Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & Stories

! Parents are walking on eggshells, confused, silenced and searching desperately for real information and support. This book fills that gap wholly and honestly!Alli Spotts-De Lazzer is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Eating Disorders Specialist.  She currently serves as a Psychology Today Columnist, Medscape Contributor, Adjunct Faculty at Antioch University and sits on many mental health eating disorder boards and has founded several ED initiatives and support groups.She has authored three books: - My Child Has an Eating Disorder: An Essential Guide for Parents of Kids - Body Image and Self-Esteem- MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight & Body Image Issues  Her latest novel, My Child Has an Eating Disorder: An Essential Guide for Parents of Kids, borrows from her vast experience and passion to fill a gap in eating disorder recovery by answering poignant questions, providing deft resources, sharing real family stories & solutions and highlighting the courageous, challenging and powerful path of eating disorder recovery.      **Alli's comments are not 'therapy', they are for general purposes only and are not meant to replace mental health care or other professional resources.Alli Spotts-De Lazzer | Eating Disorder Expert | Authorhttps://www.liveyourfullstory.com/  Home - F.E.A.S.T.https://feast-ed.org/  Pediatric Eating Disorders: The Medical Care of Children and Adolescents [Paperback] | shopAAPhttps://www.aap.org/Pediatric-Eating-Disorders-The-Medical-Care-of-Children-and-Adolescents-Paperback   Toolkits - National Eating Disorders Associationhttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkits/   Medical Care Standards | Academy for Eating Disordershttps://www.aedweb.org/medical-care-standards   https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BTS-9-Truths.pdf FlyersBTS Flyers-------------------------------------------------------Chapters: (00:00) Introduction(02:10) History & Experience (04:50) Parent Support Groups(06:50) Resources & Sources (08:45) Creating Unity in the Field (11:20) Medical Guidance (12:00) Dr. Anna Tanner/AED Medical Standards/Neda Tool Kits(15:50) Psychological, Nutritional & Medical Approach(16:35) Genetic Vulnerability & the Invisible Button(19:05) Parents on Eggshells & Distress Tolerance(21:20) Discipline and Nurturing (25:20) Lion & the Mouse Metaphor(27:40) 9 Truths of ED (29:50) It’s NOT just control (32:30) Evidence Based v. Trial & Error(37:35) Parents need to ask Questions (40:15) Body Image & Media(41:30) Parent Support in the Home (42:30) Liveyourfullstory.com & purchasing book (44:00) Meaningful JourneyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Sam Emch is a licensed independent clinical counselor with a specialty in trauma informed therapy.  She currently has a private practice with the Hull Institute in Cleveland, Ohio focusing on the confluence of eating disorders and trauma as well as general trauma informed therapy.  She shares her vast knowledge on trauma care including IFS (Internal Family Systems: Inner Child Healing), EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting).  She highlights that recovery for those struggling with trauma involves a specialized provider, trust, preparing for the distress of activating memories and eventually reconnecting body and mind to “experience life in a non-traumatic view.”  Trauma Scales Sam Mentions: PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist) DES2 (Dissociative Experiences Scale) RESES (Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale)ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)  Chapters:(00:00) Introduction: Sam Emch Training & Practice(03:22) IFS & Inner Child Healing(03:52) EMDR  (06:03) DBR   (06:53) Boat & Whale Metaphor(09:36) Bottom Up Approach(12:22) ED: Inner Child Protects Harmed Place(14:55) Avoidance Rewarded in Society(15:55) Harm Reduction(18:40) Managing Negative Cognitions(20:10) Finding Qualified Provider(21:50) Trust & Treatment (22:55) Signs of Trauma/Scales(24:15) Self-Esteem & Trauma (26:45) Is it Trauma or Traumatizing (27:50) The Role of Resiliency(29:30) When is it time to Treat Trauma?(30:20) Coping Skills/DBT House(33:50) Length of Tx/Trajectory(37:00) Treating Phobias as Trauma(39:10) What’s Wrong w/You v. What Happened to You(40:45) Compassion: Managing Shame(41:20) Intellectualizing Trauma(42:00) Better to Treat then Ignore Trauma(42:45) It’s OK to be Uncomfortable (43:00) Magical JourneyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Your hunger & fullness cues may be lying to you! Intuitive Eating is complicated and so is how the body, mind and environment informs our eating habits - Especially if you have disordered eating! ---------------------------------------Chapters: (00:00) Hunger, Fullness & Intuitive Eating(01:45) Physical (body) Cues(08:05) Cognitive (thought) Cues  (11:35) Structural (environment) Cues   (14:40) Intuitive Eating: It’s Complicated(15:00) Distress Work & Wrap UpBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Why are so many first responders suddenly tearful after 20 years?!Normalizing emotional expression, especially tears, in first responder culture can improve mental health, team cohesion, and personal resilience.In this episode, Caise and Corinne explore the emotional landscape of first responders, discussing why tears and emotional expressions are vital signs of health, not weakness. They delve into the cultural stigmas, physiological underpinnings, and practical strategies to normalize emotional expression in high-stress professions and everyday life.