The Eating Disorder Therapist

How to build self-trust in eating disorder recovery. I explore building a connection to your body rather than overthinking; validating yourself over what other people think and becoming the most authentic version of you. I hope that you enjoy the episode. Time slots 1.19 Listen to your body. 5.44 Feeling over appealing to others. 8.19 Being authentically you.  

Today, I have a guest on the show and I am talking to Maximus Lerois - The Identity Architect. Maximus is a retired U.S. Marine with two combat tours in Afghanistan, a certified psychotherapist, certified NLP practitioner, and certified emotional intelligence specialist. He helps leaders and audiences find the script running underneath their performance - and to rewrite it. He is the creator of The Revision Method™ and the author of the book Mental Health Is a Lie. In today's episode, Maximus talks about how our early life experiences shape the way we look at the world, how we show up and what we tolerate in our experience. He talks through his transformational Revision Method, to help rewrite the script of early life and to then lead a life with purpose, intention and legacy. I hope that you enjoy the episode. To find out more about Maximus's work or to get in touch with him: https://www.maximuslerois.com/  

Today, I'm talking to Tom Wooldridge, who is a is a board-certified clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and certified eating disorders specialist whose work sits at the intersection of psychoanalytic theory, the treatment of eating disorders—particularly in men and boys—and the developmental impact of digital technology. Tom is Vice Provost for Digital Innovation and founding Dean of the School of Psychology at Golden Gate University, where he directs the Human Systems Lab on how AI and emerging technologies affect people and institutions, and he holds training and supervising analyst appointments at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis and the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California. He is the author or editor of six books, including End the Food Fight (Guilford Press, 2026), with a foreword by Susie Orbach, and more than twenty-five peer-reviewed articles. In 2024 he received the JAPA Award for the year's outstanding paper in the Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association. In today's episode, Tom is going to talk about his new book End The Food Fight (Replacing Control with Connection to Help Your Child Heal from an Eating Disorder). Tom has some incredible insights and advice on how to support your struggling child, whilst maintaining connection and relationship with them - SO vital in the healing process. I hope that you enjoy the conversation. To get in touch with Tom and/or to find out more about his work: https://www.tomwooldridge.com/eating-disorders  

7 body image boosters to help you find body neutrality and body acceptance in a thin obsessed world. Time slots: 3:08 When weight is worth. 6:00 Body image stories. 7:23 Body neutrality. 8:58 The weighing scales. 9:41 Mirrors. 10:25 Comparisons. 11:58 Expand your life. I hope that you find it helpful.

Today, I'm talking to Amber Romaniuk, an Emotional Eating, Digestive and Hormone Expert, with 13 years experience helping high achieving women create a level of body confidence, intuition and optimal health through powerful mindset healing, self-care and overcoming self-sabotage with food. She does this through addressing the key negative thoughts, patterns and limiting beliefs that keep women stuck in the same behaviors for years and decades, that they haven't been able to break. Her podcast “The No Sugarcoating Podcast” has 2+ million downloads, over 600 episodes and is listened to in over 90 countries. Amber overcame her own emotional eating after gaining and losing more than 1000 lbs and spending over $50,000 on binge foods, and spending 5 years balancing her hormones and digestion. She also dismantled her deep limiting beliefs and behaviors keeping her stuck in the same looping patterns. Now she helps others achieve the biggest healing miracles of Body Freedom™ so they have the confidence and health to create amazing lives. In the episode today, Amber talks about evening overeating - what it is, what causes it and how to support yourself with this, if you're struggling. Amber shares a whole range of perspectives, talking about blood sugar, hormones, emotions, habits and self-care. I hope that you enjoy it. To find out more about Amber's work or to book a consultation, please go to https://amberapproved.ca/ Instagram@amberromaniuk  

In this episode, I explore how to challenge your negative automatic thoughts to transform your relationship with food. This draws on principles from cognitive behaviour therapy (cbt), firstly raising awareness and then challenging thoughts through Socratic questioning. I hope that you find it helpful. Time slots 1:02 Case Study 2:43 Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 7:32 Different types of negative thoughts 12:19 Socratic questioning 15:23 Criticisms of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.  

