Eating Disorders, Embodiment, and Social Justice with Andrea LaMarre, PhD

 
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Episode 22 - Eating Disorders, Embodiment, and Social Justice with Andrea LaMarre, PhD

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by academic and activist Andrea LaMarre, PhD. Recovered from her own eating disorder, Andrea is a researcher, writer, speaker, and aspiring filmmaker from Canada living in Auckland, New Zealand. She currently works at Massey University as a lecturer in critical health psychology. With a passion for improving access to quality, accessible, and appropriate care for people with eating disorders, Andrea’s focus is on working systemically and structurally to change healthcare policy to be more supportive of diverse experiences.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The definition of recovery is not singular.

  • Being vulnerable is the antithesis of being in an eating disorder.

  • How black and white thinking can keep us from reaching recovery.

  • Social Justice and diversity in the eating disorders community.

  • Eating disorders don't have a "look".

  • Finding your passion post-recovery.

  • Going through treatment does not necessarily make you recovered.

ABOUT ANDREA LAMARRE:

Andrea LaMarre has always been social-justice-minded: one of her earliest forays into eating disorder research was an exploration of how one might understand eating disorders as a social justice issue, due to the many barriers to care that exist for those who do not fit the expected presentation of eating disorders (i.e., those who are marginalized along the lines of their ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, body size, etc.). As Andrea has become increasingly engaged with the eating disorder advocacy and activism community, however, she has been galvanized by the real stories of those who are let down by our current continuum of care for eating disorders.

Andrea’s research centers around recovery, which may seem a lesser concern in the face of these serious issues with access to care for eating disorders. However, Andrea has seen how hope for the future can be a powerful thing through engagement with various advocacy efforts over the years. She strongly believes that understanding recovery in a more complex, situated, systemic, and relational way can help to build supportive systems of care that are accessible, timely, and appropriate for the complexities of the people who seek them. In Andrea’s research, she aims to better understand what recovery means to diversely embodied (i.e., people from different ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, genders, body sizes, etc.) sufferers and their families. Andrea contends that by sharing lived experiences of recovery in the form of digital stories (short films about lived experience created in a facilitated workshop) one can create spaces for engaging in productive dialogue between healthcare providers, policy makers, and those with lived experience. This dialogue can help to understand what people and their families need in order to reach recovery.

Andrea’s overall goal in all of her work is to increase access to health and wellness for diversely embodied people who have experienced eating distress. Approaching eating disorders with a systemic, social justice lens allows people to look beyond a perspective that positions them as issues of individual responsibility and vanity; it allows people to begin to understand how individuals interact with social and political systems and how this impacts their health. Research, to Andrea, is about more than simply producing scholarly knowledge. It is about deeply engaging with communities to work toward a world that honors diversity and breaks down barriers to access. It is about hearing the stories of those who are being let down, and, rather than being immobilized, working to create alternative possibilities.

Andrea obtained her PhD in 2018 at the University of Guelph, where she used qualitative and arts-based approaches to explore eating disorders recoveries from the perspectives of people in recovery and their chosen supporters. Andrea is a member of a number of organizations for eating disorder professionals, including the Academy for Eating Disorders and the Eating Disorders Association of Canada, and volunteers for the National Initiative for Eating Disorders in Canada.

In her spare time, Andrea watches really bad TV, reads young adult fiction, and spends entirely too much time on Twitter. She can also be found hiking with her husband or attending too many conferences.

CONNECT WITH ANDREA LAMARRE:

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.

 

Bringing the Eating Disorder Into the Room with Joe Sciarretta, LCSW

 
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Episode 21 - Bringing the Eating Disorder Into the Room with Joe Sciarretta, LCSW

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Joe Sciarretta, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Earnest Therapy, LLC, a private practice specializing in helping people find hope during the chaos of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and PTSD. Since 2010 Joe has worked within intensive eating disorder treatment and has served individuals suffering from a wide variety of symptoms. Joe is passionate about helping those suffering from mental health problems and sees recovery is attainable for anyone. When asked how he got into this particular line of work, Joe’s response is that he “found my passion for helping people with eating disorders by accident, but stayed with them on purpose”.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Understanding (and honoring) ambivalence.

  • The difference between “fixing” and “healing.”

  • Looking through the lens of someone who hasn't experienced an eating disorder.

  • Why does getting better feel so bad?

  • Bringing the eating disorder into the room...even if you don’t want to.

  • The importance of education and insight when doing family work. "There's a lot of heat; but until there is education, there is not a lot of insight".

  • Eating disorders and suicide.

ABOUT JOE SCIARRETTA:

Joseph (Joe) Sciarretta, LCSW is a licensed therapist who focuses his career on the treatment of people with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma.

Joe received his BA in Psychology from The College of New Jersey in 2011 and his MSW from Rutgers University in 2014. Since completing his graduate education, Joe has held a variety of positions in the world of eating disorder treatment including Admissions Coordinator, Recovery Coach, Primary Therapist, and finally Lead Therapist. Joe is a fully credentialed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey. Joe is also a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Joe also offers training workshops on eating disorders to other healthcare professionals.

