Understanding Body Matters Podcast

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Co- founder of ‘Eat Love Live’, researcher and lecturer, Dr. Christie Bennett. Christie currently works at Monash University as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Nutrition Dietetics and Food and is a Research Fellow of The Higher Education Academy at Monash University. Christie is also an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with an expertise in eating disorders, disordered eating and its intersection with women’s health including in fertility, pregnancy and PCOS. Since completing her PhD, Christie has worked towards bringing together her clinical and research interests. Continuing to conduct research, investigating the role of nutrition and dietetics pedagogy on disordered eating in students and those impacted by fat phobia. In 2023, she was awarded a School of Clinical Sciences Career Development Fellowship to investigate the barriers and enablers of using client input in health care education. Where she is continuing to research educational interventions to improve inclusivity in dietetics and healthcare more broadly. 

On this week's episode we will be speaking about the topic of fat phobia also known as weight stigma or anti fat bias. Where Christie shares some of the research she has been doing on fat phobia and eating disorders including the studies involving lived experience from people in larger bodies. Christie works to privilege lived experience, acknowledge, and honour the experiences of those who are suffering from the experiences of eating disorders. Acknowledging the various systemic barriers, oppressions, and injustices. So please, welcome our next special guest, Christie!

Podcast Summary:

1.  The research on fat phobia or weight stigma

2.  Fat phobia is systemic

3.  The link between the fear of gaining weight and eating disorders

4.  Weight stigma and body comments impact everyone

5.   A larger body is not a before photo

6. All people should receive adequate care and respect regardless of body shape

Links to Christie:

‘Eat, Love, Live’ Website: eatlovelive.com.au

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Founder of Uncovery and Recovery Coach, Olivia Soha. After, recovering from her own lived experience with an eating disorder, Olivia spent six months in the United States at BALANCE eating disorder treatment centre working as a liaison officer and recovery coach In New York. After returning to Australia, Olivia then opened Uncovery in 2018 and was selected as a Young Social Pioneer with the Foundations for Young Australians where she was awarded a seed funding grant to expand Uncovery in 2019. Olivia has also since then presented at national and international conferences, including at the Australian and New Zeeland Academy for Eating Disorders in 2019 and the International Conference for Eating Disorders in 2020.

More recently, Olivia has consulted on projects such as with the NEDC and the Butterfly Foundation in the development of the Lived Experience Workforce component of the National strategy, and the Peer Workforce Guidelines. Olivia has also facilitated recovery skills and support group programs across Melbourne and in various treatment settings such as in The Melbourne Clinic Eating Disorders Inpatient Program, The Austin Hospital Eating Disorders Inpatient Program and in the Body Image Eating Disorders Treatment and Recovery Service (BETRS).

On this week’s episode Olivia will be sharing her lived experience with disordered eating and struggles with body image concerns. Providing the lived experience support of a positive role model, and showing people that recovery is always possible. So please welcome our next special guest, Olivia!

Podcast Summary:

1. Eating difficulties as a young child

2.The problems with perfection

3. Finding peace beyond the body

4. Sitting with and processing difficult emotions

5. Finding purpose and meaning beyond the eating disorder

Links to Oliva Soha:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Psychologist, Cathy Anderson. Cathy has worked for 20 years in the eating disorder space as a Senior Clinician, Senior Psychologist and Eating Disorder Coordinator predominantly having worked at the Illawarra Eating Disorders Service. Cathy has also been a guest Lecturer at Wollongong University and the University of Sydney and assisted in the development of content for postgraduate studies at the Nan Tien Institute. Most recently, Cathy was involved in the collaborative national project by the NEDC and ANZAED, providing supervision to psychologists involved in the eating disorder credentials process. Cathy now works at her own private practice called ‘Cathy Anderson Psychology’ in Woonona. Cathy’s practice consists of 80% eating disorder work where she is a Credentialled Eating Disorder Clinician and Board Approved Supervisor.

Cathy has a background of working across fields of rehabilitation, pain management, neuropsychological rehab, community women’s health and eating disorder having worked as a psychologist for 25 years. Cathy’s work has encompassed provision of individual and group clinical work, family psychoeducation groups, workforce development, service development, supervision of psychologist and dieticians as well as has contributed to the development and implementation of the state-wide NSW Eating Disorder Plan.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of compassion and self- compassion for those who experience eating disorders or disordered eating. Cathy herself was introduced to the idea of self- compassion in eating disorders about a decade ago when she came across Josie Geller, a Canadian Psychologist, present at the Australian Eating Disorders Conference in Sydney. After watching such an inspirational speaker, learning about the power over self-compassion alongside evidence-based approaches, Cathy wanted to further explore compassion. This is when Cathy came across Kristen Neff, whose work she talks about on the podcast as greatly influencing her practice. Here today, Cathy has additionally taken to narrative approaches from Michael White and Anita Johnston who continually impact her practice in the way she uses metaphor, analogy and lived experience. So on that note, please welcome our next special guest, Cathy!

Podcast summary:

1. Understanding compassion

2. Acknowledging eating disorders serve a function

3.  Being able to sooth ourselves

4. Looking at self-compassion in other parts of our lives

5. Comforting yourself like you are comforting a friend

6. The benefits of incorporating self-kindness and self-compassion

Links from the episode and to BodyMatters:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest, previous group facilitator, Serena Dalton. Serena has run workshops and group facilitation for the company Tomorrow Woman which runs education programs for school students, teachers, for parents, in sports, and more. Serena has a background in studying theatre studies where after working for this organisation found a passion in working in the mental health space and is now completing a Masters in Counselling at University. The company Tomorrow Woman runs workshops across schools in NSW where Serena was lucky enough to be a part of this program for a year a half. The program Serena was involved in was designed for young girls and non- binary girls to speak about topics such as body image, mental health, and gender expectations in a group facilitation setting. While this specific program is not still being run in schools there are still various workshops still being run by this same organisation. Where the company has now been able to run 2,037 workshops with 60,777 participants.

