In this solo episode, Lisa takes a step back and asks a different question about “disorders”—especially eating disorders—not as something broken or pathological, but as ways the nervous system learned to survive. Lisa's discussion centers on healing through safety, trust, and behavior-first change—embodying new patterns until the nervous system habituates—through tender and fierce self-compassion, balanced integration, and very small, sustainable steps. Along the way, Lisa offers practical examples that apply to intuitive eating, weight loss, and everyday habits, inviting listeners into a more human, aligned, and compassionate way of changing. Topics Include: Survival Strategies Self-Compassion Embodied Change Humanized Healing [0:55] Lisa welcomes listeners and encourages listeners to catch up for the full context of this episode. This chapter marks a transition toward topics she has long been eager to address more directly. [2:45] Lisa discusses graduate social work training where the DSM is treated as authoritative. Lisa discusses how eating disorder categories have expanded over time due to observed patterns, not necessarily because human behavior fundamentally changed. [7:58] Lisa contrasts dissociative identity disorder with Internal Family Systems (IFS), which validates natural inner parts or sub-personalities. She talks about how clients doing the work notice conflicting inner parts; she normalizes this as human, not psychosis.. [10:45] Lisa challenges reframing things as not an eating disorder but a strategy to regulate the energetic mind-body-soul system involving food. Similarly, Lisa points out that it’s not about the substance or behavior but the function it serves and how it regulates the nervous system. [16:02] Lisa talks about how some addictions like overworking are socially rewarded; while others are condemned. She talks about how a person in a larger body overeating and a person in a smaller body undereating may be driven by comparable nervous-system conditions. Despite opposite behaviors, both can produce similar nervous-system sensations, reinforcing familiar physiology and cycles. [20:42] Lisa talks about not being impressed by things such as weight loss if they cost health, relationships, and well-being. She values outcomes integrated into a balanced, joyful life—sustainable, gradual changes with work-life balance, fulfillment, family time, and hobbies. [27:18] Lisa shares her thoughts on how it's more that we accept the love we feel safe to receive, not necessarily the love we think we deserve. She discusses how many are conditioned through diet culture, hustle culture, family dynamics, social systems, into self-objectification and suppression of feelings, relating to themselves as bodies to control rather than whole beings. [31:09] Lisa discusses acting as if you are worthy and safe to receive care, even if feelings lag behind. She suggests one does not need to feel worthy to receive care but be willing to receive it and do the caring behaviors anyway. She states the method for this is baby steps to honor the nervous system; progress paced to sensitivity and regulation rather than idealized timelines. [56:04] Lisa closes the episode with a discussion of the growth zones, embraces the learning zone; avoids overshooting into danger and how discomfort is necessary for learning. She states to integrate action and acceptance across behaviors for sustainable change, one must pair outer steps with inner care. *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC. LISA IS NOW ACCEPTING: One-on-One Clients! Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form Email Lisa: lisa@lisaschlosberg.com Out of the Cave Merch - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials: Instagram Facebook YouTube