Joe got his start working in the eating disorder field sort of "by accident". After looking through a binder of internships held by previous students in his undergraduate psychology department, he had his interest piqued by the idea of learning in the most professional setting he could find, and so applied to intern at a hospital-based eating disorder program. Although he knew very little about eating disorders then, he was given a chance to learn and became the first male intern the program took on. During this experience, Joe had the privilege to help people as they started their journey in a state of illness and then gradually moved through their healing process. After witnessing many people go through meaningful transformations, Joe was so inspired that he decided to dedicate his professional career to the care of people with eating disorders.

Since that internship in 2010, Joe has been working with people who have eating disorders at a number of reputable treatment centers in the New Jersey-New York area. He has made it a point to serve people with eating disorders at all levels of care: from outpatient office visits, day treatment programs, residential centers, and inpatient hospitals. Having been a long-time staff member of Monte Nido's residential treatment center in Irvington, NY, Joe emphasizes the Monte Nido therapeutic approach outlined in the "8 Keys To Recovery From An Eating Disorder" book. He also heavily incorporates effective evidence-based principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Family Therapy.

At present, Joe owns and operates Earnest Therapy, LLC - a private practice dubbed for his tendency to eagerly support and encourage his client's true selves. At Earnest Therapy, he continues his tradition of directly serving people suffering from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma.

CONNECT WITH JOE SCIARRETTA:

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.

 

Feeling and Feeding with Emily Estes, MS, RD, LMNT

 
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Episode 20 - Feeling and Feeding with Emily Estes, MS, RD, LMNT

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Emily Estes, MS, RD, LMNT. Emily’s recovery from her own struggle with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression led her to create community and resources to empower others on the journey. Emily owns Sage Nutrition, LLC where she serves as a Registered Dietitian. Her work revolves around her motto that "food is meant to nourish our bodies, not nurture us." Emily is also the author of Affirming ME, diminishing ed and CRAVE: Discovering God’s Goodness in Food and Body.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Finding the emotional strength to be an advocate in your recovery. 

  • Turning the media's negative messages into positive, creative affirmations.

  • You don't have to fit into a box or a stereotype.

  • You are not one dimensional except for when you're in an eating disorders.

  • Recovery becomes non-negotiable when others become more important than the eating disorder.

  • The role that faith and spirituality can have on recovery.

  • When you invest the amount of energy you put into your eating disorder, into recovery, you can change your world.


ABOUT EMILY ESTES:

Emily Estes earned her Masters of Science in Nutrition and Health Science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). Through the completion of her dietetic internship at UNL, Emily held a special interest for developing skills to engage in eating disorder treatment. Her passion for education, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders led Emily to enter private practice following her dietetic internship. She is the Founder of Sage Nutrition, LLC where services are specifically geared toward food, exercise, and body image struggles. Her treatment philosophy encompasses a Health At Every Size approach with a goal to see individuals move toward self-acceptance while finding joy and pleasure in their relationship to food and body. 

Emily has long been an advocate for bringing eating disorder treatment opportunities to the Lincoln community. Emily is passionate about bringing community providers together to provide networking and continuing education opportunities. She is the Co-Founder of the Nebraska Eating Disorder Network (NEDN). In an effort to provide on-going support and resources to the eating disorder community (survivors, encouragers, and professionals), Emily developed the Recovery Box – a combination of tangible recovery tools as well as free web-based resources available to each area of the eating disorder community. Emily is the author of Affirming ME, diminishing ed and CRAVE: Discovering God’s Goodness in Food and Body.

In her time away from work, Emily enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her golden doodle pup, traveling, and exploring her creative outlets.

CONNECT WITH EMILY ESTES:

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.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would be so grateful if you would please take a minute to leave us a rating/review on Apple Podcasts.

Are you interested in becoming a guest on the Recovery Bites podcast? If so, please fill out our brief application form to start the process.

 

All in the Family with Anna Kowalski, MA, LMFT, CEDS

 
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Episode 19 - All in the Family with Anna Kowalski, MA, LMFT, CEDS

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Anna Kowalski, MA, LMFT, CEDS. With over 18 years of experience in treating eating disorders and a true passion for family therapy, Anna has supported countless clients to successful recovery. She has provided training and mentoring in several eating disorder treatment centers across the United States and firmly holds the belief that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Direct, authentic, and with a big heart, Anna is a powerful match for any eating disorder. Anna’s extensive experience and knowledge of the importance of family integration allows her to help families reconnect with one another and open the lines of communication during what is often a long and difficult journey to recovery. Recovered clients report that successful family relationships were often the key ingredient for success. 

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Family work is necessary for recovery.

  • The "fight" between the eating disorder and the family.

  • Families are not to blame, though they can be part of the problem…and part of the solution!

  • How one family session can feel like 500 individual sessions!

  • Biological and chosen families. 

  • Talking through anger.

  • Historical narratives and perceptions.

  • The need for family members to practice self-care.


ABOUT ANNA KOWALSKI:

Anna Kowalski received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. She has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2001. Anna was honored to have an 18-year career at Monte Nido & Affiliates: Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders, and left her position as Chief Experience Office at the end of 2017.

Anna has provided training and mentoring in several eating disorder treatment centers across the United States and firmly holds the belief that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible.

Anna is a person first, therapist second practitioner. She is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist who also loves to work with individuals, couples, and all configurations of families. In working with families, Anna’s help to restore/teach communication skills, while working through the discord to create a sense of wholeness.

