#AnswerMyCall (For Parents/Caregivers of Teenagers‪)‬ Rujuta Chincholkar-Mandelia, Ph.D., M.Ed

Uncover the delicate intricacies of eating disorders and body neutrality with our expert guest, Allison. Our engaging dialogue promises to shed light on how to support teens through the challenges of today's diet trends and the subtle art of fostering a healthy body image. By lending an ear to this episode, you're set to gain a fresh perspective on how to navigate these complex topics within the context of family, culture, and the pressures of social media.

Allison's expertise brings clarity to the table as we discuss the cultural and familial significance of food, especially during holidays and in homes where conditions like diabetes add another layer to meal planning. We tackle the difficult questions about normalizing food and understanding individual recovery paths, providing actionable advice for parents wrestling with the impact of dietary motivations and the allure of diet fads on their children's wellness.

As we wrap up our heartfelt exploration, we turn to the critical role families play in the recovery from eating disorders. By focusing on the dynamics at family meals and the importance of modeling a diverse and unrestricted approach to food, this episode is an essential listen for anyone looking to support a teen like Susie in their journey towards a positive and realistic relationship with food and body image. Join us for a conversation brimming with empathy, insight, and the empowerment of self-awareness and acceptance.
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When control over one's body becomes the battleground, can the simple act of movement be the key to freedom and joy? Kelly, a dance movement therapist, joins me to unravel this question, sharing the profound healing that movement can offer those entangled in the struggles of eating disorders. Our conversation ventures into the heart of authentic movement—our body's inherent language—and how this form of self-expression can lead teenagers, often caught in a web of societal expectations, to a healthier relationship with themselves.

Embarking on this journey, we grapple with the complexities of embodiment, a concept far deeper than physicality alone. It's about the harmonious interplay of mind, soul, and emotions—a holistic embrace of self that eating disorders so viciously attempt to fracture. Kelly and I contemplate the crucial role embodiment plays in dismantling the objectification and control these disorders impose. We also touch on the unique challenges teenagers face in this digital age, underlining the imperative of establishing bodily safety as a cornerstone in the path to healing.

To conclude, our dialogue turns to the therapeutic implications of "emotion as motion." I share insights from the 'Be With Body' experience, an online group coaching program that nurtures a safe relationship with movement as we tackle emotional regulation. The value of dance and movement therapies unfolds through our discussion, showcasing their efficacy in addressing a spectrum of mental health issues. By integrating practices such as intuitive movement classes and mindful social media engagement into our daily lives, we open the door to a world where mental health and movement are inextricably linked. Join us as we advocate for greater body awareness and invite you to partake in this transformative practice.
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Join forces with me, Rajuta, and our insightful guest Jacqueline, a seasoned occupational therapy expert, as we navigate the complex interplay between occupational therapy and eating disorders. The conversation promises to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of how this therapeutic field helps individuals with ARFID and anorexia reclaim independence in their daily lives. Discover the transformative strategies occupational therapists employ, from sensory and oral motor work to fostering emotional resilience, all aimed at empowering those struggling with these intricate health challenges.

The episode unveils the often misunderstood Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its sensory food avoidance subtype, shedding light on its overlap with anorexia. Jacqueline's expertise shines as we discuss the nuanced role of exposure therapy in establishing healthier eating habits and setting individualized treatment goals. We confront the sensory issues that contribute to restrictive eating patterns, emphasizing repetition's crucial role in forming new, healthier eating behaviors. Embrace the knowledge shared as we dissect the sensory complexities and the tailored care required to support individuals on their road to recovery.

We wrap up with an earnest look at the psychosocial elements that are sometimes overshadowed in eating disorder treatment. The episode illuminates the need for a holistic, empathetic approach that addresses emotional health, spirituality, and social functioning. Moreover, the discussion traverses the significance of involving families in the therapeutic journey, highlighting how empathy, education, and collaborative efforts can fortify the support system essential for overcoming the challenges of eating disorders. Prepare to be part of a heartening dialogue that casts fresh perspectives on treating these disorders with understanding and specialized attention.
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Ever wondered how deeply eating disorders can impact teenagers and how social media plays a role in it? Do you find it challenging to navigate conversations about these complex issues with your children? Join us in our latest episode of Answer my Call. I have the pleasure of hosting Katie Cornwall, a renowned expert in the field of eating disorders. Together, we explore the intricate world of these disorders, shedding light on various subtypes and their grave seriousness.

Our discussion takes a special focus on teenagers. We explore how social pressures, body image concerns, and the added complexities of adolescence can trigger these disorders. We also delve into the issues parents face, offering valuable insights, and practical advice on supporting their teens. Moreover, we discuss the powerful impact of social media on the development and exacerbation of eating disorders, underscoring the importance of media literacy and mindful consumption.

Lastly, we turn our attention to younger children and the unique challenges they present. We navigate ways parents can lean into their fears and support their child's recovery journey. We also delve into the intricate relationship between eating disorders, trauma, and control, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to health. Our enlightening conversation rounds off with a focus on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its overlap with other eating conditions. So, gear up for a comprehensive exploration of eating disorders that promises to educate, inform, and support those navigating this challenging terrain.