Today, I'm talking to Dr. Allison Ash, a PhD-level eating disorder recovery coach for women and families. Her work integrates her own recovery journey, research, trauma-informed practice, and the holistic RESTORE framework that she developed across twenty-five years in higher education. Dr. Allison is going to talk today about the importance of community, relationships and intentional support systems in recovery. People often leave inpatient treatment or finish an allotted amount of therapy and then are left to manage alone. Dr. Allison passionately believes that having the right support and community in place can be life changing for sustainable healing and she is going to share practical examples of this. In the episode, Dr Allison is going to weave together her personal experience, research on the role of connection in recovery, and lessons from her work with women and families navigating the long road of healing. To find out more about Dr. Allison's work https://allisonash.com/  

Today, I have a returning guest to the podcast and I'm talking to Dr. Marianne Miller, an eating disorder therapist, educator, consultant, and host of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast. She specialises in neurodivergent-affirming treatment for ARFID, autism, ADHD, PDA profiles, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Through virtual consultation, she partners with organizations throughout the United States and internationally to help clinicians build greater confidence in working with neurodivergent clients and to create treatment environments where autistic and ADHD individuals can recover without masking who they are. Today, Dr. Marianne is going to educate us more about neurodivergence, eating disorders and particularly focusing on ARFID. She explores why neurodivergent people are vulnerable to eds and disordered eating. She explains more about relationship with food and neurodiversity. She talks about how treatment can be adapted to support neurodivergent people to heal. I hope that you enjoy the episode. To find out more about Dr. Marianne's work: https://www.drmariannemiller.com/  

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. People often suffer in silence as it's not a visible condition and there is much shame and secrecy associated with the illness. In this episode, I do a deep dive into bulimia, sharing 9 surprising facts about the disorder. Time slots: 1. 0:51 The restrict/binge/purge cycle. 2. 2:59 Emotional pendulum. 3. 5:03 The habitual nature. 4. 7:49 Not feeling good enough. 5. 9:34 Splitting - the shiny outer and hidden shadow. 6. 12:06 Physical complications. 7. 14:18 When you don't binge, but purge. 8. 14:58 First diagnoses of bulimia. 9. 15:46 Isolation and shame.  

This episode dives into practical tips to help you stop comparing yourself with others and to generate deep self-worth from within. I hope that you find it helpful. Time slots 1:52 The root of comparisons. 3:09 Reduce the habit. 4:39 Challenge perceptions. 5:34 Do the inner work.

An eating disorder is often a coping strategy for deeper distress. It can be a way to gain a glimmer of self-esteem, when you don't feel good enough. It can be a way to find a sense of control, when life feels uncontrollable. It can be a way to numb and distract from difficult emotions. It can become part of an identity as the thin or healthy person. It can be a way to communicate, when it is difficult to communicate through words. Time slots: 4:42 Self-worth glimmers. 6:38 A sense of control. 7:59 Distracting or numbing difficult feelings. 9:33 Giving an identity. 12:51 A way of communicating to others, what cannot be communicated through words. I hope that you find it helpful.  

Pregnancy and Post-partum Tips When You Struggle with Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues Are you pregnant or do you have a new born baby? Are you struggling with body image and food? This is a topic, I haven't talked about before. I don't know why! I have three children myself with first-hand experience of going through two pregnancies and two post-partum periods. My daughter came first and then twin boys second time. Two years apart. It was VERY intense on many fronts! Pregnancy can be hugely challenging – if you have body image struggles and food anxieties. If you've previously used food or a focus on body as a means of coping – you can be placed in the driving seat of stress. Pregnancy and babies bring joy and wonderment but can also bring anxiety, change and life upheaval. You can feel out of control. You might experience isolation or loneliness, a change in your body, a shift in your identity – now being a mother and also readjusting your previous relationship to work and who you are. Having a baby is a huge life transition, it's truly wonderful and it's sometimes incredibly hard. I share 12 tips to support you (based on my personal experience and client shares from the therapy room) including: - Managing weight changes. Feelings about fueling yourself. Managing health appointments and expectations of weight monitoring. How to focus your mind helpfully. Managing negative body thoughts. Clothing issues. Your daily body image habits. Self-care: sleep, hydration and prioritising yourself. Nutrition. The importance of relationships and support. Maintaining a thread of purpose and identity for yourself. Keeping the bigger picture of values and your own alignment in mind. I hope that you find it helpful.

Today, I'm talking to Dr. Judith Swack who is a biochemist, immunologist, and originator of the Healing from the Body Level Up™ (HBLU™) methodology that helps people clear trauma rapidly by addressing the full system, including the body, nervous system, unconscious mind, and soul. Her work bridges science and practical application, offering a structured approach to resolving anxiety, PTSD, chronic illness, and behavioral patterns that do not respond to traditional therapy alone. Dr. Swack has spent decades researching how trauma imprints across multiple levels of the human system and developing targeted protocols to clear those patterns. Her approach integrates elements of psychology, neuroscience, NLP, applied kinesiology, and energy psychology methods to produce measurable shifts in a short period of time. She is the author of "Clear Trauma Now: The Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck," and trains practitioners internationally, helping expand access to faster and more effective trauma resolution. Known for making complex concepts accessible, she helps audiences understand why trauma persists and what it takes to fully resolve it. In this episode, Dr Judith talks about how incredible work and gives us valuable insights into trauma healing, sharing personal experience and practical examples. I hope that you enjoy it. To find out more about Dr Judith's work or to book a consultation www.hblu.org  