With fierce protection, uncanny humor, and insightful honesty, Anna's unique gift of bringing out each client's healthy self. Her bold authenticity and use of positive psychology have endeared her to clients through the years. Supporting clients and their families as they navigate their way from eating disordered to fully recovered, Anna's clinical expertise, strength, and insight have made her a sought after therapist in the realm of family therapy and eating disorders. She inspires clients with her zest for life, sense-of-humor, and ability to make every person that crosses her path feel special. Anna is also a dynamic, engaging speaker and has presented nationally on eating disorders and recovery.

While Anna has had a private practice in the Calabasas CA area for the past 20 years, she currently has a cherished private practice in Agoura Hills, California. 

SPECIAL LISTENER QUESTION FEATURE:

  • Submit your questions for a chance to have them answered when Anna returns to the podcast!

  • You can email questions to Karin directly, comment on the episode webpage, and/or send them via Instagram and Facebook.

  • All questions will be anonymous to protect our listeners.

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.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would be so grateful if you would please take a minute to leave us a rating/review on Apple Podcasts.

Are you interested in becoming a guest on the Recovery Bites podcast? If so, please fill out our brief application form to start the process.

 

Hungry for Freedom with Mindy Gorman-Plutzer, FNLP, CEPC, CHC, AADP

 
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Episode 18 - Hungry for Freedom with Mindy Gorman-Plutzer, FNLP, CEPC, CHC, AADP

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Mindy Gorman-Plutzer, a nutrition consultant, certified holistic health coach, eating psychology coach, and founder of The Freedom Promise, a private coaching practice in Manhattan. Mindy’s experience with her own recovery, her education in Functional Nutrition and Holistic Health, training in Transformational Coaching, and Eating Psychology inspired her to write The Freedom Promise: 7 Steps to Stop Fearing What Food Will Do to You and Start Embracing What It Can Do for You.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • “I was doing recovery, but I didn’t know what I was hungry for”

  • Defining your personal, non-linear recovery journey.

  • Turning pain into purpose.

  • Challenging the fear of what food will do TO you and embracing what food can do FOR you.

  • The difficulties with battling disordered eating and substance abuse.

  • How “Higher Powers” can look different for everyone.

  • Learning how to live in “the middle.”

  • Stomach, head, and heart hunger and listening to what you are hungry for.

  • Finding freedom from your eating disorder and reclaiming your best self.

  • Viewing transformation as less about what you want to do and more of what you want to let go of.

Being recovered means being able to rely on myself to have the confidence to go forward, no matter what obstacle I’m going to meet, and that I can rise up.


ABOUT MINDY GORMAN-PLUTZER:

Mindy Gorman-Plutzer is a nutrition consultant, certified holistic health coach, and eating psychology coach. Working in the weight management industry for 19 years, she has combined her background, trainings in holistic health, transformational coaching, and eating psychology with her extensive life experience to create The Freedom Promise, a Functional Nutrition and Eating Psychology coaching practice dedicated to guiding clients on the most valuable journey of their lives – the one where they get to realize and re-claim the most vibrant version of themselves.

Mindy has worked with hundreds of clients to transform their relationship with food from one mired in toxic and limiting beliefs to one that is joyous, loving, and free. She introduces strategies that are a combination of practical coaching techniques, results-oriented psychology, clinical nutrition, body-centered practices, mind-body science, and a positive and compassionate approach to challenges with food, weight, and health. Clients experience results that are nourishing, doable, and sustainable.

Mindy’s new book, The Freedom Promise: 7 Steps to Stop Fearing What Food Will Do to You and Start Embracing What It Can Do for You, shares powerful insight and strategies related to letting go of disordered eating behaviors and limiting beliefs that keep the reader tied to a toxic relationship with food, The Freedom Promise offers personal stories to inspire, practical steps, and affirmations. You will be motivated to examine your behavior with food, explore your hunger, and be guided to reframe the stories you have been telling yourself about food and your relationship to it.

Join Mindy alongside 38 global experts from August 24th-30th for the “Recovery Revealed: What's Feeding Your Disordered Eating?” Virtual Online Summit to “offer solutions to the challenging behavior and beliefs about food and your body.” Mindy has brought together dozens of leaders to share new information and protocols to support a special unique journey toward healing one's broken relationship with food. These experts come from the fields of functional medicine, psychology, psychiatry, mindset, nutrition, and healing. Please click here to register.

I invite you to join us so together we can continue to share the message of hope, healing and full recovery. — Mindy Gorman-Plutzer


Mindy currently resides in New York with her husband, is a mother, mother in law, and grandmother. She enjoys golf, Pilates, exploring the city, and after leaving her own disordered relationship with food behind, loves to cook and experience the wonder and complexity of food.

CONNECT WITH MINDY GORMAN-PLUTZER:

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.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would be so grateful if you would please take a minute to leave us a rating/review on Apple Podcasts.

Are you interested in becoming a guest on the Recovery Bites podcast? If so, please fill out our brief application form to start the process.

