Peace Meal The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative

Episode description:

Taylor Humphrey joins us in this episode of Peace Meal to recount her eating disorder experience and unpack the lessons she learned in recovery. Taylor’s story begins over a decade ago, when her concerns about maintaining her high level of athleticism drove her to form an obsession with “perfect” eating. Connecting with effective, age-appropriate treatment proved a struggle for Taylor and her family. The program she attended in early adolescence lacked proper eating disorder education, which led Taylor to feel disconnected, unsupported, and reluctant in her recovery.

Taylor turned a corner between the ages of 16 and 18 upon connecting with new clinicians who expanded her perspective and made her feel seen and accepted. Today, confidently equipped with her toolbox of recovery skills, Taylor leverages the “gifts” of her struggles to provide direction to young people and their parents going through the treatment journey.



Taylor Humphrey has been in eating disorder recovery for about ten years and has a passion for helping others who are struggling. She strives to spread eating disorder awareness—currently as a personal trainer and nutritionist, and previously as a coach for moms of daughters with eating disorders. She hopes someday to be an even bigger voice and advocate for recovery, as she feels blessed to be in her position and wants to show others the beauty of life in recovery and the strength they have within themselves.

We cover:



* How adolescence can intensify treatment resistance

* The healing power of relationships between the client and their treatment team

* The challenges of maintaining recovery in a triggering home environment

* How leaning on your support system can improve your self-agency

* The need for firsthand guidance for families going through eating disorder treatment



In Taylor's words:



* On how raising a young daughter helps sustain her recovery: “Having a young daughter is the biggest blessing and the most scary thing ever for me, going through this. My intention for her is for her to see her mom love herself…and I can’t do that if I’m not healthy. And I can’t do that if I’m slipping back into my eating disorder. I don’t want her to know that life. I want her to love herself and appreciate herself and everything that her body can do for her.”

* On the perspective shifts of recovery: “Society isn’t correct. Diets don’t work because that’s not what our bodies are meant to do… If you respect your body and love your body and accept it for who it is and why it was created, you’re going to have a much more fulfilling life… my eyes are open to another world of love and acceptance.”

* On what Taylor’s eating disorder experience gave her: “I [now] trust myself enough to be smart enough and good enough, to be an example to others, and to be a leader not a follower. I really do look at my eating disorder as a gift… I’ve learned so much from it—I’ve learned what I want and what I don’t want, who I am and who I’m not, what I like and what I don’t. And I’m okay with that, because of what I went through.”



Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. 

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About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.

You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or a href="https://podcasts.google.

Episode description:

Aronson Kagiliery joins Peace Meal to share her family’s journey of finding the right eating disorder treatment for her teenage daughter with anorexia. After exploring local options, she shares, her family ultimately traveled to pursue care at Veritas Collaborative. Most helpful to Aronson’s experience at Veritas were parent programming and weekend sessions, which affirmed that her daughter’s eating disorder was not her fault. She then offers insight on prioritizing treatment above a child’s other commitments, as well as providing support outside of treatment by refusing to let the eating disorder rule.

Reflecting on her daughter's treatment and recovery, Aronson reflects on the importance of self-care and attending to her own needs—something she wishes she had done more. She describes what gradual healing looked like for her daughter, including the signs she knew her daughter was getting better. In a particularly touching moment, Aronson recalls her daughter sharing that she has days where she doesn’t think once about her eating disorder, a reality they never imagined was possible. To close, Aronson graciously shares words of wisdom for other parents supporting a child with one of these illnesses.



Aronson is a wife, super-mom, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She studied psychology at the University of Central Florida, which led to a successful career in marketing and management at her family's pizzerias and her husband's car dealerships. Today, Aronson's greatest role is as a supportive wife and mom to twin daughters, now college-aged. Aronson is committed to sharing her experience and knowledge to help other families of children with eating disorders. 

We cover:



* Why parents are not to blame for their child’s eating disorder

* The role of therapy and education for families with a child struggling with an eating disorder 

* The importance of support for parents within the recovery space as they learn to balance caring for themselves while supporting their child

* How to prioritize recovery over a child’s other commitments, including school and extracurriculars

* Gradual signs of healing in the nonlinear process of eating disorder recovery 



In Aronson’s words:



* On her family’s experience with Veritas Collaborative: “I liked how I didn’t feel judged for being there. I felt like, ‘Hey, we are in this together.’”

* On self-care during her daughter’s treatment: “I would, knowing what I know now, take that hour and do what you need to be able to recharge so that you still have something left for everybody else.”

* On what recovery is for her daughter: “[My daughter said] ‘I have days it doesn’t even cross my mind.’ And that is what you’ve heard about, but don’t realize it’s possible. And then when you hear your child say, ‘I don’t think about it all the time,’ you’re like, ‘Okay, we’ve got this. We can do this.’” 



Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. 

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About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.

You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends!

