Body Justice

Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC
  • 5.0 (40)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Hi! I'm Allyson, a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, OCD and anxiety. My mission is to create a world where all bodies can thrive by promoting messages of body justice, recovery skills and mental health tips from the perspective of an ED/OCD therapist, survivor and activist. Social justice is an integral part of my work. I identify as a mixed race woman and I believe that all parts of our identity (race, gender, abilities, size, sexual orientation, etc) impact how we perceive our bodies and the bodies of others, unpacking this is the key to our freedom.

  1. 82. When Disordered Eating Becomes Policy: from 'Ultra Processed Foods' to 'Longevity Medication' with Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN

    APR 6

    82. When Disordered Eating Becomes Policy: from 'Ultra Processed Foods' to 'Longevity Medication' with Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN

    Episode 82 of Body Justice Podcast is a follow up conversation with Deb Benfield, a registered dietitian and author of Aging Body Liberation, about the intersection of diet culture and ageism; as well as the covert ways disordered eating is becoming embedded into policy in the U.S. We discuss our thoughts on: ultra-processed foods, seed oils, longevity medication and more. More about Deb: Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN, RYT, is a Registered Dietitian, nutrition therapist, and body image coach with 40 years of experience helping people heal their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. Her work sits at the intersection of anti-ageism, body liberation, and trauma-informed care, offering a radically compassionate alternative to anti-aging, diet, and wellness culture, especially for those in midlife and beyond. After turning 60, Deb began questioning the dominant narratives around aging, vitality, and beauty—and quickly realized how many resources still centered weight loss and youthful appearance as ultimate goals. In response, she created what she couldn’t find: a framework for nourishing the body that honors inner wisdom, prioritizes quality of life, and embraces the full spectrum of aging. She’s the author of Unapologetic Aging: How to Mend and Nourish Your Relationship with Your Body and offers individual and group coaching to help others age unapologetically—on their own terms. Disclaimer: this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This is not a replacement for individual therapy or medical advice.  As always, you can find the host of this podcast, Allyson, on her website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@bodyjustice.therapist.⁠⁠⁠ Educational resources mentioned: Maintenance Phase- Ultra Processed Foods Episodes Emily Oster- Seed Oils Emily Oster- Microplastics

    41 min
  2. 81. When Diet Culture and Ageism Collide: Aging Body Liberation with Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN, RYT

    MAR 20

    81. When Diet Culture and Ageism Collide: Aging Body Liberation with Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN, RYT

    Episode 81 of Body Justice Podcast is all about the intersection of diet culture and ageism. We discuss how these systems impact our relationship to food and body, especially as we age. We explore how the skincare industry has emerged as the new diet culture and how it is rooted in a socialized fear of aging. Deb shares her own lived experience as a woman in her late 60s, a professional in the eating disorder field with decades of experience- and how she aims to challenge these harmful systems in her work with clients and anyone who follows her work. More about Deb: Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN, RYT, is a Registered Dietitian, nutrition therapist, and body image coach with 40 years of experience helping people heal their relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. Her work sits at the intersection of anti-ageism, body liberation, and trauma-informed care, offering a radically compassionate alternative to anti-aging, diet, and wellness culture, especially for those in midlife and beyond. After turning 60, Deb began questioning the dominant narratives around aging, vitality, and beauty—and quickly realized how many resources still centered weight loss and youthful appearance as ultimate goals. In response, she created what she couldn’t find: a framework for nourishing the body that honors inner wisdom, prioritizes quality of life, and embraces the full spectrum of aging. She’s the author of Unapologetic Aging: How to Mend and Nourish Your Relationship with Your Body and offers individual and group coaching to help others age unapologetically—on their own terms. Disclaimer: this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This is not a replacement for individual therapy or medical advice.  As always, you can find the host of this podcast, Allyson, on her website: ⁠⁠⁠www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com⁠⁠⁠ or IG: ⁠⁠⁠@bodyjustice.therapist.⁠⁠⁠

    47 min
  3. 80. Even When the Truth is Painful, it's Still Important: Unlearning Zionism as a Jewish Dietitian, a conversation with Natalie Katz, RDN, MPH

    FEB 27

    80. Even When the Truth is Painful, it's Still Important: Unlearning Zionism as a Jewish Dietitian, a conversation with Natalie Katz, RDN, MPH