 

Challenging the Narrative of Weight Stigma with Chevese Turner

 
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Episode 17 - Challenging the Narrative of Weight Stigma with Chevese Turner

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Chevese Turner, leader in the Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Health at Every Size® communities and co-author of Binge Eating Disorder: Recovery and Beyond. Chevese is the founder and former CEO of the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), and currently holds the position of Chief Policy & Strategy Officer at the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), after the 2018 merger of the two organizations. Chevese is a nationally recognized activist who passionately shares her journey with an eating disorder, body dissatisfaction, and the insidious effects of bullying & weight stigma on those living in larger bodies. With extensive experience in the field of eating disorders, Turner’s areas of advocacy include higher weight eating disorders, BED, weight bias and stigma, body image, Health at Every Size®, and body-based bullying.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Dealing with personal weight biases.

  • The cycle of restriction in binge eating disorder.

  • Medical harm created by the “lose weight” mentality.

  • Access and barriers to treatment for those in larger bodies.

  • Finding community for those who are typically “unseen.”

  • The steps to provide informed care for people struggling with BED.


ABOUT CHEVESE TURNER:

Chevese Turner is the founder and former CEO of the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), which merged with the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) in 2018. As part of NEDA’s executive leadership team, she develops the organization’s key policy initiatives and strategy and directs its partnerships, programming, and communications programs.

Turner has extensive experience in the eating disorders community as an advocate for those with binge eating disorder (BED) and issues around higher weight eating disorders. She is passionate about changing the conversation around weight and body size and is dedicated to moving beyond the current dominant weight-focused paradigm to one that is weight inclusive and promotes well-being free from weight stigma and body discrimination. Turner carries these messages to audiences around the US and abroad in schools, healthcare settings, trade organizations, associations, professional conferences, corporations, and governmental agencies. She is the co-author of the recently published book: Binge Eating Disorder: The Journey to Recovery & Beyond and contributes regularly to podcasts and the media.

Turner attended Temple University in Philadelphia where she received a BA in Political Science. Her professional background includes public policy and government relations, non-profit management, programming, strategy, and communications.

Binge Eating Disorder: The Journey to Recovery and Beyond, co-written by a clinician and an advocate who have personally struggled with BED, illuminates the experience of BED from the patient perspective while also exploring the disorder’s etiological roots and addressing the components of treatment that are necessary for long-term recovery. Accessible for both treatment providers and patients alike, this unique volume aims to explore BED treatment and recovery from both sides of the process while also providing a resource for structuring treatment and building effective interventions. This practical roadmap to understanding, resilience, and lasting change will be useful for anyone working clinically with or close to individuals suffering from BED, as well as those on the recovery journey.

CONNECT WITH CHEVESE TURNER:

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.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would be so grateful if you would please take a minute to leave us a rating/review on Apple Podcasts.

Are you interested in becoming a guest on the Recovery Bites podcast? If so, please fill out our brief application form to start the process.

 

Living in Your Element with Michele Gardiner, MC, CCC

 
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Episode 16 - Living in Your Element with Michele Gardiner, MC, CCC

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Michele Gardiner MC, CCC, a Registered Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Psychotherapist and the founder of ELEMENTAL Psychotherapy & Support Services. A passion born of both personal and professional experience, Michele has dedicated twenty years to supporting people and communities on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and mental health issues. Recovered for more than 21 years, Michele’s personal recovery from anorexia and compulsive over-exercise has provided her with a greater understanding, compassion, and coping skills to uniquely support and promote healthy, sustainable recovery.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The benefits of grounding oneself.

  • Ecotherapy and healing in nature.

  • The impact of changing our relationship to our stressors.

  • Decreasing impulsivity of behaviors and opening up options for recovery

  • Embracing the feeling of your body.

  • How the eating disorder serves as an umbrella over other issues and feeling states.

ABOUT MICHELE GARDINER:

​​Michele Gardiner is a humanistic, client-centered therapist who works from an attachment and trauma-informed lens and focuses on working collaboratively to create a therapy experience that feels safe and inclusive, builds on your personal strengths and capacities, and allows you to develop new meanings, resources and an awareness that fosters healthier coping, connection and confidence in your ability to manage problems in ways that align with your values and achieve your therapy goals.

Michele’s perspective comes from 15-years' of direct experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and groups within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors around general and complex mental health including behavioral and substance addictions, eating disorders, personality disorders, domestic violence/abuse, suicide and trauma in children, youth, adults.

Michele’s experience is further informed through her own personal recovery from anorexia and compulsive over-exercise, which resulted from the collision of two traumatizing events in her 20s, as a way of coping with intense emotions of loss, anger, and fear - pains that she was unable to express at the time. Recovery gave Michele tools for self-expression and compassion and coping skills and with these more empowering and freeing perspectives in life.

Recovery led Michele to volunteer experiences with organizations dedicated to promoting awareness and prevention around eating disorders and mental health and fueled a desire to give back by taking on community roles around the education, prevention, and treatment of these lonely, generally misunderstood and sometimes deadly issues. These valued volunteer roles include acting as a peer counselor with the BCEDA, community prevention educator with ANAD, as a member of the Board of Directors with ANAD and Jessie's Hope, a consultancy role with MCFD's eating disorder team, as an external editor with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s esteemed BC Mental Health Journal, Visions, as a member of the National Review Committee for the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association, and as a public speaker and community educator on the topic of eating disorders, disordered eating and body image for more since 2005.

In addition to volunteer roles, Michele’s education includes a Masters Degree in counseling, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in (SS) psychology from the University of Victoria with a focus on Behavioral Neuroscience and Para-Linguistics, with post-graduate training and certifications directed to her areas of professional practice (you can view her training and education here).