On this week’s episode Serena shares some of the lived experience of school aged girls around body image discussing the impact that it is having on teenage girls in NSW. Where this episode discusses some of the challenges young girls are experiencing with social media, body comparison, and anxiety. Serena discusses the power of this women-based program on addressing some of the current concerns that we are seeing in schools. Bringing a voice to some of the young girls in this generation! So please, welcome out next special guest, Sarena!

A quick update for everyone around the podcast; We will be releasing episodes fortnightly on Wednesdays instead of weekly!

Podcast Summary:  

1. Workshops run in schools talking about body image, mental health, and high expectations

2. Body image as a top concern for year 10-11 girls in schools

3. The experiences shared by teenage girls

4. Discussing body image statistics

5.  Social media use and body comparison

6. Starting the conversations around body image in schools

Links to Tomorrow Woman:

On this week’s episode we are super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Host and Social Worker, Jessica Bakon. Jessica is a qualified Social Worker who holds an (Honours) degree from the University of New South Wales. As a new graduate, she worked across both private and public hospitals within the Northern Sydney Local Health District such as at Royal North Shore Hospital. This is where Jessica found passion in utlising evidence- based treatments with patients such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Jessica was also trained at Royal North Shore Hospital as a student and had the opportunity of working for BodyMatters Australasia, on her second University internship. This is where Jessica was offered the incredible opportunity to host and produce the ‘Understanding Body Matters Podcast’ after the podcast was so beautifully started and crafted by Madison Prubela. Where Jessica has been able to be involved in sharing stories of hope, lived experience, education, professional development, advocacy, wellbeing content and awareness for eating disorders. After a year of working within the healthcare system and gaining the experience she was hoping for Jessica has now gone back to University to complete her Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Hoping to support people in the field of eating disorders and within schools with a special interest for working with adolescents.

A little background about Jessica, she grew up on the Northern Beaches and spent her young working years enjoying her studies, volunteering for charities, and finding a passion in supporting people. However, during her teen years Jessica found herself impacted by disordered eating as a result of an adverse early childhood, social influences and the impact of diet culture. That is why on this week’s episode our Host Jessica will be sharing her story with disordered eating, her upbringing, and the reason for her passions in hosting the ‘Understanding Body Matters Podcast’. Jessica also shares the details of how receiving required support, addressing the adverse childhood experiences and having positive role models in her life really helped her along her journey.

In this week’s episode Jessica will also disclose brief elements of family domestic violence, strength, and success despite significant challenges faced. Where Jessica thanks the many guests on the podcasts who have been so vulnerable in being able to provide awareness for eating disorders, mental health, and overall wellbeing. This is where Jessica shares her value for learning, education, teachers, supervisors, mentors, and positive role models within her life. As the support from these people were all the main components of Jessica being able to be the person she is today. As someone who now loves and values the role that food can have in her life Jessy now shares her story of gratitude for her recovery and the appreciation that she has for her life. So, on that note, please welcome our next special guest host, Jessy!

Podcast Summary

1.    The impact of adverse childhood experiences

2.    Friendships with people who engaged in disordered eating

3.    Learning to drink alcohol in a binge drinking culture in Australia  

4.    Transitional periods

5.    The power of support, role modelling and positive people

6.    Education, awareness, and advocacy in eating disorders 

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to two lovely practitioners from ‘Eat Love Live’ in Melbourne, Director Josephine Money and Dr. Christie Bennett. Eat Love Live is a clinic that offers Dietetics and nutrition, physiotherapy, movement classes, music therapy, dance therapy and education from a range of different health professionals. Jo and Christie are both the co- Founders for Eat Love Live Education and have both really valued the role of lived experience in eating disorder treatment. Where ‘Eat Love Live’ has now developed a Framework called The Radical Centred Framework which utlises lived experience as a tool to understand the development, maintenance, and recovery of an eating disorder. Eat, Love, Love’ also has an amazing blog, and many other programs to support people with a variety of backgrounds.  A little bit about our two lovely guests...

Jo is the Founder and Director of ‘Eat Love Live’ an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Nutritionist, a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, and a co-Founder of Eat Love Live Education. Jo has been working within the eating disorder field for over 20 years working across a range of settings including at the Eating Disorders Foundation Victoria where is now a board member, at Royal Melbourne Hospital in the Eating Disorder Unit, at the Melbourne clinic in their Eating Disorder Program, at the Royal Women’s hospital and at The Body Image and Eating Disorder Recovery a joint initiative from St Vincent’s and Austin hospital. In her work, Jo appreciates the courage of people who have shared with her their stories and is passionate about promoting weight inclusion, social justice, and trauma informed care. Jo also provides clinical internal supervision and case conferencing for clinicians where she works to strengthen the link between mental health and dietetic support.