**Content warning: This episode includes discussions around suicidal thinking and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Please use your discretion when listening and speak with your support system as needed. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are resources that can help. Contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988.

Episode description:

In Episode 85 of Peace Meal, we heard from Holly Thorssen about her experience parenting her daughter Madison through an eating disorder. Today, we pass the microphone to Madison, who tells us her recovery story in her own words. Madison begins by recounting her life with an eating disorder. As is often the case, her illness was all-consuming, depleting her ability to be fully present, clouding her values and belief system, and offering a sense of false happiness. At age 12, Madison experienced a barrage of depressive symptoms, which she connects to the onset of her disordered eating. In the absence of healthy coping skills, Madison’s eating disorder numbed her inner pain and released the emotional pressure of her depression.

Entering treatment at The Emily Program marked a shift in Madison’s recovery resistance. She emphasizes the impact of a whole-person care model and shares several takeaways from treatment that have been helpful to her healing. Reflecting on the adversities of her mental health journey, Madison explains why she’s fired up about enacting policy change that supports compassionate, individualized, evidence-based care so that no one feels hopeless about their mental health. Says Madison, “There’s always hope.”



In addition to being Holly’s daughter, Madison Hanson is a senior at North Dakota State University, double majoring in social work and human development and family science. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work after graduation next spring. Madison’s specific interest lies in macro social work and advocacy for stronger mental health laws to protect those struggling with mental illness. Outside of school, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Leo.

We cover:



* The role of a co-occurring mental health diagnosis in potentially triggering and maintaining an eating disorder

* How to find separation between yourself and your eating disorder

* The challenging process of overcoming food fears

* The crucial work of protecting your healing and mental health in recovery

* The need for a paradigm shift in mental health services—specifically one that priorities individualized care



In Madison's words:



* On the importance of a holistic, person-centered care model: “The Emily Program was actually the only place that incorporated the aspect of the whole person approach. I found that [approach] in the program very helpful… Accepting the help and support was a lot easier after I learned this whole other way of going about [treatment].”

* On protecting her recovery: “For me, it almost [requires] treating the eating disorder as an addiction. And when I say that, I mean I don't weigh myself at home anymore. I don't follow diet culture or buy diet products or any of that. I completely cut it out because there is no way of living half in the eating disorder and half out. It's kind of either all or nothing. And so by doing that, I don't have to think about it as much.”

* On imagining life in recovery: “I would ask that person to close their eyes and think about if they didn't have their eating disorder or their mental illness. What would your dream life be? … Just imagine this. And then I would ask them to open their eyes, and I would tell them, you know what? It's actually going to be ten times better than that.

Episode description:

Kathryn Garland and Vanessa Scaringi join Peace Meal to discuss the connection between attachment styles and the development and maintenance of eating disorders. They first provide an overview of attachment theory, exploring how this framework can help us better understand the impact of early attachment experiences on our relationships with food and ourselves. Insecure attachment styles, they explain, are associated with eating disorders and can manifest in disordered behaviors and thoughts. Kathryn and Vanessa share how therapists can help clients address attachment-related issues and nurture secure connections with family and friends that support recovery.  

Kathryn and Vanessa also dive into the impact of the pandemic on our ability to connect with others, which in turn has played a role in exacerbating disordered eating behaviors. In addition, they explain how a relational approach to eating disorder care can complement other treatment modalities, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They end the episode by stressing the importance of connection to good mental health and encouraging those in recovery to take the time they need to nurture their relationships, both with others and themselves.



Kathryn Garland and Vanessa Scaringi are the co-owners of CALM Counseling in Austen, Texas. Kathryn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She has worked in community mental health, the foster care system, and eating disorder treatment, and is currently a field instructor for the Boston University School of Social Work. Vanessa is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor (CEDS-S), who has dedicated much of her career to working in the eating disorder field.

We cover:



* How early attachment experiences impact our relationship with food, body, and self

* The relationship between attachment styles and eating disorders

* The impact of pandemic-related challenges on eating disorders 

* How therapists can help people nurture the secure attachments that aid in recovery

* How a relational approach to therapy can complement other treatment modalities, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)



In Kathryn and Vanessa’s words:



* Vanessa on the impact of attachment styles on relationships with food and body: “Your relationship with your caregivers and your attachment style is really symbolic of how you might interact with food and your body.”

* Kathryn on tailoring care to each client: “That's kind of the art of therapy, right?... Knowing when to kind of come in with a stronger approach or a kind of more gentle approach with people, depending on the client who comes in.”

* Vanessa on those who think recovery isn’t possible for them: “Go slow… The ability to improve attachments—that’s gonna take a while… So, go slow, not putting a lot of pressure on yourself, and making sure you find a team that works for you, that you can see yourself going slow with.”



Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.

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About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.

You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or a href="https://podcasts.google.

