On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to this week’s guest, Senior lecturer, Researcher and Occupational Therapist, Dr Elysa Roberts. Elysa has a PhD in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southern University and a Master of Science from Florida International University in the USA. Elysa has held many leadership roles such as being an assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Florida and an Assistant Director & Assistant at Barry University, Florida. Elysa was also the Graduate program Director at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Utah for the Post- Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program United States. She currently works as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle in the Occupational Therapy Program.
Elysa moved to Australia in 2013 from the United States of America (USA) , a unique opportunity to join an active team of educators and researchers in the field of occupational therapy. Elysa’s research focuses on lived experience of recovery from eating disorders, experiences of sensory sensitivity for individuals with eating disorders, responding to instances of occupational injustice, transformative learning experiences among emerging health professionals & reflections as a teaching/learning activity. Currently Elysa is not working in a clinical OT role, however, works in leadership roles involving advocacy for mental health services, eating disorder recovery and mentorship of new graduate OT’s and students.
On today’s episode Elysa will be sharing her own story with Bulimia & Anorexia Nervosa. Offering a rare perspective on the influences of certain generations on eating disorder development. So let's get into it!
Podcast Summary:
1. Diet culture in the home & in society
2. The impact of family’s approval
3. Lived experience in the research
4. Diet cycling and its links to eating disorders
5. Body dissatisfaction as a norm over the different generations
Links to Dr Elysa Roberts
Website: elysaroberts.com
Linked in: Elysa Roberts
Instagram: elysarobertsphd
Links from the episode and to BodyMatters:
BodyMatters Australasia Website: https://bodymatters.com.au/
BodyMatters Instagram: @bodymattersau
Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email