Dr. Christie Bennett is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Lecturer, Co- founder of ‘Eat Love Live’ education and an Academic Researcher. Christie holds a PhD and a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics with Honours from Monash University. Christie’s expertise is in eating disorders, disordered eating and its intersection with women’s health including in fertility, pregnancy and PCOS. Her PhD investigated the factors that influence glucose tolerance during pregnancy with a particular focus on sleep. She currently works at Monash University as a Lecturer and Research Fellow at Monash University. Where her current research investigates how to best support people experiencing eating disorders and women’s health conditions such as PCOS. Christie is passionate about feminism, social oppression theories, trauma informed care, size inclusive (HAES) and working with lived experience within her clinical practice and research.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic as to why people may be feeling stuck and unable to recover from an eating disorder. Discussing the idea that every person experiencing disordered eating, or an eating disorder will have a different reason as to why they are feeling stuck. However, Both Jo and Christie draw our attention to the systemic oppressions, the media and trauma as some of the contributing factors to this feeling of stuckness. So please welcome our next special guests, Jo and Christie!

Podcast Summary:

1.    Not recognising if you are experiencing disordered eating

2.    The endless pursuit of weight loss

3.    The belief that weightless will fix all your problems in life

4.    The impact of oppressions and trauma on disordered eating

5.    The high expectations people place on food, body, and recovery

6.    New innovative frameworks to empower clients

Links to both Jo and Christie:

‘Eat, Love, Live’ Website: eatlovelive.com.au

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest to Principal Psychologist of the Mental Care Clinic, Dr Daisy Gemayel. Daisy grew up in Lebanon and then travelled to the U.S where she attended Harvard University at Cambridge in Massachusetts. After studying in the U.S she then travelled to Australia to gain her PhD in Psychology from Charles Sturt University. Alongside her studies Daisy has had many years of experience working in private practice, research, community mental health and hospital settings. Where Daisy has conducted clinical screenings, psychological assessments, and developed comprehensive treatments based on research. For example, during her PhD studies, Daisy developed and validated a psychometric tool to predict fathers at risk of paternal depression, anxiety, and stress which is a massive contribution to the field!

 Daisy also has many passions some of which involve supporting adolescence and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, complex trauma, phobia, and psychosis. Where Daisy uses evidence- based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive processing Trauma, Schema Therapy and, Individual and Group Dialectical behavioural Therapy within her practice.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of self- confidence and self-esteem and its links to eating disorders. Really exploring the links between self-confidence and eating pathology. So please welcome our next special guest, Daisy!

1. Self- esteem fluctuates based on experiences

2. Low self- esteem can maintain eating disorders

3. Tuning out external pressures and tuning into your own body

4. Surrounding yourself with positive people

5. Self- confidence is a protective factor against eating disorders

6. Working through past experiences around self- worth

Links to Dr. Daisy Gemayel

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be bringing one of our much loved guest, Director and Psychologist here at BodyMatters Australasia, Sarah McMahon. Sarah is a Registered Psychologist and the Director of BodyMatters Australasia clinic which is an eating disorder treatment clinic which has clinics all around Australia. BMA utilises the discipline of Psychologists, Dieticians, Paediatricians, Social workers, Psychotherapists, as well as multiple other stakeholders. Sarah Co- Founded BodyMatters with Lydia Turner in 2009 as a way to go beyond the biomedical model in the treatment of eating disorders. Sarah is also the Founder of the grassroots advocacy group and charity 'Collective Shout' where she has Chaired the organisation for six of its eight years. 

Sarah has been involved in organisations such as Lifeline and is a Founding Member and Board Member of 'Endangered Bodies'. Where Sarah was also on the ANZAED Carer Consumer Committee. Sarah Holds a Masters in Public Health and is passionate about educating the community on eating disorders. Where Sarah is a regular voice in the Media. Sarah has written several book chapters including the body image & eating disorder chapter in Steve Biddulph's 2013 international best seller 'Raising Girls' and contributed to Collet Smart's 2019 book "They'll be okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times". More recently, she has been interviewed extensively in Kasey Edwards & Christopher Scanlons "Raising Girls Who Like Themselves". Where Sarah has also worked with schools, workplaces, charities, and many more organisational bodies in the fight towards a culture free from the dominating presence of eating disorders.

That is why I am super excited to be bringing Sarah back on the podcast to speak about the topic of the prevalence and cost of eating disorders in Australia & globally. Where we will discuss the new data and research done on eating disorders by the Butterfly Foundation. Aside from what we know in the research, the media still has such a large role in diet culture and the stigma around eating disorders. So as a way to open up more about this area for you, please welcome back Director and Psychologist of BMA, Sarah McMahon.

Podcast Summary:

1. The impact of COVID and inflation on eating disorders

2. The Butterfly Foundations research report

3. The estimated cost of eating disorders for people and families

4. Building relapse prevention

5. Using social media to promote positive change

6. The benefits of treatment and ongoing therapy

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Physiotherapist, Rebecca Gawler. Bec works at two clinics in Melbourne at ‘Eat Love Live’ and Balance North as Physiotherapist. Working as a Physiotherapist with her own lived experience of disordered eating, Bec began to notice the link between physiotherapy presentations and struggles with disordered eating.  Especially when working with a lot of athletes, those who overexercise or those who have sustained injuries as a result of a rapid increase in exercise. Not only that, but Bec sees people who have struggles with body image, compulsive exercising or people who use exercise as a way to cope with difficult emotions.

As Physiotherapists are typically the first point of contact for people requiring support from a physical injury, stress fracture, chronic pain or illness impacting mobility, Bec began to see the link between physical and psychological recovery. Where she began to utilise trauma informed care and eating disorder informed practices. To be able to better support people who have complex relationships with movement, exercise, and their bodies.  

