Using Metaphors to Understand Eating Disorders with Courtney Dowdell, LCAT, CEDCAT, RDT/BCT
Metaphors for eating disorders: this is one of my favorite topics, hands down.
A bit about Courtney: Courtney is a passionate and dedicated therapist who obtained her graduate degree from New York University. She is a licensed creative arts therapist in New York State, Certified Eating Disorders Therapist (CEDCAT) and a registered/board certified drama therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience.
Courtney brings warmth, compassion, and insight, offering clients an avenue to examine their thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental space. She brings all this to our conversation about metaphors for eating disorders and how we can utilize these ideas to incorporate into our food healing journey.
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[0:01-4:13] Intro
I introduced you to our guest
I met Courtney when I was in higher level of care
Courtney’s background
Licensed creative arts therapists, specifically drama therapy in NYU
[4:14- 7:22] What does drama therapy actually look like?
Drama therapy brings a very embodied approach
How individuals can build trust in themselves , in their own bodies and be able to really listen and tune in to their physical and emotional internal cues
Eating disorders often cause individuals to fluctuate between rigidity and chaos
Role Theory Approach in Drama Therapy
Drama therapy in groups
Attuning to the bodies of other people
Building apathy and seeing different perspectives
[7:23- 15:38] The Idea of Metaphors for Eating Disorders
Decoding behaviors by using metaphors
Being able to create reflections on the things in your life
Movements and intentions
Divide your energy and bring more joy
Embracing compassion to where you’re at right now
What are the things that are coming in our way?
Nourishing meal plans on a metaphorical level
The process of not enough or too much (and finding that middle space)
[15:39- 24:40] Hunger Fullness Internal Cues , Building Security, Body Image and How to Approach These Aspects Metaphorically?
Developing cues as time goes by
Addressing the psychodynamics underneath the issues
Wanting certain aspects of the eating disorder
The freedom of not engaging with eating disorder thoughts
Finding ways to build safety in yourself
How to embrace the unknown?
Body Image: Everybody is Unique
Embracing diversity and individuality
[24:41- 35:10] Using Our Voice and Encourage Diversity
Allowing your body to be what it is
The Set Point Theory
Living in a Standardized Diet Culture
Unlearning negative experiences
Wherever you’re at is valid
Utilizing creative approaches
[35:11-36:11] Outro
Where to find Courtney?
Resources Mentioned:
Tweetable Quotes
“Our relationship with food, our symptoms is an encoding of basically all the pain, all our experiences and memories in behavior form” - Rachelle Heinemann
“The groupie becomes a holding container to be seen and for individuals to be able to contain their emotions” - Courtney Dowdell
“Show up with courage and rebellion.” - Courtney Dowdell
More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.
You can connect with me on Instagram, through my website or email me directly clicking the links below.
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