Michele’s training in the assessment and treatment of Eating Disorders extends to working with children, youth, adults, families and athletes and encompasses completion of the Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy Certification (EDIT)™ and the CEDS Curriculum (2015 and 2017) with the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp)™.

As a Certified Therapist (CCC), Michele participates in on-going Consultation and Professional Supervision and hold Professional Certifications and Memberships in "good standing" with: The Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp™), the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), the Eating Disorders Association of Canada (EDAC), the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), and the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH).

Michele is the founder of ELEMENTAL Psychotherapy & Support Services , a private practice located in Summerland, BC, Canada. Honoring each client as a unique and capable individual is a core principle reflected in Michele’s work at ELEMENTAL through the perspective that, as human beings, their unique thoughts, feelings, beliefs and life experiences provide them with a wisdom that is empowering and elemental ​to their process of creating new hopes and change.

Michele’s love of counseling and psychology is enhanced by the belief that a solid foundation of education, training, and supervision provides the knowledge and skills to guide safe, informed practices and promote healthy, sustainable recovery for each individual, couple, and family that she works with.

Outside of counseling, Michele enjoys reading, photography, and being in the beautiful outdoors. Wind, rain, snow, and shine, she feels most inspired, centered, and authentic when she is in Nature and takes it in by hiking, skiing, snow-shoeing, and paddling with her family and Canine Co-therapist, Ash. Whenever possible, Michele encourages clients to develop a relationship with nature to improve coping, confidence and to develop a healthier, more holistic connection to their bodies and sense of self.
​

CONNECT WITH MICHELE GARDINER:

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.

 

Mindsight Discovery with Beth Hartman McGilley, Ph.D, FAED, CEDS

 
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Episode 15 - Mindsight Discovery with Beth Hartman McGilley, Ph.D, FAED, CEDS

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Beth Hartman McGilley, Ph.D., FAED, CEDS-S recovered psychologist in private practice at Path Clinic, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, athletes, trauma, and grief. Her practice is informed by feminist, HAES, and social justice perspectives. A Fellow of the AED, and a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist/Supervisor, Beth has practiced psychotherapy for over 35 years, in addition to writing, lecturing, and supervising. She is the co-editor of the book: Treatment of Eating Disorders: Bridging the Research/Practice Gap.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Coping with the “messiness” of recovery.

  • Living in ambiguity.

  • Addressing fear surrounding treatment for athletes with eating disorders.

  • Finding ways to physically move that moves you.

  • The clinical need to “show up” for clients by honoring the uniqueness of each person's recovery.

  • Tolerating competing emotions and feeling states.

  • How recovery offers an entirely different way of relating to tragic events.

  • Mindsight...getting out of the rabbit hole!


ABOUT BETH MCGILLEY:

Beth Hartman McGilley, Ph.D., FAED, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Kansas School of Medicine--Wichita is a psychologist in private practice, specializing in the treatment of eating and related disorders, body image, athletes, trauma, and grief. A Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), and a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, she has practiced for over 30 years, writing, lecturing, supervising, directing an inpatient eating disorders program, and providing individual, family and group therapy.  She has published in academic journals and the popular media, as well as contributing chapters to several books. She is a journal editor for Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention, and co-editor for the book: Treatment of Eating Disorders: Bridging the Research/Practice Gap. She has presented extensively to national and international, lay and professional audiences, as well as appeared on a variety of local and national news and radio outlets.

In addition to her clinical work, Beth has been a chair or member of numerous committees for the AED since its inception. These include Health Club Taskforce (Chair, 2009-2015), Medical Management Taskforce (Member, 2009-present), Public Relations Committee (Chair, Advocacy Subcommittee, 2002-04), Membership Recruitment/Retention Committee (Co-Chair.1999-03), Fundraising Committee (Member, 2001-02), Managed Care Task Force Committee (Member, 1997-01). Beth previously served as the co-founder and Co-Chair of the AED Professionals and Recovery Special Interest Group, and is currently a member of the AED Somatic Therapies SIG.

Beth also specializes in applications of sports psychology and performance enhancement techniques with athletes at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. She was the sports psychology consultant for the Wichita State University Women’s Basketball team from 2005-2008. She was the co-founder and co-chair of the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP) Eating Disorders Special Interest Group from 2007-2012.

Beth co-founded and for 12 years served as the President of the Healing Path Foundation, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in Kansas. She is a longstanding member of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Kansas Psychological Association (KPA).  She was a 2008 graduate of the Kansas Health Foundation Leadership Fellows Training program. Her hobbies include competitive cycling, hiking, writing, and time with her therapy dog, Wheeler the Healer.

CONNECT WITH BETH MCGILLEY:

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.

 

Finding Freedom in Recovery with Beth McMurray LMFT, CEDS

 
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Episode 14 - Finding Freedom in Recovery with Beth McMurray LMFT, CEDS

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Beth McMurray, LMFT, CEDS. Beth is a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, specializing in working with clients with eating disorders, as well as the underlying issues that can drive eating disorders, such as anxiety, depression, loss, and trauma.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Eating disorders and the entertainment industry.

  • How your relationship with food is like your relationship with people.

  • Setting healthy boundaries in relationships.

  • Body dissatisfaction when deeper in an eating disorder.

  • Loss of self.

  • Losing touch with what you value while in an eating disorder.