On this week’s episode Bec will be able to share with us a little bit more about the work that she does in supporting people in the recovery process with disordered eating. Providing education and advocacy around the awareness of eating disorders and the tailored support that can be provided by Physiotherapists. So please, welcome our next guest Bec!

Podcast Summary:

1. Dysfunctional exercise

2. Eating disorder informed physiotherapists

3. Fitness myths

4. Eating disorders, injuries, and health conditions

5. Trauma informed physiotherapists

Links to Bec:

Link tree: https://linktr.ee/intuitive.movement_physio

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing our next special guests non- diet Dieticians Meg McClintock and Susan Williams. Meg and Susan have joined together as non- diet dietitian's to make a positive change in the area of media literacy, body image, health and nutrition. Meg and Susan have founded the organisation ‘Meg and Susan’ together where they provide courses, workshops, webinars, and skills challenges. Where they are seasoned presenters for universities, schools, TV, corporates, and podcasts. They also have an amazing website which offers freebies, a blog and a podcast called ‘Life’s Too Short to Count Almonds’. Meg and Susan have more than 20 years of experience as Dietitian's across fields such as in public health, industry, childcare, ages care, education and in private practice. They are both mums of 3, Meg has 3 boys and Susan has 3 girls!

A little more about Meg, Meg is an accredited practicing Dietitian and a body image advocate who has her own business ‘Meg McClintok, Healthy, Confident Lives’. Meg is also the Principal Dietitian and Founder of Choose Nutrition. In her practice Meg works with individuals, groups, and schools to move away from body dissatisfaction and towards a healthier relationship with nutrition. Where she conducts talks, seminars, and workshops for high schools on media literacy, body image, health and nutrition.

 A little more on Susan, Susan is an accredited practicing Dietitian and a Clinical Supervisor who works from a Health at Every Size Approach. Susan is the owner of Zest Nutrition Consulting where she specialises in the provision of supervision to dietitians practicing from a weight inclusive, non- diet paradigm. Susan also works with clients experiencing eating disorders, and disordered eating complicated by trauma or adverse childhood experiences.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and diet culture across the age spectrum. Discussing various life stages from being a child, having babies, to becoming a grandparent. In the end, all ages are exposed to diet culture and media in a way that targets weight as a way to market products. This is where Meg and Susan go deep into unpacking the clever marketing of companies used on each of the different age groups. In a constant battle to control body size people can begin to forget the various changes that come with different ages and life stages. As well as all the positive, amazing parts that come into embracing all the different stages. So, to shed a little bit of light on the various facades and tricks constantly used on us in the media is Meg and Susan!

Podcast summary:

1. Social media algorithms target people according to their age

2. Your diet and appetite will change across different ages  

3. Your body is trustworthy

4. The focus of recovery is different for different ages

5. Different life transitions may trigger disordered eating

6. What really matters in this time in your life?

Links to Meg and Susan

Website: https://www.megandsusan.co/

Instagram: @megandsusan

Facebook: Meg and Susan

Podcast: ‘Life’s Too Short to Count Almonds’

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Dietitian, Tayla Clegg. Tayla lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and grew up in the world of athletics. This is where she personally went through her own lived experience with disordered eating. Having personally experienced the difficulties with disordered eating, Tayla then became motivated to be able to support other individuals within this space. Being able to support not only athletes but anyone looking to free themselves from disordered eating. Within her own practice Tayla promotes being able to break free from diet cycles, working through disordered eating and/ or obsessive exercise patterns, supporting general nutrition goals in a sustainable way, working through body image challenges, creating positive sustainable nutrition habits, and fuelling sporting performance and everyday activities. Prioritising collaboration when working with clients around their nutrition, health, or performance goals.

On this week’s episode Tayla shares her lived experience with disordered and provides some education around working with athletes in the eating disorder space. To shed some light on the vulnerabilities that athletes can face with eating disorders but also to acknowledge some protective factors that athletes can also utilise. As someone who recognises the dangers with diet culture, misinformation, fad diets and the medias influence, Tayla aims to promote a life for athletes that does not need to be of only “extremes” when it comes to food and body. Promoting the act of being courageous when it comes to reaching out and seeking professional assistance when the signs are there. Providing a supportive, considerate, empathetic and goal- orientated framework for clients. Assisting people through the process of creating a long-term healthy relationship with food, body, and exercise.   

Podcast Summary:

1. The pressures within athletics

2. Reaching out to a health professional

3. Protective factors for athletes

4. Being aware of your own internal dialogue

5. Having a good team around you

Links to Tayla:

Links via Link tree: linktr.ee/fuelled.with.tayla

Instagram: @fuelled.with.tayla

Website: https://tayla-clegg-dietitian.squarespace.com/

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Psychologist, Author, Co- Founder and Executive Clinical Director, Dr. Anita Johnston. As an International Speaker, someone with a PhD, a Supervisor and an Eating Disorder Professional Anita has been able to make a tremendous impact in the space of eating disorders. She has worked in treatment of disordered eating for over 35 years where she has been able to support various clients with difficulties with food and body. She is currently the Clinical Director of Ai Pono Hawaii eating disorder programs which includes an ocean- front residential program in Maui. She is the author of the best-selling book, Eating in the Light of the Moon and co- creator of the Light of the Moon Café, a series of online interactive courses, workshops, and women’s support circles. Over the years Anita has also run various retreats, international conferences, University trainings, written articles, and academic publications.

