What role do politics and power play in shaping the way we understand and treat eating disorders? This episode welcomes Allyson Inez Ford, a multiracial, queer, neurodivergent therapist specializing in Eating Disorders and OCD through a social justice lens. Alison shares insights from her extensive work in the mental health community, particularly through her social media and online courses. She discusses how her personal experiences as an eating disorder and OCD survivor fuel her passion for providing therapy. The conversation delves into topics such as the political nature of eating disorders, the stigmatization within the field, and the importance of incorporating an intersectional and anti-oppressive lens in treatment. Alison emphasizes the value of harm reduction, the perils of coercive care, and the necessity for systemic change in treatment practices. She dives deep into how politics and lived experiences, including race and trauma, impact body image and recovery. Additionally, Alison shares the concept of body justice and offers practical advice for clinicians striving for anti-oppressive care. She also touches on her personal journey, including motherhood and finding balance in her life. The discussion highlights how activism can support recovery and underscores the critical need for inclusive and empowering approaches to mental health care.
Allyson's Background and Work
Allyson’s Personal Experiences and Body Story
The Political Nature of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
Defining Body Justice in a World of Body Hierarchies
Challenges and Systemic Barriers in Eating Disorder Treatment
What Anti-Oppressive Care and Harm Reduction Can Look Like Within Eating Disorder Treatment
How Activism Can Fuel Recovery
How Allyson is Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Guest Bio:
Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC is a multiracial, queer, neurodivergent therapist specializing in Eating Disorders and OCD through a social justice lens. Allyson is also a new mother, which has fueled her passion for working with new and expecting parents in ED recovery. Allyson has lived experience of an Eating Disorder, and owns a group private practice in California. Allyson is rooted firmly in a relational, feminist and liberation psychology framework. In addition to therapy, she provides supervision, consultation and speaking engagements.
Connect with Allyson:
www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com
IG @bodyjustice.therapist