affiliates. She was the owner of “Carousel” a transitional living home for women with eating disorders and chemical dependency, with her colleague, Terry Eagan, MD. Dawn is also a former professional dancer and owned her own dance studio for 25 years. She is the author of the book, Tutu Thin: A Guide to Dancing Without an Eating Disorder. 

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The need for perfection, especially with dancers.

  • Choosing life or choosing an eating disorder.

  • Finding a balanced life as a dancer.

  • The importance of education around harmful language that can perpetuate an eating disorder.

  • How the theme of being “enough” is commonplace in the minds of those with an eating disorder and dancers alike.

  • The competitive nature of dancers and those with an eating disorder.

  • How nourishment allows dancers to feel the music and feel their bodies.


ABOUT DAWN SMITH-THEODORE:

Dawn Smith-Theodore, LMFT is a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders. Dawn has a private practice in Agoura Hills and Westwood, CA, and she was the Director of Day Treatment Services for Monte Nido and Affiliates. She was the owner of “Carousel” a transitional living home for women with eating disorders and chemical dependency, with her colleague, Terry Eagan, MD.

Dawn worked for seven years at Monte Nido Residential Treatment Center in Malibu, CA with women suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and exercise addiction. She has worked as a primary therapist as well as a facilitator of the weekly multi-family group, cognitive-behavioral, dance therapy, and creativity groups. She worked for 6 years as an Eating Disorder Consultant for Visions Adolescent Treatment Center in Malibu, where she worked with adolescents who suffer from drug addiction, alcoholism in addition to having an eating disorder. Dawn was the Clinical Director of the Eating Disorder Center of California in Brentwood (Los Angeles) for 5 years.

Dawn appeared on Health Zone with Amy Hendel and Recovery Talk Network as a therapist with a specialty in the eating disorder field. She has also been a guest teacher at Pepperdine University and California State Dominguez Hills. She spoke on a panel about Women’s Issues in Recovery at the Southern California Recovery Summit. Dawn appeared with Tracey Gold in the Lifetime Television show about the treatment of eating disorders entitled Starving Secrets. Dawn is an international speaker having recently spoken to the dance department at Boston Conservatory, The Joffrey Ballet School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Steps on Broadway, The Washington Ballet, Kirov Ballet Academy, IADMS in Helsinki and Montreal, and the Frank Sinatra School of Performing Arts in New York City. Dawn is recovered from Anorexia Nervosa herself.

In addition to her work as a therapist, Dawn owned and operated her dance studio, A Step in Time School of Dance in Calabasas, CA for 25 years. During her ownership, Dawn has traveled the globe with her students giving them opportunities to perform at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Cruise Ships, the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and The Radio City Christmas Show at the Nokia Theatre as well as building self-esteem through performance. Dawn continues to teach dance and is currently working with dance conventions and Ballet companies to educate them about eating disorders and positive body images in the dance world. Dawn believes that education and early intervention with dance educators, young dancers, and parents can help decrease the number of dancers who develop an eating disorder. She is the co-owner of Cross Pointe Dance with her long-time friend, Dana Stackpole former American Ballet Theatre and Broadway Star. Cross Pointe Dance is a Master Class Series and Performance opportunity for young dancers, where Dawn has the ability to promote positive body image to young dancers. Dawn is also the author of the book about dancers and eating disorders, Tutu Thin: a Guide to Dancing Without an Eating Disorder.

CONNECT WITH DAWN SMITH-THEODORE:

ABOUT KARIN LEWIS:

Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS has been recovered from Anorexia Nervosa for over 20 years and has been specializing in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders since 2005. Karin is the founder of the Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center located in Boston, MA. You can visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center online to learn more about Karin and her center’s services. You can also connect with Karin on social media by following @karinlewisedc on Facebook and Instagram.