In this episode, I do a deep dive into atypical anorexia nervosa. I hope that you find it helpful. Atypical anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and a severe one at that. You will experience all the symptoms of anorexia nervosa,  But your weight will appear ‘normal and healthy' by the cultural ideal. This means that your BMI (Body Mass Index) will not be alarmingly low, as seen in anorexia nervosa. It is a confusing condition, as your friends and family will praise you for achieving a svelte-physique and will ask you for your weight loss tips and tricks. However, you will be extremely ill. In fact, you will be starving. Your body will be suffering. Because this is not a healthy weight for you. Your natural setpoint weight is genetically higher due to being tall, larger boned or more muscular than the ‘average'. This is not a crime. This is diversity of body shapes. But you will probably feel that there is something wrong with your body, as the world will have reflected this back to you from childhood. Have you experienced atypical anorexia nervosa? Do share in the comments. Thank you.    

Chewing and spitting is something many people struggle with, but very few talk about openly. If this is something you're dealing with, you're not alone and there is a way forward.   ➡️ In this episode, I explore what chewing and spitting actually is, why it often develops alongside restriction and food rules, and why it can feel like a “solution” at first. For many, it starts as a way to enjoy food without the fear of weight gain, but over time it can become a compulsive and isolating behaviour that's hard to stop. I also talk about the real impact this has on your mental and physical health, from digestive issues and dental problems to increased food obsession, shame, and feeling stuck in a cycle that takes over your day.   Most importantly, I share practical steps to help you begin breaking free from chewing and spitting, including reducing restriction, rebuilding regular eating, allowing feared foods, and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself and your body. If you've been stuck in this behaviour, even for a long time, change is possible and it starts with understanding what's really going on beneath the surface. Time slots: - 2:22 Digestion. 2:47 Teeth. 3:18 Weight gain. 3:47 Addictive. 4:08 Isolation and shame. 4:36 Motivation. 5:19 Restrictive eating. 5: 54 Mindfulness. 6:12 Emotions. 6:36 Perfectionism.  

Today, I have a guest on the show and I'm talking to Paula D Atkinson (all the way from Palm Springs, California) who works as a psychotherapist, professor of Body Justice, author, and supporter of people navigating eating disorders, food obsession, and internalised body stigma. Her practice is anti-diet, Health At Every Size, and body-liberation focused, and she loves infusing humor and creativity into tough conversations. Paula recently appeared on Jubilee Media's Surrounded series (with Jillian Michaels) to challenge conventional health narratives. Paula co-hosts her own podcast, What If Nothing's Wrong With You?, where she unpacks how traditional therapy sometimes reinforces the very systems that create suffering. In today's episode, Paula shares about her own recovery, her academic background in fat studies, her experience speaking to Gen X women, LGBTQIA+ focus and more. There's lots to talk about. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation. I hope that you find it helpful.   To find out more about Paula's work: - Website: www.pauladatkinson.com https://linktr.ee/pauladatkinson Link for individual sessions: https://doxy.me/pauladatkinson Instagram: @pauladatkinson  

Your identity shapes who you become. Research shows that people who are successful in giving up smoking tend to identify as a non-smoker, whereas if you identify as a smoker, even when you're not smoking you are more likely to relapse. It is not uncommon that your identity is strongly linked with your eating disorder. This is particularly understandable if you were diagnosed at a young age or were engaged with professional services, when young and impressionable. You may have been given a diagnostic label as a young teen. And the eating disorder may feel like a part of you. It has been around for so long. It feels safe, known and predictable. You may not like it, but you don't know who you are without it. You may be into fitness and be labelled as ‘the healthy one'. You may be identified in your friend group as ‘the skinny one'. You may have been praised continuously for your body shape, even though you've been internally struggling. You may derive a great deal of comfort and safety, from your identity being interwoven with your eating disorder. You may not know who you are without it. If you relate to this, offer yourself deep kindness and compassion. The eating disorder has likely been a saviour through difficult times, even if holding you back now. But when your identity becomes unhealthily dependent on your eating disorder diagnosis, this can keep you stuck. It can drive you to unwittingly repeat and perpetuate the destructive cycles, which feel so familiar. There is little headspace for hobbies or friendship or pleasure (apart from food). The real-world blurs into the background and the eating disorder infiltrates into every aspect of life, dominating and filling every life crevice.   So how can you begin to rebuild a new identity and let go of the eating disorder? This episode explores this. Time slots: 9:55 1. Be inspired. 10:28 Early life. 11:13 Dream big. I hope that you find it helpful.  