    Episode 80 of Body Justice podcast is a compassionate and honest exploration of one person's journey of unlearning Zionism. Our guest is Natalie Katz, a Jewish eating disorder dietitian. In this episode we cover:  What Zionism is and how it connects to colonialism and other forms of oppressionThe historical context of Zionism within the Jewish and other religious communitiesAn exploration of how Zionism hijacks the core values of Judaism Natalie's journey to developing critical consciousness outside of Zionism-led propaganda The connection between Zionism and the rise of anti-Jewish hatredSystemic oppression and scapegoating of Jewish peopleWhy all of this matters for eating disorders About Natalie: Natalie is a registered dietitian and the founder of Feeding Your Soul Nutrition an outpatient insurance-based nutrition group practice specializing in eating disorder and non-diet nutrition care. Since 2017, she has grown the practice into a team of registered dietitians who provide compassionate, weight-inclusive support to clients of all ages, both virtually and in person. Natalie also provides clinical and business consultation to fellow clinicians in hopes of increasing eating disorder informed and inclusive care. Visit Natalie's website here: https://feedingyoursoulnutrition.com/ _______________________________________________________________ Disclaimer: this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This is not a replacement for individual therapy or medical advice. As always, you can find the host of this podcast, Allyson, on her website: ⁠⁠www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com⁠⁠ or IG: ⁠⁠@bodyjustice.therapist.⁠⁠

    56 min
  4. 79. [Part Two] When it Feels Like Someone Else is Running Your Body: Understanding Dissociative Identity (DID) & Eating Disorders with Monika Orstroff, LICSW, CEDS-S

    FEB 6

    79. [Part Two] When it Feels Like Someone Else is Running Your Body: Understanding Dissociative Identity (DID) & Eating Disorders with Monika Orstroff, LICSW, CEDS-S

    In this episode of Body Justice Podcast, Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC sits down with Monika Orstroff, LICSW, CEDS-S, Executive Director of ⁠MEDA⁠ for part two of an honest and deeply informed conversation about dissociative identity disorder (DID) and eating disorders. Monika shares her lived experience of being diagnosed with DID in 1993 (when it was still called 'multiple personalities disorder'), breaks down what DID actually is (and what it is not), and explains why dissociative systems are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and stigmatized. Together, we explore how DID can shape eating disorder recovery, why treatment often fails when clinicians ignore or pathologize parts, and what it looks like to support safety, collaboration, and internal communication, without fear-based demands and expectations of neuronormativity. Learn more about Monika’s work at ⁠healingmyparts.org⁠. You can also find her other resources through Healing My Parts, including her podcast and Substack. _______________________________________________________________ Disclaimer: this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This is not a replacement for individual therapy or medical advice. As always, you can find the host of this podcast, Allyson, on her website: ⁠www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com⁠ or IG: ⁠@bodyjustice.therapist.⁠

    54 min
  5. 78. When it Feels Like Someone Else is Running Your Body: Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Eating Disorders with Monika Orstroff, LICSW, CEDS-S

    JAN 19

    78. When it Feels Like Someone Else is Running Your Body: Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Eating Disorders with Monika Orstroff, LICSW, CEDS-S

    In this episode of Body Justice Podcast, Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC sits down with Monika Orstroff, LICSW, CEDS-S, Executive Director of MEDA for an honest and deeply informed conversation about dissociative identity disorder (DID) and eating disorders. Monika shares her lived experience of being diagnosed with DID in 1993 (when it was still called 'multiple personalities disorder'), breaks down what DID actually is (and what it is not), and explains why dissociative systems are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and stigmatized. Together, we explore how DID can shape eating disorder recovery, why treatment often fails when clinicians ignore or pathologize parts, and what it looks like to support safety, collaboration, and internal communication, without fear-based demands and expectations of neuronormativity. Learn more about Monika’s work at healingmyparts.org. You can also find her other resources through Healing My Parts, including her podcast and Substack. _______________________________________________________________ Disclaimer: this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This is not a replacement for individual therapy or medical advice. As always, you can find the host of this podcast, Allyson, on her website: www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com or IG: @bodyjustice.therapist.

    46 min
  6. 77. Feeling  Claustrophobic in Your Own Body: a PDA and AuDHD Perspective on Eating Disorder Recovery with Livia Sara

    JAN 4

    77. Feeling  Claustrophobic in Your Own Body: a PDA and AuDHD Perspective on Eating Disorder Recovery with Livia Sara

    What happens when hunger feels like a demand, and demands feel like threats? In this episode, Allyson Ford, MA, LPCC (@bodyjustice.therapist) is joined by Livia (@livlabelfree) for a neurodivergent-affirming conversation about PDA and eating disorders. While PDA is often labeled “Pathological Demand Avoidance,” the neurodiversity affirming movement invites a different frame: Persistent Drive for Autonomy: a nervous-system response rooted in the need for safety and agency. Together, we talk about: Why standard eating disorder treatment can mirror ED rigidity (protocol over person) How being labeled “defiant” or “treatment resistant” can miss the real need underneath Reframing “control” as safety and survival adaptation Why “recovery” can feel vague, pressurized, or even coercive; and how “discovery” offers a more spacious alternative What affirming care can look like for PDA-ers with eating disorders Find Livia’s work: @livlabelfree | livlabelfree.comConnect with Allyson: @bodyjustice.therapist Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not provide individual therapeutic, psychological, or medical advice. For personalized support, please consult a qualified licensed professional.