------------------------------------------Key topics:The biological connection between tears, cortisol, and stress reliefThe cultural stigma around emotional expression, especially for men and first respondersHow to support peers or loved ones who are crying or expressing emotionThe importance of de-stigmatizing tears and emotional vulnerability at work and in personal life Practical language and actions to advocate for emotional normalizationThe role of the nervous system in emotional regulation, including sympathetic and parasympathetic responsesHow to create safe spaces for emotional release without judgmentRecognizing and respecting individual emotional thresholdsThe damaging effects of toxic positivity and the importance of sitting with painThe misconception of masculinity and toxicity, emphasizing authentic human emotion---------------------------------Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to emotion and first responder wellness(01:42) - Why men are tearful after 20 years on the job(03:15) - Tears as a release of cortisol and stress(03:46) - The nervous system's role in emotional regulation(05:13) - Cultural messages instructing boys and men to suppress emotion(06:23) - Strategies to stop tears and emotional expression(08:49) - The importance of vulnerability and emotional authenticity in trauma work(10:06) - Stigma around women and men's tears at work(10:21) - The significance of emotional expression in traumatic scenes(11:34) - Connecting through emotion in therapy and crisis situations(12:20) - Showing humanity and the danger of emotional suppression(14:14) - Advocating for emotional normalcy in first responder culture(15:49) - Language and actions to normalize tears and emotions(16:44) - Avoiding toxic positivity and embracing authentic emotional experiences(18:39) - Recognizing individual emotional thresholds and biological reasons for tears(19:44) - Society's contradictory views on emotional displays like crying(21:19) - How to respond when someone is crying, using less and being present(23:27) - Dispelling myths about weakness and promoting emotional honesty(24:41) - Addressing toxic masculinity and its impact on emotional expression(25:09) - Practical steps for creating a culture of emotional acceptance(26:21) - Wrap UpBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

What side of the glass are you on? What it's like to work on a psyche floor when you have your own mental health issues?! Shawn comes to the table to share what he has learned and struggled with working as an MA on a crisis psychiatric unit. He shares how he is learning to give himself the grace and compassion he provides to his patients.  This unique perspective offers insight, tools and hope!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Food Rules:  Are Your Rules Fact or Fear Based? In Session 2: 7 Questions to Identify & Challenge if Food Rules are a Preference or Disordered. ------------------------Chapters:(00:00) Intro Food Rules(00:45) 8 Keys to Recovery by Carolyn Costin(02:00) Identify Your Rules (02:40) #1 Reason for The Rule? (05:00) #2 How Long Follow Rule? (05:45) #3 What if You Break The Rule?(07:00) #4 Is it Fact or Fear Based?(09:00) #5 Should Others Follow the Rule? (10:35) #6 Is the Rule Flexible? (11:20) #7 What do You Gain or Lose with Rule? (12:20) Wrap Up----------------------------------------------------Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Quit Letting Body Image F*** Up your Recovery!In Session 1: You have to lower body noise! I have 12 body image hacks that my clients report have been helpful!  A must try if you're on an ED recovery path!------------------------Chapters:(01:22) 1 Mirrors(02:55) 2 Pick A Spot(04:15) 3 Media(05:15) 4 Tools for Media(05:55) 5 Where U Go(06:20) 6 Elevator Speech(07:11) 7 Clothing(08:10) 8 Body Checking You(10:22) 9 Body Checking Others(11:11) 10 Judging(12:10) 11 No Peaking at Pics(13:15) 12 Anticipate-------------------------------------Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Body Dysmorphia & Dysphoria Intersect and Identity is the Catalyst!Grayson shares his long, up & down journey with Eating Disorder recovery and shows that even when there are struggles, he has learned to persevere, use his supports & most importanty, accept his body.  