Episode description:

In this episode of Peace Meal, Holly Thorssen recounts her experience of mothering her daughter Madison through an eating disorder. Holly walks us through the course of Madison’s illness, noting the warning signs of Madison’s struggles with food and body, and sharing the family’s efforts to find a suitable treatment provider. Holly acknowledges the importance of building a supportive, judgment-free space when discussing eating concerns with a child – a space where your child can feel safe enough to disclose their emotions and struggles without fear or shame. In a poignant moment of reflection, Holly speaks on how she learned to differentiate Madison’s voice from the voice of the eating disorder, leading to a better understanding of Madison’s conflicting desire to get better while also resisting change. Connecting with The Emily Program’s family-oriented specialty care made all the difference for Holly and Madison, offering much-needed comfort and healing for both mother and daughter.



Holly is a dedicated social worker and advocate for children's mental health. With 28 years of experience, including 21 years in children's mental health case management, Holly understands the challenges families face in accessing resources. Holly has two daughters and lives in rural northern Minnesota with her husband, Chad. In sharing her family's story of her daughter Madison's eating disorder, Holly aims to empower parents and let them know they are not alone in their struggles.

We cover:



* How to reconcile missed warning signs as both a parent and professional in the mental health space

* The extent to which eating disorders can warp a child’s thought process

* The experience of navigating insurance coverage for treatment

* The importance of a holistic, family-centered approach to care

* How rewarding it is to see your child through the other side of their illness



In Holly's words:



* On separating a child from their illness: “One day, Madison said something to me that was eye-opening, and I finally understood. She had said that there's days where the eating disorder is so loud that she can't tell what's her voice and what the eating disorder voice is…It gave me a better understanding and just how complex an eating disorder is.”

* On finding community at The Emily Program: “I like the family component of it, where I was able to come there for big group family meetings with the rest of the parents of kids that were there. It was just so comforting to know that I was with people who knew what it was like. I could listen to their stories and their experiences and just feel some kind of familiarity that I'm with my people.”

* On her advice to parents and families supporting a loved one with an eating disorder: “Don’t be ashamed. This isn’t something to hide… who cares what anybody else thinks? Just focus on your child and love them and reassure them that it's going to get better too, because sometimes when they're in that dark, low place, they can't necessarily see tomorrow. So you have to help paint a picture of what tomorrow can look like.”



Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. 

-

About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking.

You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or a href="https://podcasts.google.

Episode description:

Stacy Schilter Pisano joins Peace Meal to shed light on the signs, symptoms, and complexities of binge eating disorder (BED), dispelling the myth that it is merely a matter of willpower. She describes the unique challenges facing those with BED, including misunderstandings about the illness, cultural stigma and shame related to overeating, marginalization in healthcare settings, and societal weight bias, particularly for those with BED who live in larger bodies. In light of these challenges, Stacy emphasizes the vital importance of treatment tailored to those affected by binge eating.

Stacy then provides an overview of virtual CARE IOP, The Emily Program’s and Veritas Collaborative’s standalone program for those BED and OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. Informed by the expertise of eating disorder professionals and the lived experiences of previous clients struggling with binge eating, CARE IOP offers a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who truly understand their unique intersectional experiences. Unlike mixed-diagnosis treatment settings that may leave them feeling isolated, CARE IOP provides tailored, comprehensive care that promotes safety and healing. 



Stacy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. For nearly two decades, Stacy has helped individuals and families affected by body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and clinical eating disorders. Since 2014, Stacy has been the director of The Emily Program’s South Sound location in Olympia, Washington. Within this role, she oversees a multidisciplinary team of providers offering PHP, IOP, OP, and FBT services. Stacy also developed and supervises The Emily Program’s and Veritas Collaborative’s virtual CARE IOP.

We cover:



* The prevalence, signs, and symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED) 

* The benefits of highly tailored care for those with BEDs

* Why and how The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative’s virtual CARE IOP program for BED was created to support those affected by binge eating

* The unique program components of CARE IOP, including curricula related to weight stigma, self-compassion, and attunement 

* How providers and loved ones can support someone with BED



In Stacy’s words:



* On common misunderstandings about BED: “In our culture, people are urged to take responsibility for their relationship with food. And in the case of binge or overeating, many people believe that stopping is a matter of willpower or ‘getting control’ of their eating. And for some, they believe that one of the 33,000 diets out there will be the answer… People don’t fully understand that binge eating disorder is a mental health condition, and behaviors are the outcome of that complex array of different variables.”

* On supporting a loved one with BED: “Binge eating disorder/binge eating behaviors are nobody’s fault. It wasn’t caused by any one particular thing and it’s not easy to overcome. So I think being able to just hold a lot of compassion as you’re interacting or engaging with somebody, or as you approach them in general.” 

* On the complexity of BED: “You are not to blame. If you’ve tried hundreds of diets and each of them has failed, that’s the diet failing. 95-98% of diets fail. So it isn’t your fault… It is that complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors coming together in a perfect/imperfect storm.”



Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. 

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About the podcast:

Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by a href="https://www.emilyprogram.