Bio:
Katie  Cornwall is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified ARFID Specialist with over a decade of experience in the mental health and nutrition fields. She has dual degrees in psychology and art from Albright College as well as a nutrition and dietetics degree from West Chester University. Katie works passionately in the realm of eating disorders and the anti-diet movement. Her main objectives in nutrition sessions include healing a clients’ relationship with food, working towards intuitive eating and movement, and providing a safe space to heal from nutrition myths and diet culture.  
 Katie is comfortable working with individuals, families, or partners in nutrition sessions. She has experience working with more general nutrition concerns as well as medical issues such as diabetes and PCOS. Her previous work experiences have brought her a great understanding of the importance of self-care, exercise, mindful eating, and working together with a team of health professionals to reach your health goals.
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Ever grappled with the heavy weight of grief, especially during the festive season? We did too, and that's why we decided to have an open, thought-provoking conversation about loss and the complex emotions it stirs up in teens. We cover everything from recognizing behavioral changes that might signal grief, to the struggle teens have in articulating their feelings, and how to help them understand that it's perfectly normal to feel joy and sadness simultaneously. By the end of our discussion, we hope you'll have the tools to navigate the holiday season while dealing with grief.

We also take a deep breath and confront the harsh reality of supporting teens through traumatic loss, specifically suicide. We shed light on the necessity of having broader conversations, being vigilant, and understanding survivor's guilt. We share valuable advice on how to foster self-awareness and self-reflection in teens in the wake of such devastating loss. And trust us, it's not about dismissing their feelings, but about offering them the support they need, and providing a safe space for open dialogue.

In the final segment of our heart-rending conversation, we find comfort in traditions and spirituality. We share our personal traditions that have kept our loved ones' memories alive during the holidays, and explore how spirituality can provide solace during these trying times. Our special guest, a grief counselor, Angela Dobrzynski, LPC, joins in and provides her insights and advice on navigating through grief. She also introduces her book, which aims to normalize grief and provide support to those who are on this journey. This episode is all about understanding grief, navigating through it, and finding ways to honor our loved ones who are no longer with us. Whether you are a parent, a teen, or anyone dealing with grief, we hope this conversation will be a beacon of light in your darkest moments.

Bio:
Angela Dobrzynski, LPC specializes in grief and non-death losses, and also works with clients through significant life transitions and other concerns. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania, and is an approved teletherapy provider in the state of Florida. Additionally, she is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and holds a certificate in Holistic Health Coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Her's Master’s degree is in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College and Bachelor’s degree is in Psychology from Stockton University.

For more information on Angela's book, "Unmoored" - https://angeladora.org/book/
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In part 2 of our conversation, Kim Zahlaway provides practical advice for parents to work with their teenagers who are experiencing anxiety. This was a masterclass on parenting.

What if I told you, you're not alone in your struggle with understanding your anxiety and effectively parenting your teens? Just for you, we've got an enriching episode shedding light on these very topics, featuring our guest, Kim Zahlaway. Together, we navigate the complex world of anxiety, differentiating it from stress, and discussing its physical manifestations. Kim offers intriguing insights into seeing anxiety as a signal for something that needs attention and the ways to differentiate it from everyday nervousness.

Transitioning to the challenging terrain of parenting teenagers, we explore the pressures it brings and the need for creating some breathing space. Kim shares tried-and-tested strategies including 'Know for Now' and 'Circling Back', along with the acronym 'WAIT', that can serve as a compass during this stage. We confront our common fear of failure and explore how to cultivate a deep sense of connection and mutual respect with our teens.

In the final part of our discussion, we focus on setting boundaries, understanding teen anxiety, and the importance of technology spot-checks. With Kim's expertise, we delve into the need for resetting conversations and providing language around privacy versus public behavior. Wrapping up with an exploration of embracing mistakes and managing expectations, Kim helps us see the necessity of an accepting and understanding environment, where mistakes are not a source of guilt or shame, but a tool for growth. Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice and strategies that will help you navigate the tides of anxiety and the high seas of parenting.

Bio:
Kim Zahlaway is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of U Got This Counseling Services, LLC in Berwyn, PA, providing children, adolescents, and adults counseling services for over 25 years. In addition, Kim offers Parent Coaching sessions to parents of kids of any age and Life Coaching to young adults through her Young Adult Transformations Coaching Services. ADHD and Anxiety, and their impact on school, family, work, relationships, daily life, mental health and life’s transitions, have become Kim’s areas of expertise. 
Utilizing a strength-based, individualized approach to support the social, emotional, and cognitive well-being of her clients, Kim has developed a three-phase treatment model called S.D.E.P.S. through which she engages clients of any age in a process of Self-Discovery, Empowerment and Problem Solving.  Kim’s training and treatment orientation includes CBT, Mindfulness-based cognitive and behavior therapy, Family Systems, Integrative, Humanistic, Attachment Theory, Relational and Solution Focused Therapy.

Kim also provides consultations and presentations to parent groups, community organizations, educational settings, and professional organizations on topics relevant to raising teens in today’s world including anxiety, parenting and the use and impact of technology and social media.


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