I'm sure many of you have experienced this, especially after spending time with family during the holidays. Whether it's a recent struggle or an ongoing issue, the key question is why you don't want to eat. Yes, it might sound cliché, and you probably saw it coming from me, but it's crucial because your answer guides the approach.

What comes to mind when you hear the term “body positivity”? First off, it’s become a mainstream concept. Body neutrality, all foods fit, and body positivity are all terms to describe a phase of coming to terms with your body. However, we have to recognize that this approach may not resonate with everyone seeking help. While we shift towards inclusivity, we also inadvertently exclude individuals who may not be ready or comfortable with these concepts. These individuals hear these terms and think “Nope, I want nothing to do with this” and run from treatment. 

There is a cultural shift within the Orthodox Jewish community due to the internet, where appearance ideals have become pervasive, challenging the community's perceived protective measures. The learning curve lies in recognizing these changes and understanding that even with a more insular lifestyle, the community is not immune to the impact of societal influences on body image and eating habits.

When someone firmly establishes a boundary, that’s part of what we’d call being assertive. These qualities go hand in hand. For a lot of folks, it’s the hardest thing to do and we practice doing so in recovery. In contrast, there are totally those who don’t have a problem with voicing their opinions and clearly stating their boundaries but it can come across as pretty aggressive. I don’t consider the “aggressive” way of interacting assertive. In fact, it’s the other side of the same issue as not speaking up enough. That’s why I say 100% of people struggle with assertiveness because it comes from one side or another.

Let’s first acknowledge that there is no fixed framework for the therapeutic relationship. We know that each person's experience is unique. How close we get to the edges of this metaphorical frame varies from person to person and might change over time. But ultimately, most sessions follow a set of “rules”.

Ever wondered why some dreams stick around while others vanish like morning mist? Jennifer shares that dreams we remember are like neon signs from our unconscious, emphasizing an underlying conflict. It turns out, that the more significant the conflict, the greater the unconscious's push to deliver the message through vivid dreams.

While diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), exist for binge eating disorders, it's crucial to prioritize the individual's subjective experience. There is a limitation when it comes to these medicalized classifications and it’s important to recognize the subjective nature of these issues.

There is no doubt that I disagree with diet culture. But recently I’ve been noticing that a lot of these things that frustrate me with this culture are starting to show up in the anti-diet culture as well. Between the judging, the internal shaming, and the “cult behaviors”, the lines are starting to blur and the cycle we were trying to break has begun to repeat itself.

Feeling stuck isn't exclusive to one area of life; it can strike at any moment. Whether you're battling with your career, your relationships, or, as is often the case, your relationship with food, that suffocating feeling can be all too familiar. If you've ever grappled with issues related to your relationship with food or have felt trapped in various aspects of life, this discussion is going to be a game-changer for you.

This first question revolves around the decision-making process regarding various levels of care for eating disorder treatment. Many individuals with eating disorders receive outpatient treatment, but some may consider stepping up to higher levels of care like intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, or even residential treatment. The challenge is figuring out which level of care is best for them. The answer is not one-size-fits-all.

In our journey to understand the distinction between CBT and psychodynamic therapy, it's essential to understand the intricacies underlying the medical model and its limitations when applied to mental health. Unlike physical ailments, mental health conditions aren't as straightforward to diagnose, with no blood tests or scans to conclusively pinpoint their existence.

In a world where intuitive eating has become a buzzword, it's crucial to sift through the chatter and truly understand what it means. We're not here to entertain misconceptions or misinterpretations of intuitive eating—those are a whole different story. Instead, we're bringing you a discussion that revolves around the insightful critiques of intuitive eating from individuals who genuinely respect and comprehend its principles.