Today, Joanne Moscalu (Binge Eating Dietitian) is a guest on the podcast. Joanne is a specialist Eating Disorder Dietitian, researcher and writer. Her work focuses on binge eating, combining clinical practice, research and thoughtful writing to challenge misconceptions and encourage more compassionate conversations about our relationship with food. She is the host of The Binge Eating Dietitian Podcast and recently defended her doctoral thesis exploring the lived experience of binge eating. Joanne has recently started sharing her writing on these subjects and you can subscribe to her work with this link: https://joanne-moscalu.ghost.io/ Today, Jo is here to talk about all things binge eating and to share some of her wonderful insights from her recent thesis. 1. Her thesis is about lived experience, not treatment or prevention of EDs but what it is actually like to live with binge eating in the modern day world. 2. As a dietitian, she focuses on the dietitian role and how we can maximise it for care of BED and how this is currently wildly underutilised. 3. Talking about BED as a bio-psycho-social condition and yet the social side is underlooked. Jo's thesis explores the significance of these social elements 4. Jo has publications in the pipeline but has just started sharing her ideas on a new writing platform which you can subscribe to here https://joanne-moscalu.ghost.io/ I hope that you enjoy the conversation. Jo's website: https://bingeeatingdietitian.com/ Subscribe for articles https://joanne-moscalu.ghost.io/ Instagram: @binge.eating.dietitian  

In this episode, I explore 5 secrets to love your looks without jabs, surgery or extreme surgery. Time slots: 1:46 Beauty and insecurity. 3:57 Radical acceptance of the body you have. 5:11 Active self-care of the body. 6:19 Don't talk about your body insecurities. 7:29 Holding onto comments from bullies.  

This episode dives into how to heal from your eating disorder, by working on deeper roots of the problem and exploring inner child work. Time slots: - 1.10 When change feels hard. 3:53 What does it mean to heal your inner child? 5:20 It's not about demonising parents. 6:59 What you need to emotionally thrive as a child. 8:52 How your inner child can become wounded. 13:39 How to heal your inner child.  

Today, I am talking to Liz Bentley, psychotherapist, writer, comedian, poet and performer. Liz has recently released her brand NEW memoir; The Suicidal Therapist, Confessions of a Wounded Healer on Survivors Voices Press. This is her heartfelt and authentic story, diving into some of the aspects of mental health that we often don't talk about. Liz sought therapy in her early twenties, whilst dealing with problems with bulimia, intimate relationships, drugs, grief and being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She talks candidly about these subjects in her book. Liz has worked extensively for over thirty-four years as a psychotherapist, supervisor and facilitator in the NHS, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham College (in London) and private practice. Liz has performed with her comedy poetry at The Poetry Cafe, London Literature Festival, Leicester Square Theatre, Edinburgh Festival, The Ivy House and many other festivals and venues. In the episode today, Liz is going to dive into her life journey, taking us behind the scenes of her imperfect, complicated, persevering and vibrant path. It's an honest and frank conversation to inspire hope and encouragement to anyone who is struggling today. You can order a copy of Liz's book at Survivor's Press https://survivorsvoices.org/survivors-voices-press/ and also from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suicidal-Therapist-Confessions-Wounded-Healer-ebook/dp/B0GC9LS63N Liz's website: https://lizbentley.co.uk/  

Today, I'm talking to Kendall Bierman, a licensed mental health counsellor and the voice behind @kendallbtherapy. Kendal specialises in supporting young adults struggling with disordered eating, body-image anxiety, and perfectionism, helping them cultivate a compassionate, shame-free relationship with food and their bodies. On the podcast today, Kendal is going to explore: - Why smart, self-aware people still get stuck in dieting or negative body-image cycles. The hidden role of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-worth in eating patterns. How intuitive eating and mindful self-care can create lasting freedom around food. Navigating social pressures, comparison, and shame while building body confidence. The connection between substance abuse and disordered eating. I hope that you find it helpful. To find out more about Kendal's work: https://www.kendallbtherapy.com/  

When you feel the pull to get thinner and lose weight, when you are already objectively underweight or at a healthy size for your body. It can feel extremely seductive to chase extreme thinness in the current world climate. This video gives four reminders about why this might not be such a great idea. I hope that you find it helpful.   Time slots 1:42 It's not that glamourous. 3:00 You're never skinny enough. 4:07 You can't stop thinking about food. 5:27 It's a low vibe.  

The 5 stages of eating disorder recovery from inside the therapy room. Time slots: - 0:59 The honeymoon. 1:53 The darkness descends. 3:03 Quasi-recovery. 3:53 Glimmers of hope. 4:35 Food freedom.  