 A little bit about Anita’s story into the eating disorder space, in the 1980’s while supervising a psychology doctoral student who was studying the incidence of eating disorders in Hawaii, it became apparent to Anita that there was a big problem in the area of eating disorders with no resources available whatsoever. Back then it was also a common theory that trauma led to eating disorders however, through experience Anita learned that there were not always common themes of trauma but instead individual stories. This was also a time when Bulimia had just become diagnosable, and Binge Eating Disorder had not yet been recognised. It was around this time, along with two other women that Anita then founded the Anorexia & Bulimia Centre of Hawaii becoming a Co-founder & Director of the Centre in 1982. Creating a space for women to travel from all over the world in order to receive treatment for disordered eating and body image concerns in beautiful Hawaii.

On today’s episode Anita will be speaking about the use of storytelling and Metaphor as a way to heal body image. As Anita brings up the discussion around food, eating, the self and how we live our lives in our bodies. A conversation that hopes to bring healing to people’s perceptions around body image and opens the doorways for people to look at themselves from a different light. So please on that note, welcome our next lovely guest, Anita!

Podcast summary:

1.  Body sense vs body image

2.  Surfing your feelings

3. Looking at the inner critic

4. Focusing on the experience of being in your body

5. Getting to the root cause of negative body image

Links to Dr. Anita Johnston

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing our next special guest all the way from WA Perth, Claire Gasper. Claire is an Accredited Practicing Dietician and a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician who works as a non- diet dietitian. She is a member of the LGBTQI+ community, has a diagnosis of ADHD and has a special interest in working with neurodivergent clients. Claire co-parents two little kids and is the owner of her private practice Diet Free Me. Diet-Free Me is a team of Dietitian's who work with adults and adolescents who have become disconnect from their bodies and are stuck in a diet mindset. Working with people with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. Where Claire promotes a Health at Every Size approach and aims to heal how people view and think about their bodies within a conditioned society.

On today’s episode Claire shares her lived experience with dieting, disordered eating, and body image concerns growing up. Where Claire shares her story growing up stuck in the diet mindset, dealing with her own mental health struggles, and following her passions in becoming a dietitian. Where Claire now speaks about her own recovery journey and how it has helped her show up as a clinician. As a parent Claire has had to heal her own relationship with food and body while also figuring out how she wants to raise her own kids. Through a non- diet approach Claire now raises her children in a diet free home that promotes a positive relationship with food and body. Through the process of unlearning diet culture and discovering the joy for eating Claire now supports people on their own journey with food, body, and mental wellbeing. So let’s get into it.

Podcast Summary:  

1. Everybody is deserving of treatment and support

2. Viewing foods and bodies neutrally

3. Allowing kids to have options with food

4. Promoting a positive body image in the home

5. Discussing stigma with the word fat

6. Bringing joy back into food

Links to Claire

Instagram: @dietfreeme

Website: dietfreeme.com.au

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode, I am super excited to be bringing back our lovely guest and Psychologist here at BodyMatters Harriet Iles. Harriet has completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Adelaide.  Harriet did complete a degree in law however, new her true passions were really to become a Psychologist. This is where Harriet then completed her Honours in Psychology at the University of Sydney. Where Harriet is now a Registered Psychologist practicing at BodyMatters Australasia as well as at the Ramsay Clinic Northside, working in eating disorder treatment.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the concept of acceptance and commitment. Where Harriet discusses the importance of acknowledging, validating, and accepting emotions. While also moving towards commitment, action, and change in eating disorder recovery. This is where Harriet goes through the various skills and tool’s we can use to better move through our emotions and circumstances. Where Harriet talks about putting the eating disorder thoughts “‘on trial’” and creating a better dialogue for ourselves. To initiate the meaningful change in our lives that we are looking for. So please enjoy our next lovely guest, Harriet!

Podcast summary:

1. Accepting and validating your situation

2. Moving through your emotions

3. Defusing eating disorder thoughts

4. Committed action

5. You are worthy of committing to yourself

6. Strengthening your self-awareness muscle

7.  Self-compassion and being kind to self

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Paige Trbojevic. Paige is a 26-year-old female who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes from the age of four. Having managed her diabetes since she was 12-13 Paige now speaks about her past struggles with food, body, and diabetes management. Through modifying her food choices from such a young age Paige started to categorise food as good or bad. When transitioning into her teenage years Paige had to weigh her foods, was regularly weighed by her diabetes team, and had to count the amount of carbohydrates that was in her food to balance her sugar levels. Noticing that she couldn’t eat foods freely like other kids her age and being concerned about her insulin levels Paige began to restrict her food to be what she thought was being a “better diabetic”. However, in conjunction with body image concerns this then turned into laxative use, purging, and diabulimia where Paige was formally diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa just before her 15th birthday.

During her struggles with disordered eating Paige lost her period for 5 years, struggled with Osteopenia and had experienced significant strains on her close relationships. Going through periods of not taking her insulin Paige jeopardised her health and her life. On today’s episode Paige talks about the amazing treatment she received through the two years she spent within Sydney Children’s Hospital’s outpatient program. Where she was seen by a Social Worker, a Nurse and Paediatrician in conjunction with her diabetes treatment team, a psychologist, and her GP. This is where Paige received the right support she needed to completely recover from disordered eating. Where Paige was then able to find her identity outside of the eating disorders and build a wonderful life for herself. Amazingly, Paige is now a Qualified Hospital Social Worker, is grateful for her body, and has so many beautiful relationships that she is able to nurture alongside taking care of her health. On that note, please enjoy our next lovely guest, Paige!