Body Image | Understanding & Improving Self-Perception | NEDAhttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-image/LGBTQIA2S+ Crisis Hotlineshttps://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/LGBTQIA2S/LGBTQIA2S-Crisis-HotlinesHome - LGBT National Help Centerhttps://lgbthotline.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D., FAED, CEDS, F.IAEDP is a pioneer for eating disorder treatment. She is the co-founder and CEO of several esteemed institutions, most recently Within Health and Galen Hope Treatment Center. Her impact on this community stems from her work as an entrepreneur, world-renowned speaker, author, philanthropist, and over 20 years of experience in treating eating disorders.Dr. Oliver-Pyatt’s treatment approach includes addressing underlying causes, acknowledging the poison of weight stigma, challenging shame, and investing in clients through intensive therapeutic focus so people can heal from the inside out.-----Dr. Wendy Oliver-Pyatthttps://www.wendyoliverpyatt.com/-----Within Health is eating disorder treatment designed around real life through personalized, clinically integrated care and continuous support where patients build recovery skills where recovery actually happens—in everyday life. https://withinhealth.com/-----Galen Hope is a uniquely designed, comprehensive treatment programs for eating disorders, mental health conditions, and dual mental health diagnoses.https://www.galenhope.com/----- Monte Nido: https://www.montenido.com/locations/florida-miami-residential-treatment https://www.montenido.com/clementine-------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters:(00:00) Introduction & History(05:45) ED Approach & Model(10:25) Reducing Shame & Healing Tenets(12:45) Internal V. External Regulation & Rules(14:10) Healing from the Inside Out(15:20) Within Remote Treatment(19:40) A Therapeutic Team Investing In Clients(22:45) Unique Food Approach(27:20) Managing Medical Fragility(30:15) Enhanced Meal Support Model(31:55) “the Living Room”(33:55) Brick & Mortar Options(35:50) Co-Morbidity with Substance Use(36:35) Weight Stigma Addressed(38:10) Alumni Program & Meal Delivery(40:00) Metrics & Outcomes(43:55) Virtual Impact(45:00) Population Served(45:55) ARFID Care(47:50) Referral & Team Involvement(50:50) Eating Disorder Education Institute(55:00) It Takes Hope & Work(56:15) Honoring Those Who HelpBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Transition seasons can be overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to reset, organize, and support one another with more intention. In this episode, Caise and Corinne talk about one of the hardest parts of the year for many families and first responders: transition season. From the back-to-school reset to shifting routines, they explore how to make the move from summer into fall feel a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable. They discuss why September can feel like a true “new year,” how kids and adults alike struggle with transitions, and why it helps to start preparing early instead of waiting until the last minute. They also dig into the financial side of back-to-school season, the emotional load families carry, and how shared planning can reduce stress. A major theme of the conversation is grace: for yourself, for your partner, and for your kids. Caise and Corinne share practical ideas like weekly household check-ins, sharing the mental load, building a fall bucket list, and gradually helping kids get back into school routines. ----------------------------------------Key topics covered: Why back-to-school season feels like a real resetThe emotional difficulty of transitions for kids and adultsPreparing early for school routines, schedules, and suppliesManaging the cost of back-to-school seasonSharing the mental load in relationships and co-parentingWeekly “business meetings” for household logisticsGiving kids more responsibility and autonomySelf-care and grounding strategies during seasonal change Highlights: September as a “new year” mindsetWhy transitions are hardest for childrenHow to divide chores, scheduling, and planning more fairlyThe value of checking in weekly as a teamTeaching kids practical responsibility before the school year starts Takeaways:Start transition conversations early.Keep expectations realistic and compassionate.Share responsibilities instead of carrying everything alone.Use regular check-ins to stay aligned.Help kids practice routines before the school year begins. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/support.Thanks for listening! Therapist Caise https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eating-disorder-spotlight-resources-support-stories--5613148/supportFind:  therapistcaise.comReach: [email protected]: Eating Disorder Spotlight: Resources, Support & StoriesFollow: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn & Youtube "Capturing Stories & Inspiring Recovery!"For Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: Text 4hope to 741741. Disclaimer: The Mental Health Spotlight Podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.