I talk about my new Freedom with Food app which brings together everything I've learned from my own recovery and working as a therapist. 20% off here:- https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Time slots: 5:01 Motivation for change. 6:10 Roots of the problem. 6:49 Self-awareness. 7:31 No good or bad foods. 8:18 Interrupting disordered eating patterns. 8:47 Working on emotions. 9:35 Creating a master mindset around food. 10:21 Body image. 10:55 Self-esteem. How can this app help you? It supports you to break free from disordered eating and negative body image by interrupting symptoms and working on deeper issues. It helps you to establish regular, balanced eating without anxiety or guilt. It builds intuitive eating habits, self-compassion, confidence and self-esteem. It offers a personalised road-map towards recovery. It transforms your mindset with daily journaling, affirmations, and expert guidance. Track progress, overcome challenges, and celebrate every step forward. It recommends podcast episodes that will inspire you! Imagine having your own therapist in your pocket to support you on your food healing journey. A road map and personalised recovery tool to guide you every step of the way.  

I share my 11 tips to help you stop binge eating today. I hope that you find it helpful. Time slots. 0:57 The morning weigh in and how this sets you off course. 1:28 Setting intentions ahead for the day, rather than being reactive. 1:57 Visualise eating going well. With calmness, intention and enjoyment. 2:26 Breakfast is key; fasting and delaying eating only fuels binge eating. 2:50 The path less travelled - bingeing is often the end point of a cumulation of triggers. 3:49 The yum and satisfaction - so important for managing mental hunger too. No filling up on diet foods and high water content foods. 4:34 Overwhelm and emotions - a key part of the mix. 5:11 The impact of alcohol - it can fuel binge eating. 5:42 Co-regulation - support is vital. 6:18 The tipping point - what is yours? 6:49 Clothes - wear comfortable and flattering clothes everyday.  

Today I'm talking to Morgan Taylor DiPrimo - the founder of ALIGN33 Media, a nonprofit media organization focused on eating disorder awareness, youth mental health advocacy, and systemic change through storytelling, education, and media. A filmmaker, speaker, and advocate with lived experience, Morgan is currently developing Mind Over Mirror, a documentary and investigative initiative examining the rise in eating disorders, the impact of social media and wellness culture, and the growing mental health crisis affecting young people globally. Morgan has interviewed over 400 individuals around the world, including clinicians, researchers, educators, treatment providers, parents, and people with lived experience, to better understand why eating disorders are increasing at alarming rates and why so many families continue to struggle navigating care and support systems. Her work focuses on prevention, early intervention, media literacy, stigma reduction, and creating larger public conversations around eating disorders beyond traditional stereotypes. In this episode, Morgan dives into: - The rise in eating disorders among younger populations and why more children are becoming sick earlier. The impact of social media, wellness culture, algorithms, and body image pressures on youth mental health. Why eating disorders are still deeply misunderstood by the public despite increasing prevalence. Her own Lived experience, recovery, and the emotional reality of living with an eating disorder. Mind Over Mirror - Using film, storytelling, and media as tools for advocacy, prevention, and cultural change. The burden placed on families navigating treatment systems, insurance barriers, and access to care. Why eating disorders often hide behind “success,” perfectionism, athletics, and wellness culture. I hope that you enjoy it.   To find out more about Morgan's work: - Website: https://align33media.org/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/morganmaxwelldiprimo  

In this episode, I talk about my 7 lessons learned from dating a narcissist. Time slots 2:09 Daddy issues. 3:52 Magnetism. 5:32 Love bombing. 7:13 Wolf in sheep's clothing 9:25 Intuition. 11.16 Blowing it up. 13.02 Healing takes time.  

Today, I'm talking to Jennifer Lancaster from Houston, USA. Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor with over 15 years of experience in mental health care across inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and a Master of Social Work from George Mason University. She is a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider (PATP) and a Registered Yoga Teacher. As the founder of Houston Healing Collective, Jennifer is committed to helping individuals move beyond symptom management to access deeper healing by addressing unresolved trauma and the root causes of psychological pain. She specialises in the treatment of eating disorders and complex trauma, offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, EMDR intensives, yoga, and psychedelic therapy retreats. Her approach emphasises genuine connection, compassionate presence, and deep curiosity, creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to access their innate capacity for healing and build lives rooted in purpose and authenticity. In addition to her clinical practice, she provides clinical supervision and case consultation focusing on eating disorders, trauma, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is also excited to launch a ketamine-assisted therapy training for clinicians in the autumn of 2026. In today's episode, Jennifer talks about how she came to work in this way, having started out using more traditional therapy approaches. She explains how she works and supports her clients using a range of different treatments, which she has experienced both personally and professionally. I hope that you enjoy the episode.   To find out more about Jennifer's work: - https://www.houstonhealingcollective.co/

In this episode, I explore my 3 secrets in eating disorder recovery. Time slots 1:31 My story 3:40 Food Freedom App 4:32 Working on motivation for change. 8:32 Roots of the past. 13:00 Regular eating. 16:42 Takeaway messages