Podcast summary:

1. Being diagnosed with diabetes type 1 at a young age

2.  Modifying food for a health condition

3. Co-occurring eating disorders and health concerns  

4. Seeing a paediatrician alongside Eating Disorder Treatment

5. Seeking support from a treatment team

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Founder & Principal Psychologist at Happy Minds Psychology, Sarah- Jayne Duryea.  Sarah- Jayne is accredited with the ANZAED and is passionate about working with all types of eating disorder presentation and body image issues. She also helps parents manage parenting trials and create secure attachments to their young children. Drawing from several treatment modalities, including Positive psychology, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR and Schema Therapy. She is also trained in the use of EMDR for trauma resolution and has specialist training in ADHD & ASD Assessment.

Sarah- Jayne does most of her work with women who are experiencing feelings of anxiety, have experienced loss or trauma, or find their reality challenging. Working with women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or are already parents. In addition, Sarah- Jayne also works with women and couples committed to pursuing their dream of having a family, whether via IVF, Surrogacy, sperm or egg donation, or adoption.

Sarah-Jayne has held positions as a  Guest Lecturer at the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University. She is also a member of the University of Sydney Coaching Alumni and a AHPRA Board Approved Supervisor.

On this week’s episode Sarah- Jayne explores the topic of little t and Big T traumas in relation to her work with women in the perinatal period. Especially around the perinatal period in relation to the presentation of eating disorders. Where Sarah-Jayne goes through the various challenges that can come up with pregnancy or becoming a parent. So on that note, please enjoy our next guest Sarah- Jayne! 

Podcast Summary:

1.  Little t & big T traumas

2. Trauma effects people differently

3. Ongoing repetitive little t traumas

4. The importance of support for trauma

5. Trauma and Eating Disorders

6. Working on skills of resilience

Links to Sarah- Jayne

On this week’s episode I am pleased to be introducing our next special guest Clinical Mental Health Social Worker and Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Maria Ganci. Maria specialises in eating disorders for adolescents and is the author of various books for parents and adolescents. Maria has also developed resources for clinicians to further advance clinical skills in the treatment of adolescent eating disorders. Maria is one of the founding members of the Specialised Eating Disorders Program at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.  

During Maria’s time at the Royal Children’s Hospital Specialist Eating Disorder Program, she was one of the lead therapists in a Randomised Controlled Trial comparing the efficacy of two treatments for adolescent Anorexia Nervosa- Family Based Therapy and Parent Focused Therapy under the guidance of Professor Daniel LeGrange and Dr Katherine Lobe, both international experts in the field of eating disorders. Maria also held the Parent Training Portfolio and held monthly Parent Workshops where she trained and supported parents through treatment.  

In 2014 Maria was accepted as a faculty member of the Training Institute for Child & Adolescent Eating Disorders, Chicago, USA and for several years provided accredited FBT supervision, training, and consultation nationally and internationally. This led Maria to the establishment of APT Therapeutic Solutions Pty Ltd a service that developed Adolescent & Parent Treatment (APT) in collaboration with Dr. Linsey Atkins and Dr. Anne Moye. The focus of APT is to ensure inclusion of the whole family treatment, and in particular the adolescent. APT emphasises the crucial need for the adolescent to be fully involved in treatment by allowing them to develop a deep sense of who they are and to utilise their personal strengths and individual traits to support recovery.

On this week’s episode Maria will be speaking about the topic of Atypical Anorexia Nervosa having worked extensively with adolescents who have experienced Atypical Anorexia as well as Anorexia Nervosa. So let’s get into it!

Podcast Summary:

1. The similarities between Atypical Anorexia Nervosa to Anorexia Nervosa

2. The long- term effects of Atypical Anorexia

3. Different body compositions and genetics

4. The challenges with the Adolescent period

5. The stigma associated with Atypical Anorexia

6. Are you an orchid or a dandelion type of person?

Links to Maria:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Alternative Medicine Therapist, Intuitive Healer and Author, Laurie Levine. Laurie is the author of 3 published books, The Power of Creating Through Affirmations, Blessings of Gratitude and Spiritual Medicine. Over the years Laurie has written for many prominent magazines and newspapers such as Nature and Health, Wellbeing, The West Australian and has appeared on TV and radio. Where she produced the first ever relaxation meditation on Qantas airlines flights in the 90s.

Laurie was trained as an Enrolled Nurse back in the United States where after a back injury was no longer able to nurse. This Is where Laurie threw herself into Alternative Medicine where she was trained in acupressure, Cranial and Sacral Therapy and is the Developer of Emotional Release Point Therapy. Laurie also runs crystal bowl sound healing sessions to help deeply relax the physical and mental body. Laurie has been doing healing work for nearly 40 years and has been a Kundalini Yoga Teacher for the past 16 years.

Where one of Laurie’s greatest passions is going to help the children at Nepal Orphans home in Kathmandu. Laurie raises money for the kids and travels there every year to visit the children, teach yoga and other classes to the children at the orphanage. Laurie also supports the women in the area at the Chelsea Education and Community Centre in Nepal.

On today’s episode we will be speaking about the power of yoga, sound healing, meditation, visualisations, gratitude, and the importance of processing emotions that are held in the body. This is where Laurie dives deep into the role of Acupressure in understanding the connection between our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual body. Through Laurie’s incorporated daily practices and healing modalities she can help people identify the emotions that may be held in the body and provide tools on how to release them. So please, enjoy our next lovely guest, Laurie!