    46 min
  7. 76. Do I Want to be Seen or Do I Want to Hide? Exploring Bulimia, Trauma and being the Eldest Daughter in a Latine Family with Naomi Tapia, AMFT

    11/28/2025

    76. Do I Want to be Seen or Do I Want to Hide? Exploring Bulimia, Trauma and being the Eldest Daughter in a Latine Family with Naomi Tapia, AMFT

    In episode 76 Allyson interviews guest speaker, Naomi Tapia, an associate therapist in CA with lived experience, specializing in eating disorders and body image, specifically in Latine culture. Naomi so graciously shares her own story of an eating disorder, trauma, SI, grief and loss. Naomi talks about what led her to healing, and shares so much great wisdom. Find Naomi on her IG @mylatinatherapist Content warning: this episode does include mentions of SA and suicidality. Please listen at your own discretion and make sure to give yourself permission to take breaks, use coping skills or even skip this episode if listening to it would be harmful to your mental health right now. About our guest speaker: Naomi Tapia-Abrego, M.S., AMFT #128232, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a member of a new practice, Warrior Path Therapy. As the eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, she brings cultural depth, lived experience, and a little sass to every session. Fat, queer, and unapologetically herself, Naomi works virtually with Millennial and Gen Z clients navigating boundary-setting, family dynamics, disordered eating, imposter syndrome, and the many struggles that come with being a child of immigrants. She believes healing starts when we stop shrinking ourselves and finally take up the space we deserve. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. Please seek the support of a local therapist if you are currently struggling and in need of treatment. To find out more about what therapeutic services I offer visit my website at: ⁠www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com⁠ As always, you can find me on IG ⁠@bodyjustice.therapist

    38 min
  8. 75. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Eating Disorders: a Medical Perspective with Dr. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED

    11/07/2025

    75. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Eating Disorders: a Medical Perspective with Dr. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED

    In the field of Eating Disorders, we are seeing an increasing occurrence of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in our clients. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani to learn more about this overlap, signs and symptoms of MCAS , how it impacts healing from an eating disorder and treatment. Resources mentioned in the show: Four part blog series on MCAS and EDs by Dr. GGaudiani Clinic MCAS Questionnaires (RASH-PF and Q) About Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani Jennifer L. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED, is the Founder and Medical Director of  the Gaudiani Clinic. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, she completed her  undergraduate degree at Harvard, medical school at Boston University School of  Medicine, and her internal medicine residency and chief residency at Yale. Dr.  Gaudiani served as the Medical Director at the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders  prior to founding the Gaudiani Clinic, which is a Denver-based outpatient medical  clinic dedicated to people with eating disorders and disordered eating. The Gaudiani  Clinic is a HAES (Health At Every Size)®-informed provider and embraces treating  people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and genders. The Gaudiani Clinic is licensed to  practice in over 35 US states via telemedicine and offers international professional  consultation and education. Dr. Gaudiani has lectured nationally and internationally, is widely published in the  scientific literature as well as on blogs, is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating  Disorders, and is a recent former member of the editorial board of the International  Journal of Eating Disorders and the Academy for Eating Disorders Medical Care  Standards Committee. Dr. Gaudiani’s first book, Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders (Routledge, 2018) is available on  Amazon. _______________________________________________________________ This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a provider-patient relationship. Please seek the support of a local therapist if you are currently struggling and in need of treatment. To find out more about what therapeutic services I offer visit my website at: www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com As always, you can find me on IG @bodyjustice.therapist

    59 min
See All (79)

Trailer

5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Hi! I'm Allyson, a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, OCD and anxiety. My mission is to create a world where all bodies can thrive by promoting messages of body justice, recovery skills and mental health tips from the perspective of an ED/OCD therapist, survivor and activist. Social justice is an integral part of my work. I identify as a mixed race woman and I believe that all parts of our identity (race, gender, abilities, size, sexual orientation, etc) impact how we perceive our bodies and the bodies of others, unpacking this is the key to our freedom.

Information

  • Creator
    Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC
  • Show Website
    Body Justice

You Might Also Like