In this episode, I explore how to deal with extreme hunger in a Q and A format. 00:37 What do we mean by extreme hunger? 1:41 Can you avoid extreme hunger? 2:26 How long does extreme hunger last? 3:31 How does extreme hunger feel? 4:30 Physical versus mental hunger. 5:32 All-in or meal plan? 7:26 How to create safety around extreme hunger? 9:17 Could I develop binge eating disorder or bulimia? 10:36 How to deal with weight gain? 10:41 More about all-in or meal plan? 12:39 How to break the binge/restrict cycle? 13:57 What about emotional eating and other triggers? In eating disorder recovery, going through extreme hunger is often a terrifying but essential part of the healing process. When you are chronically undereating, the body shuts down and hunger and appetite cues are offline. You can feel numb and disconnected from your natural desire to eat. As you begin to eat more and to recover, the hunger intensity can be ferocious and wild. This is extreme hunger. It is a normal, biological response to a period of restriction and undereating. It is the body's cry for help. A signal to repair itself, restock essential energy stores and to restore the energy deficit. The deficit can be colossal, if you've been undereating for a long time. You can experience extreme hunger with any eating disorder or disordered eating behaviour, not only with anorexia. You can experience extreme hunger in any body shape and size, not only if you are emaciated.    

In this episode, I talk about how to stop purging through self-induced vomiting. I give practical steps to break this habit and talk about my own recovery journey from bulimia.

In this episode, I talk about how to take cake (and other forbidden foods) off the pedestal. I talk about allowing foods with permission, choosing foods that you really enjoy and practising food neutrality. I hope that you find it helpful.  

In this episode, I explore three ways to develop a master mindset with body image, when approaching the summer and warmer weather. I talk about reframing thoughts, avoiding body bashing behaviours (eg: weighing, mirror checking, scrutinising old photos and social media) and living a bigger life.

I talk about how to rewire your thoughts in eating disorder recovery using CBT tools and the the 'hot cross bun'. I explore improving self-awareness by recognising hot thoughts/negative automatic thoughts and how to challenge them, using socratic questioning.

Find out more about Peter's work: - https://www.blueskyhypnosis.com/ Today, I'm talking to Peter McLaughlin. Peter is a certified hypnotherapist and life coach whose healing journey began after a leukemia diagnosis in 2003. This turning point led him to explore the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit. Peter helps clients find and resolve root-cause trauma using Havening, present and past life regression and other deep, spiritually-oriented healing methods. He's the creator of the popular YouTube channel BlueSky Hypnosis, with over 130,000 subscribers and 17 million views, where he shares tools for emotional healing and personal breakthrough. A former volunteer firefighter and EMT, he brings compassion and purpose to his work. He is a part time actor returning to the stage as Shakespeare's King Lear after 22 years away. In this episode, Peter talks about: - Compulsions as distractions from pain. How your past is still alive in the subconscious mind. The nervous system having only two modes. How subconscious programming runs your life, with practical tools for change. Forgiveness being at the root of all healing. I hope that you enjoy the episode. Find out more about Peter's work: - https://www.blueskyhypnosis.com/  

In this episode, I explore 5 common triggers for overeating in the evening. This includes: - 1. Dietary restraint and/or not eating enough during the day. 2. Placing food on the pedestal of the day. 3. The 'I've Blown it Effect'. 4. Alcohol. 5. Emotional triggers. I hope that you find it helpful.  

Today, I explore food rituals in eating disorders. These are often safety behaviours and can include things like: - A list of common food rituals (not limited to this) Cutting food into teeny, tiny pieces and taking extremely small bites. Eating food types in a very specific order, with no food combining. Rearranging food items on the plate, so they do not touch. Tearing food apart and eating the different components. Chewing food for a specific number of bites. Meticulous weighing, measuring and calorie counting of every morsel. Eating at precise mealtimes, as the clock strikes the hour. Not one second before or after. Hiding food or throwing it away. Excessive seasoning of food or using bizarre concoctions of sauces. Drinking volumes of fluid before, during and after eating. Eating on child size plates and using little cutlery. Engaging in activity rituals to burn calories before or after eating. Having to clean the kitchen or visit the bathroom before eating, doing things in the ‘right' order. Buying quantities of food to feel safety in its presence but never eating it,  rather filling the cupboards to overflow and hoarding. I talk about different types of food rituals and how to change your relationship with them. I hope that you find it helpful.  