Podcast Summary:  

1.    Acupressure

2.  Unprocessed emotions showing up in the body

3.  Breath work and breathing deeply

4.  Sound healing and meditation

5.  Gratitude and affirmations

6.  Acknowledging and processing emotions such as grief

Links to Laurie:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special Inpatient Eating Disorder Group Therapist at Hollywood Private Hospital, Tess Allan. Tess is studying her Post Graduate Psychology degree at the Cairnmillar Institute in Perth. Where she has also had experience working at Headspace for over 3 years working in the space of mental health, eating disorders, psychological assessments, group therapy, family therapy, working with children and more. Hollywood Private Hospital is part of the Ramsey Health Care which offers a mental health clinic part of Ramsey mental health. Holly private hospital also offers a range of other Allied Health Services and Treatments at Ramsey Health Plus such as Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology. Tess now works full time at Hollywood Private Hospital within the inpatient and outpatient treatment options for those who experience eating disorders. Where she works in a special special program for those who are medically stable however, would benefit from inpatient or outpatient treatment on a voluntary basis.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about Tess’s clinical experience working at an Eating Disorder Group Therapist in an inpatient outpatient setting. This also includes the experiences, challenges, themes, and breakthroughs of those who go through this form of treatment. Tess will also be discussing the therapies, tools and what works best within her practice working within a hospital setting. So please on that note, please enjoy our next lovely get Tess!

Podcast Summary:

1. Voluntary inpatient and outpatient treatment for those who are medically stable

2. The crossover of treating different eating disorders in a group setting

3.  The support of people who have also struggled with an eating disorder

4. Being able to communicate your boundaries and values with people

5. The amazing breakthroughs that people have had through treatment

6.  The role of the hospital and having a multidisciplinary team

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be bringing back one of our much-loved guests Dietitian and Nutritionist in the making Julie- Ann Yap. Julz works at BodyMatters as one of our very own client care specialists where Julz is currently completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Nutrition and Psychology Science at The University of Sydney. Where Julz endeavours to study her Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics to become a registered Dietitian. Julz has also been on the podcast in previous episodes where she shared her story with disordered eating and what helped her the most to recover. As Julz is now someone who embraces food, cooking recipes, and adventures on her social media Julz has overcome Orthorexia type behaviours and strict food rules. Where Julz shares with us today her gratitude for her ongoing relationship with food, cooking, exercise, and food experiences. Through lots of self- care tools and ways to create a positive mindset Julz best utilises some approaches that she uses to best get through the holiday season when those old eating disorder thoughts appear.

This episode is for anyone who struggles with the festive period as the holiday season can bring up lots of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, family conflicts, and grief & loss for those who have lost loved ones. As we are so close to the Christmas period filled with fun, friendship, activities, movies, celebrations, and decorations this period does bring up lots of different emotions for everyone. Especially for those with a history or current experiences with disordered eating these emotions may require a level of support which is important to speak to a trusted person about. In this episode we explore how to best support someone in the family who may be struggling with the festive period as well as some skills that everybody can use to care for themselves over this period. We also acknowledge that over the holiday periods there may be lots of difficult conversations or comments from family members or colleagues; however, it is always appropriate for us to state our needs and boundaries with those around us. So, to provide a little comfort to us over the holiday period, please enjoy our lovely guest Julz! 

Podcast Summary:

1. Being flexible with food over the holiday period

2. The holidays are for family, friends, joy, and memories

3. Its normal to eat more foods over the holidays

4. It’s not appropriate to comment on people’s food or body

5. It’s okay to have difficult feelings around the holidays

6. Self- care and time for yourself over the holiday period

Links to Julz:

Instagram: @julzhealth

Tiktok: julzhealth

Links from the episode:

On this weeks episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest Provisional Psychologist and Family Therapist from here at BodyMatters, Jennifer Poynton. Jen is a Provisional Psychologist who came to BodyMatters with more than 5 years of clinical experience. She previously worked as a counsellor supporting individuals and significant others with issues related to problematic alcohol and drug use, and in suicide prevention settings prior to commencing her registration as a Provisional Psychologist in regional West Australia.

Jen has worked as a Provisional Psychologist for three years in regional Western Australia with adolescents and young people at headspace, in community mental health with clients experiencing severe and persistent mental health issues, in private practice supporting NDIS and private clients, and for low-cost NGO services providing family and individual counselling. In addition to this, her understanding of the issues experienced by individuals across the lifespan is supported by her Honours qualification in Psychology, a minor in Addiction studies, and post graduate School Psychology studies.

Through her past roles, Jen gained exposure to supporting people experiencing eating disorders. This led Jen to where she is today – passionate about working to support people with eating disorders, disordered eating, weight issues, body image concerns and body dysmorphia. Jen also has a particular interest in supporting people who have or are seeking bariatric surgery. Jen has obtained foundational clinical qualifications in supporting and treating individuals experiencing eating disorders and further extended this knowledge with specific eating disorder therapeutic treatment qualifications in Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Maudsley Family Based Therapy (MFBT). Jen has recently completed a professional development credentialing scholarship through the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders (ANZAED).

On this week’s episode Jen will be speaking on the topic of fear, its links to eating disorders, anxiety, and our ability to live the life we want to live. Jen speaks about the role that fear has in our lives and how it is treated when there are excessive levels of fear in our lives impacting our ability to function. Especially, when it comes to behaviours around food, body and fear in general. So on that note, please enjoy our next lovely guest Jen!