BEGIN YOUR HEALING JOURNEY WITH KARIN AND HER TEAM NOW!

 

Door Knob Moments with Rebecca Bokat, MS, RD, LDN

 
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Episode 13 - Door Knob Moments with Rebecca Bokat, MS, RD, LDN

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Rebecca Bokat, MS, RD, LDN of NourishED RD, LLC. Rebecca is a registered dietitian nutritionist who has dedicated her career to helping clients struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating receive the necessary treatment to lead fully recovered, nourished lives.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Reintroducing exercise.

  • Eating disorders and sleep disruption.

  •  Multidisciplinary team work.

  •  As the client, you are part of the team.

  •  Vacationing with an eating disorder

  •  Eating disorder voice versus healthy voice.


ABOUT REBECCA BOKAT:

The seeds of Rebecca’s interest in fitness and nutrition were planted at an early age as she watched Jane Fonda aerobic tapes in the basement of her childhood home outside of Washington, DC. Rebecca often leafed through her mother’s many issues of Eating Well magazine, setting the stage for what would become a lifelong relationship with food. In the years following her childhood, Rebecca’s passion for fitness grew, and she started her career as an AFAA certified personal trainer. The majority of Rebecca’s clients sought her expertise to help them achieve weight loss goals, which served as further inspiration to learn more about the intricate relationship between nutrition, exercise, and body image. In response to culturally embedded messages about dieting and the pursuit of the thin “ideal,” Rebecca sought a deeper understanding of clinical nutrition and turned her attention to graduate school. In 2009, Rebecca earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from Boston University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Boston Medical Center. 

Rebecca has extensive experience treating eating disorders throughout all life stages across the continuum of care. As a clinical dietitian for inpatient services at Boston-area Walden Behavioral Care, Rebecca gained the invaluable experience that comes from treating patients at a multilevel eating disorder and psychiatric treatment facility. For the majority of her time at Walden, Rebecca was the adolescent dietitian, providing education to patients and families on the psychological and physiological impacts of eating disorder behaviors, symptom management, and reduction, and meal planning to normalize eating patterns and support medical and behavioral stabilization. Most recently, Rebecca served as the dietitian for both adolescent and adult clients in the Day Treatment Program and Intensive Outpatient Program at The Renfrew Center Boston and at Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Boston.

Rebecca is an active member of multiple professional organizations and groups including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians, and Eating Disorder Registered Dietitians & Professionals.  She is devoted to continuing her professional growth and development through participation in the Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) and Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) Dietetic Practice Groups. Rebecca also belongs to the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) Preferred Treatment Provider Network.

Rebecca is currently in private practice at NourishED located in Boston, MA. The combination of her lifelong passion for nutrition, fitness, and wellness is the foundation from which Rebecca supports her clients as they heal their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. Rebecca leverages her enthusiasm, personal experience, and clinical expertise to offer hope and inspiration to her clients so they may lead fully recovered lives. 

Being recovered and free from the eating disorder allows you to live your life how you choose, not that you have control over life outcomes, but that you have an independent voice in making choices in the micro and macro life decisions that you come across.

- Rebecca Bokat


CONNECT WITH REBECCA BOKAT:

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. To learn more about Karin and her center’s services, please visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center. You can connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Targeting the Key Issues with Hannah Boardman, MA, NLP

 
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Episode 12 - Targeting the Key Issues with Hannah Boardman, MA, NLP

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Hannah Boardman, MA, NLP. Hannah has spent 12 years training and working in the field of Psychology and currently owns and operates Master Your Mind, her personal therapy and coaching practice. She is a Master Cognitive Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner and Life Coach, offering a unique, multi-method approach combining various therapies and coaching methods. Hannah is also an author for Recovery Warriors.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Chronic GI issues and eating disorders.

  • Being recovered WITH chronic GI issues.

  • No matter how many setbacks you've had, keep trying.

  • Being recovered after multiple relapses.

  • Treating the whole person, not just a diagnosis.

  • Targeting the key issues.

  • Uncovering layers at a deeper level.


ABOUT HANNAH BOARDMAN:

Hannah Boardman is a Cognitive Hypnotherapist & Life Coach who works with driven, high value women to stop sabotaging their health, happiness and success through food, overwhelm and not feeling good enough. Hannah has worked in both the mental health and corporate sectors for over 12 years, having trained as a Master of Cognitive Hypnotherapy, NLP and personal coaching with a background in psychology and sales.

Hannah, as a proud Eating disorder survivor knows how it feels, on the outside, to look like you have it all, but on the inside feel trapped, anxious and out of control. Every woman needs to know that they can have it all and reach the level of health, happiness and success they truly desire. Hannah knows that food and emotional struggles are really just the symptoms of something much deeper. To fully and completely resolve these issues for good, it takes a complete solution addressing the whole picture, rather than the next quick fix.

Hannah currently owns and operates Master Your Mind Coaching and Consulting to help girls and women all over the world to reclaim their life, so their problems no longer define them. Hannah works with clients to help find their voice, tap into their power and ultimately unleash their true, free selves into the world. Master Your Mind services utilize multiple therapeutic approaches in order to provide clients with a complete, holistic solution to their recovery. Hannah’s practice is accredited by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNCH), Australian Hypnotherapy Association (AHA), National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and  Hypnotherapy Council Australia (HCA). 