Today I have a returning guest to the show - Marcelle Rose. Marcelle is a BANT & CNHC Registered Nutritionist, specialising in eating disorders and author of best-selling book The Binge Freedom Method. She empowers women to overcome binge eating, bulimia, and restrictive eating behaviours enabling them to reclaim their lives through a unique synergy of nutritional therapy, eating psychology, and mindset coaching.  Marcelle works with clients across the UK and internationally, and also supports women through her free Facebook community, The Food Freedom Collective. In addition to her client work, she trains other professionals in this field, and delivers talks and workshops to students, teachers and parents in schools. In today's episode, Marcelle is going to talk all about eating disorders and disordered eating in mid-life. She explores the unique challenges of midlife including perimenopause, hormonal changes, emotional challenges and body image shifts. Marcelle also explores the impact of GLP1-medication and the potential to misuse or over-use this, in an attempt to gain control of food and body. She gives specific nutritional advice for to support women going through this life phase. It's an episode packed with wisdom and value. The Binge Freedom Method book: https://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/BFM Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/marcellerosenutrition Website: https://marcellerosenutrition.co.uk/  

FOOD FREEDOM APP - 20% OFF currently with Spring 2026 sale: https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Weight restoration can be hugely challenging in eating disorder recovery. This episode gives mindset shifts on how to deal with this. 1. Understanding fear as a natural part of the process. 2. Action over doing. 3. The Parable of the Chinese Farmer. 4. 3 Islands - finding your recovery sweet spot and creating a new place. 5. Learning to self-soothe and calm your nervous system. 6. Dealing with comments from others and external validation around thinness. 7. Knowing that you will handle it, whatever life throws at you. Leaning into self-trust.  

FOOD FREEDOM APP - 20% OFF currently with Spring 2026 sale: https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood In healing, you might be tempted to avoid looking at the past, but rather seeking out tools and strategies to support change. The problem is that this change is not then long lasting as many of your old patterns and ways of being are embedded in your unconscious. Part of healing is about making these old patterns conscious and processing and healing from old emotional wounds. In this episode, I explore: - 1. Dealing with the reality of your childhood experiences, rather than holding onto a fantasy version. 2. Understanding where projection is showing up in your current relationships and sabotaging them. 3. Dealing with emotional triggers from the past. Clearing old wounds and moving on with clarity.  

In this video, I do a deep dive into my 9 biggest lessons in eating disorder recovery. I explore: - 1. The importance of holding onto hope and pursuing different recovery routes, leaning into self-trust. 2. Symptoms work might need to happen first, to get out of restriction and all the mental and physical consequences of this. 3. The value of regular eating and balanced meals. 4. Reintroducing forbidden foods with safety and structure. 5. Dealing with the roots of the problem and processing emotional issues and trauma. 6. Softening the inner critic and working to build self-compassion. 7. Building robust body image. 8. The importance of healthy relationships. 9. Sculpting a life that is fulfiling and purposeful, beyond the eating disorder.

This episode does a deep dive into understanding the psychology of your eating disorder, looking at predisposing factors, core beliefs, triggers and perpetuating factors. It is loosely based on a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy model.   Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk     #formulation #psychology #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood #eatingdisorderrecovery #therapist #therapisttools #cbt

Today, I'm talking to Professor Charlotte Markey, who is a world-leading expert in body image research, having studied body image and eating behaviors for nearly three decades. She is passionate about understanding how to help people have a healthy relationship with their body and food. Charlotte is a psychology professor at Rutgers University and a research scientist who has published over 100 scholarly articles and chapters about health issues. Charlotte is also an experienced book author, having published The Body Image Book series (The Body Image Book for Girls in 2020; The Body Image Book for Boys in 2022, and Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life in 2024). She also co-edited the 3-volume Encyclopedia of Mental Health (2023). She writes regularly for news outlets such as Psychology Today and is often interviewed for TV, news articles, and podcasts including the NY Times, Washington Post, and NBC. Today, Charlotte is back to talk about her NEW and IMPROVED Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless This episode will give you a deep dive into body image with tips and inspiration to feel better in your own body and to support your young people too. To get a copy of Charlotte's book: - https://www.thebodyimagebook.com/  https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/body-image-book-for-girls/dr-charlotte-markey/9E761C14D5765803C588A14B322DE3B5   Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk   #bodyimage #bodyimagebooks #charlottemarkey #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood #eatingdisorderrecovery  

In this episode, I explore shifting identity in eating disorder recovery, focusing on James Clear's model from his life changing book, Atomic Habits. James talks about three levels of change including: 1) Surface level outcomes 2) Processes and 3) Identity. For sustained changed to occur, someone's identity needs to shift.  I hope that you find it helpful.   Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk     #jamesclear #atomichabits #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood #eatingdisorderrecovery

