In this podcast, Lisa explores trauma-informed, holistic approaches to food, eating, and body image, focusing on the psychology of shame, internalized sexism, and somatic experiences in therapy with David Bedrick. Together they discuss the importance of compassionate inquiry, critique mainstream treatment methods, and personal and professional journeys. Their conversation highlights the integration of emotional and physical healing, the role of self-compassion, and the value of unshaming in supporting individuals with disordered eating.
Topics Include:
Body Image
Trauma Informed Care
Disordered Eating
Coping Mechanisms
[:35] Lisa introduces David, expressing admiration for his work. David shares his professional background of over 30 years as a psychologist, 10 years as an attorney, author of five books including ‘The Unshaming Way’, and his research on body shame. David discusses his upbringing in a violent home, the impact of trauma and denial, and how these experiences led to his interest in trauma, shame, and psychology.
[10:22] David discusses with Lisa the differences in body image issues between men and women, highlighting the impact of sexism and internalized negative voices, especially for women. David shares findings from his research that resistance to dieting programs can be an act of self-love, rather than a lack of discipline. David explains how the ‘unshaming way’ reframes eating behaviors as intelligent responses to unmet needs rather than problems to be fixed. David describes how a client, after working on asserting her needs in life, saw a reduction in compulsive eating.
[14:00] David presents a case where a woman’s craving for hamburgers was linked to her unmet need for autonomy and self-expression. By exploring her desires in a non-shaming way, she recognized that eating hamburgers was the only area where she prioritized her own needs, leading to broader personal growth.
[21:00] David discusses three types of relationships: with oneself, with others, and with the world. He explains how eating behaviors can reflect unmet needs or safety concerns in these relationships, and how trauma or abuse can influence eating patterns as a means of coping or self-protection. David emphasizes that feelings of safety are foundational in addressing eating behaviors.
[39:30] Lisa and David explore the importance of addressing both emotional and physical aspects when working with individuals who are severely underweight or overweight, rather than adopting a black-and-white approach. Lisa and David engage in discussion on the value of helping individuals connect with the literal, somatic experience of their bodies and suffering, rather than focusing on self-judgment or shaming.
[46:32] Lisa and David examine dissociation as a survival mechanism in trauma, and strategies for gently helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and experiences. Lisa and David talk about the transformative impact of being met with love, respect, compassion, and grace, both internally and from a supportive community.
[1:05:26] Lisa and David wrap up the episode by discussing how listeners can find him. David shares that he can be found on Instagram and his website, has written about 80 essays for Psychology Today, and is working on his fifth book. His fourth book, ‘The Unshaming Way,’ is being translated into seven languages. He offers a 10-month facilitator course and shorter, less expensive courses on trauma and healing.
*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.
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