Hannah has always been interested in understanding, helping, and supporting people to overcome challenges in their lives. A London girl, converted Sydney ‘chick’ now enjoys the relaxed life down under and making the most of all this unfamiliar sunshine!

CONNECT WITH HANNAH BOARDMAN:

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. To learn more about Karin and her center’s services, please visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center. You can connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Fingerprint Moments with Kate Funk, MFT, LMFT

 
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Episode 11 - Fingerprint Moments with Kate Funk, MFT, LMFT

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Kate Funk, MFT, LMFT, of Kate Funk Counseling. Working with eating disorders since 2012, Kate is dedicated to the treatment and understanding of eating disorders. As a recovered clinician, she believes full recovery is possible and works to empower clients to find their true selves and create lives where food and exercise are no longer the forefront, but a simple part of life. Kate is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Pennsylvania and Texas. Kate is currently located in the greater Houston area. 

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Eating disorders and substance abuse.
• Owning who you are.
• Conforming to "fit in" plants the seed for an eating disorder.
• Finding purpose and meaning.
• Looking at what are the barriers to living the life you want to live.
• Eating disorders robbing you of everything you think it will give you.

ABOUT KATE FUNK:

Kate Funk, MFT, LMFT is a therapist in the greater Houston area who earned a Masters Degree in Family Therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Kate has dedicated her professional career to the treatment and understanding of eating disorders. Kate believes eating disorders affect the entire person and that individual and family therapy promote healing. With personal experience battling and recovering from an eating disorder, Kate knows first-hand full recovery is possible. Dedicated to learning about the treatment of eating disorders, Kate has trained with Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas, Shepherd Pratt, The Renfrew Center, Monte Nido and Affiliates, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

Kate created an outpatient group for eating disorders in southern New Jersey while serving as research coordinator for the University of Sciences Eating Disorder Research Program which since moved to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Since 2016, Kate has worked at Monte Nido and Affiliates and has worked in all levels of care including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment. Throughout her career, she has had opportunities to volunteer with the National Eating Disorder Association, The Renfrew Center, and Girls on the Run.

Kate believes in treating the mind and body through a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-empowerment, compassion-focused therapy,  symbolic experiential, and structural family therapy as well as creative arts.


CONNECT WITH KATE FUNK:

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. To learn more about Karin and her center’s services, please visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center. You can connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Somatic Healing with Paula Scatoloni, LCSW

 
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Episode 10 - Somatic Healing with Paula Scatoloni, LCSW

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Paula Scatoloni, LCSW, CEDS, SEP. Paula is a somatic-based psychotherapist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and Somatic Experiencing™ practitioner in Chapel Hill, NC, and has worked in the field of eating disorders for over two decades. Paula co-developed the first intensive outpatient program for eating disorders in the U.S with Dr. Anita Johnston. She is the co-founder of the Embodied Recovery model and the Embodied Recovery Institute in Durham, NC.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Somatic healing

  • Attachment, Trauma, and Sensory Integration

  • Learning to get into your body safely, when it's exactly where you don't want to be.

  • Noticing how body sensations shift.

  • The canary in the coal mine.

  • The "perfect storm".

  • Detachment of body due to trauma.

  • Recovery takes showing up.

ABOUT PAULA SCATOLONI:

Paula Scatoloni, LCSW is a somatic psychotherapist (soma = body in Greek) and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. Paula is a somatic-based psychotherapist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and Somatic Experiencing practitioner in Chapel Hill, NC. She has a private practice and has worked in the field of eating disorders for over two decades. She has taught extensively on the etiology and treatment of eating disorders through workshops, professional trainings, and conferences for over a decade.

Paula works with those who wish to improve their sense of intimacy and connection to others, resolve old relational dynamics, create a more affirming relationship to the body, develop healthy skills for managing difficult emotions, improve physical vitality and energy level, or decrease feelings of chronic anxiety.

Early in her career, Paula has focused on helping individuals find freedom in the body through traditional “talk” therapy and the expressive arts modalities. She developed the first intensive outpatient program for eating disorders in the nation with Dr. Anita Johnston author of Eating in the Light of the Moon. After relocating to NC in 2006, Paula served as the Eating Disorder Coordinator at Duke University for nine years managing a clinical team, facilitating workshops, and providing academic instruction to professionals both on campus and in the surrounding community.

For the past decade, Paula has followed the emerging neuroscience research incorporating mindfulness-based modalities into her treatment approach. She is certified in Somatic Experiencing, a biophysiological model for the treatment of trauma and nervous system regulation. Paula is currently training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a treatment approach that focuses on the healing of early attachment ruptures and trauma.

Most recently, Paula co-developed a professional training called Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders. This treatment model weaves together the latest advances in the field of neuroscience, trauma, and attachment while teaching providers how the body itself can serve as a resource in recovery rather than obstacle to be overcome.

When Paula is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She uses yoga, dance, nature, music, and Pilates for her own self-care and firmly believes that self-care is critical for those in the helping profession.