Today, I have a very special guest. I'm talking to Geneen Roth. Many of you will have heard of Geneen and likely love her writing and teaching. Geneen has written eleven books, including multiple New York Times bestsellers. She has led workshops and retreats attended by thousands of students. She has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, and many others and most importantly has helped shape how multiple generations understand emotional eating, so people who once felt trapped, now feel free. Geneen's work has long examined the relational and emotional roots of disordered eating. Her new book, LOVE FINALLY, is out on April 21st, 2026 and it explores the lifelong mother daughter bond and how early attachment patterns can shape experiences of hunger, control, self-worth, and care, often resurfacing during midlife or in other developmental transitions. In today's conversation, I'm going to explore with Geneen how inherited relational dynamics intersect with eating disorder patterns. Geneen will talk more about her own journey of healing, particularly in her relationship with her mother, and how today, she has truly shifted old distorted conclusions and stories held onto from the past, which were unconsciously shaping her life and worth. To now finding a place of profound healing and peace today. If you're struggling with your own healing, with difficult emotions surfacing from the past, tangled up in old stories and beliefs. If you're longing to escape from the old patterns and to truly move towards a place of forgiveness, without shortcutting the vital healing. Then this episode is one for you. I hope that you enjoy it.   To find out more about Geneen and to order her book: - Website: https://geneenroth.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Finally-Untangling-Between-Daughters/dp/0593733738 Substack: https://cookiesandconsciousness.substack.com/   Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk

This video does a deep dive into the impact of undereating, looking at physical, emotional and social costs.  I hope that you find it helpful.   Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk             #mentalhealthawareness #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood #hungry #undereating #dietaryrestraint #countingcalories

Learn to trust your body again by tuning into hunger and fullness signals. The podcast explains how to do it. I hope that you find it helpful. Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk     #mentalhealthawareness #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood #hungry #hungersignals

The MANTRA flower from the Maudsley Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa is a valuable tool in eating disorder recovery. I talk about it here. If you would like a visual representation of the flower, please click on my Substack or YouTube links below.   Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk   #maudsleymantra #mantraflower #mantra #mentalhealthawareness #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood    

Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood The pursuit of thinness and body perfection is raging as strongly as ever. With popular podcasts, YouTube, and TikTok influencers delivering extreme food regimes daily; countless people using the skinny jab; AI making online beauty standards even more unachievable; it's no wonder that the average human spends many minutes of each day obsessing over food choices and body proportions. You may not have a full-blown eating disorder fitting neatly into a diagnostic box. But, if you are experiencing high levels of body distress and intense preoccupation around food, then this needs to be taken seriously, as it will be impacting your mood, body image and life. Here are 20 disordered eating behaviours that have become normalised in 2026 daily living. 1. Preoccupation with food and body 2. Anxiety about eating the right foods 3. Always being on and off a regime 4. Intense emotion around food 5. Obsessing about weight, leanness, muscularity, 6. Over-exercising 7. Temptation towards more destructive behaviours 8. Filling up on low calorie foods, Pepsi-max, coffee 9. Googling private skinny jab stores at midnight 10. Obsessing over someone else's food intake 11. Having a whole language around food which is detrimental 12. Thinking that a completely flat stomach is normal 13. Zooming in on other's people eating and weight loss 14. Watching What I Eat in Day as normal entertainment 15. 1200 kcal meal plans 16. Feeling obsessed with sugar due to restriction 17. Not knowing hunger signals anymore 18. Being starving or overly full 19. Feeling cold, tired, weary, sub-optimal 20. Fantasising about weight loss and the dream life it will create What would you add to the list? Find out more about my work: - My YouTube channel Food Freedom App - https://studio.com/apps/harriet/freedomfood Fitness Lovers Guide to Food Freedom - https://food-freedom-coach.teachable.com/p/radical-self-care-and-building-your-thriving-eating-disorder-therapy-practice Breaking Free From Bulimia Online Course - https://food-freedom coach.teachable.com/p/intuitive-eating-beginners-course4 Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html My website - https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk #disorderedeating #disorderedeatingrecovery #bingeeatingrecovery #bingeeatinghelp #eatingdisorderrecovery #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #relationshipwithfood

This podcast explores orthorexia nervosa and how it can evolve from clean eating. It explains what it is and how to begin to heal from it.  I hope that you find it helpful.   To find out more about my work: - YouTube Substack Do check out Food Freedom - my app if you'd like some support.  Take me to the app! Buy me a coffee! New mini course - if you love fitness and struggle with food relationship. Only £22 for 90 minutes of inspiration and tips, plus a workbook. The Fitness Lover's Guide to Food Freedom (creating your happiest and healthiest relationship with food). I initially created this for my local gym and decided that more of you might like to access the resources. Do sign up! To find out more about my work:- Go to my Website My new APP! Freedom with Food Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating - a course to help you heal your relationship with food. Online Breaking Free from Bulimia - a course to help you break free from bulimia nervosa. Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with eating disorders. Body Image Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with body image issues. My YouTube channel #foodfreedom #eatingdisorderrecovery #orthorexia #orthorexianervosa #cleaneating