CONNECT WITH PAULA SCATOLONI:

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. To learn more about Karin and her center’s services, please visit Karin Lewis Eating Disorder Center. You can connect with Karin on social media by following her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Invisibility of Men in the Eating Disorder Community with Mark Warren, MD

 
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Episode 9 - Invisibility of Men in the Eating Disorder Community with Mark Warren, MD

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Mark Warren, MD, recovered clinician and Chief Medical Officer of The Emily Program, a multi-state Eating Disorder Treatment System focused on bringing the most advanced, evidenced based care to clients who are treated in a community of recovery. Mark Warren graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Harvard Medical School. His practice focuses on bringing the most up-to-date research into evidence-based care. Mark has published and spoken extensively on Males and Eating Disorders, Professionals and Recovery and DBT and FBT in the treatment of eating disorders. In this episode, Mark shares that he hadn’t met another recovered, male professional until he was 60 years old and that maintaining a sense of community has help keep him recovered.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • The underrepresentation of men and eating disorders.

  • The invisibility of men and their behaviors.

  • You are not your diagnosis, you are human being struggling with a disorder.

  • Eating disorders are a disorder of disconnection.

  • Getting off of the "treadmill" of life.

  • Men are just as exposed subjected to the diet culture and body ideals.

  • Eating disorders and drugs as traumatic experiences.

  • Things that are shameful, are painful.

ABOUT MARK WARREN:

Mark graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Harvard Medical School. His practice focuses on bringing the most up-to-date research into evidence-based care.

Mark serves on the faculty of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and teaches at University Hospitals of Cleveland and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a Fellow of the Academy of Eating Disorders, where he leads the SIG in Males and Eating Disorders. Mark is a two-time recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and a winner of the Woodruff Award.

Mark co-chairs the Academy of Eating Disorders Presidential Task Force for Medical Care and serves on the FEAST Medical Advisory Board and the London-based Succeed Foundation Medical Advisory Board. He has presented extensively at the International Conference on Eating Disorders, The Renfrew Foundation, and the Multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Association.

Mark currently holds the position of Chief Medical Officer for The Emily Program, a comprehensive treatment center that provides personalized eating disorder treatment for teens, young adults, and adults. We offer comprehensive psychological, nutritional, medical, and psychiatric care at multiple locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Duluth, MN, Spokane, WA, South Sound (Lacey), WA and Seattle, WA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Cleveland, OH.

Treatment options range from periodic outpatient appointments to residential care at our 24/7 residential facilities in Cleveland, OH, and St. Paul, MN. The Emily Program offers help with a variety of treatment for eating disorders, exercise, and body image issues, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder, and related mental health issues. You can visit The Emily Program for more information.

CONNECT WITH MARK WARREN:

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.

 

When Life Happens with Beth Mayer, LICSW

 
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Episode 8 - When Life Happens with Beth Mayer, LICSW

by Karin Lewis, MA, LMFT, CEDS

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode, I am joined by Beth Mayer, LICSW. Beth is a recovered Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, negative body image, and trauma with over 35 years of experience. She is a nationally recognized speaker in the field of eating disorders. Beth works with people struggling with all types of eating disorders and specializes in adolescents and families.

SOME OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Access to care.
• Working with an advocate.
• Single Case Agreements (insurance SCA).
• Everyone deserves help.
• Learning how to be gentle with relapse and recovery.
• Different responses to disclosing to loved ones.
• How “life” happens as you let go of ED thoughts & behaviors. 

ABOUT BETH MAYER:

Beth is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, negative body image, and trauma with over 35 years of experience. She is a nationally recognized speaker in the field of eating disorders. Beth works with people struggling with all types of eating disorders and specializes in adolescents and families.

Beth’s areas of expertise include eating disorders, body image, trauma, and adolescent and family therapy. Her therapeutic work focuses on the whole person including their cultural, emotional, physical, familial, spiritual, and financial background.

Beth believes that a tremendous amount of change is possible through therapy, and she strongly believes that people can heal and have a better life. Her beliefs are grounded in her own experiences and her faith in the process of healing. Beth truly believes in an individual’s capacity for change, and holds this hope for all her clients.

Beth’s approach is present and non-judgmental as she helps clients navigate their way through their life experiences. She takes a strengths-based approach as she recognizes the strengths in her clients and their families and steers away from pathologizing people and their situation. Beth does this work because she truly loves it, and holds a lot of energy and patience with her clients.

Beth is a Level-One trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and is also trained in Family Based Therapy (FBT). She utilizes DBT, CBT, IFS, and ACT in all her work. She classifies herself as an eclectic therapist who uses different treatment approaches based on the needs of the individual, couple, and/or family.

Although a very serious clinician, Beth firmly believes in laughter as a critical element of the healing process and laughs with her clients while helping them to find the humor in their lives.

Beth received her MSW from Boston College School of Social Work and her undergraduate degree from Quinnipiac College. Beth is trained in DBT, IFS, and CBT. She served the Executive Director of the Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA). Her other professional experience includes employment at Riverside Community Care, a non-profit health and human service organization. Beth managed three of their adolescent treatment programs. Beth also served as Executive Director of Travelers Aid Society of Boston, an organization that works with homeless people needing emergency assistance. She has also maintained an active private clinical practice since 1987. Beth currently co-chairs the NEDA network and recently received an award form NEDA for her volunteer work.

“My eating disorder did not really protect me from my emotions. It kept me distanced from people who could love and support me. NOTHING in my life has been harder than my recovery and I am grateful every day to have my life, my family, and to be able to truly be present in the world.” - Beth Mayer

CONNECT WITH BETH MAYER:

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.