Podcast Summary

1. Fear is part of our human evolution

2. Excessive amounts of fear in eating disorders

3. Fear leading to avoidance behaviours

4. How fear maintains eating disorders and limiting beliefs

5. Facing the fears and celebrating showing up

Links from the episode: 

On this week’s episode, I am pleased to introduce you to our next special guest, Shannon Calvert. Shannon is an independent Lived Experience Educator and Advisor. Her personal journey, spanning over three decades, is marked by her battle with longstanding eating disorders and the management of multiple health and mental health challenges. Her personal experiences, including caring for her mother, who received palliative care until her end of life, have profoundly shaped her commitment to systemic reform. Shannon is dedicated to improving access to high-quality care and support, emphasising the importance of compassion and dignity in treatment and care.

Shannon has made significant contributions to both government and non-government sectors in an advisory capacity. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of areas, including eating disorders, mental health, suicide prevention, and palliative care. She has provided training and support to multidisciplinary teams, focusing on trauma-informed interventions. She has facilitated lived experience partnerships and co-designed policy development, research initiatives, and educational programs. Shannon has presented at national and international forums, discussing the importance of compassion in treatment interventions, the role of lived experience in policy design and education, and the Lived Experience (Peer) workforce. She has also shared her personal lived experience, providing invaluable insights into the realities of living with an eating disorder and trauma.

Shannon has held several roles, including the Lived Experience and Co-Production Co-Lead of the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Centre, Co-Chair of the WA Eating Disorder Network, and Co-Chair of the Eating Disorder Peer Workforce Guidelines Working Group with the Butterfly Foundation. She has contributed to expert advisory panels for the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission and the MRFF Childhood Mental Health Research Plan. She is also a special adviser to the National Women’s Health Advisory Council.

Podcast Summary:

1.  The role and significance of family connections and experiences through shared meals.

2. Navigating the trials and challenging intersections of puberty, school, and family dynamics

3. Managing the interplay between various co-occurring mental health and health conditions.

4. Unpacking the health ramifications of eating disorders.

5. Embedding compassion and empathy in treatment practices.

6. The transformative process of reconnecting with your heart, finding self-worth and healing.

Links from the episode: 

On this week’s episode I am excited to be bringing back one of the podcasts' special guest, Krissy Travaglia. Krissy is a Mental Health Social Worker, working from the Bromham clinic, an eating disorder treatment clinic based in Melbourne. The Bromham clinic is a multidisciplinary medical practice dedicated to the treatment of Eating Disorders through the discipline of Psychiatry, Psychology, Dietetics, and Social Work. Krissy has previously been a Senior Clinician and Co- Ordinator of the WRC Butterfly Day Program. Where she has further experience working at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) as well at the Monash Health Wellness and Recovery Centre. 

Before having her 3 children Krissy also provided various education and training programs focused on Eating Disorder treatment, alongside providing both clinical group work, family-based interventions, facilitating skills workshops as well as Single Session Family Consultations (SSFC). On this week’s episode we will be speaking about all things body image, beauty stands, social media and tools for body appreciation. So please welcome back our lovely guest Krissy!

Podcast Summary

1.     Unrealistic beauty standards

2.     Body image distress

3.     Reassurance seeking

4.     Self-compassion

5.     A ripple effect of body positivity

6.     Making peace with your body

Links for Krissy: 

Bromham Clinic: https://www.bromhamclinic.com.au/

Links from the episode: 

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Recovery Coach and Co-podcast host Holly Sunday. Holly is a Recovery Coach at Beyond Body Coaching where Holly works with her own Recovery Coach Mia Findlay as well as co- hosts the Beyond Body Podcast with Mia. Holly is based in Byron Bay Australia where she enjoys surfing, painting, growing flowers, cooking, reading novels, and chatting to like-minded strangers at the farmer’s market. Holly also has her own practice Hi Beautiful which offers a range of services including meditation, mindfulness practices and group work.

On this week’s episode Holly shares her own lived experience with disordered eating and being brave within her big life changes. Where Holly shares her childhood experiences of becoming body conscious and falling into the diet culture of crash dieting. Being surrounded by so many other girls also being trapped in the diet culture and disordered eating mindsets. However, Holly really found strength in her authenticity to work on developing tools of mindfulness, embodiment, creativity, vulnerability, and seeking support. Where Holly so kindly shares her story of finding inner belongingness and being okay with the discomfort of the unknown. So please, enjoy our next lovely guest Holly!

Podcast Summary:

1. Bringing some childlike fun into your life

2. Disordered eating in your social circle

3. Resilience being built on vulnerability and honesty

4. The power of someone else believing in you

5. Sitting with your emotions and allowing them

6. The little choices we make matter

On this week's episode I am super excited to be reintroducing one of our lovely guests that we have had on the podcast again Dietitian and Founder of Love What You Eat, Zoe Nicholson. Zoe has been working as a Dietitian in private practice for almost 20 years now working from Melbourne Victoria. Over the 20 years Zoe has been privately practicing she's conducted nutrition seminars and workshops for various workplaces or corporations, created ongoing content and written her own Dietetic blogs. Zoe Founded the organisation Love What you eat in 2004 where before COVID- 19 had 5 practices across Melbourne including in Malvern, North Melbourne, East Melbourne, Coburg and Kew). Zoe also started what's called the Moderation Movement back in 2014 with Counsellor Jodie Arnot which has now gathered nearly 40 thousand followers on Facebook. The Moderation Movement has been such a great movement for people really being able to help people explore their relationships with food and body through interactive workshops and events. Zoe works from a size inclusive and non- dieting approach to health that helps people heal their preoccupation with food or movement so that they can live a life that happily incorporates the best parts of it. 

On this week's episode we will be speaking about the reasons as to why all foods have value from a dietetic perspective. Where Zoe will explore how people can become so preoccupied with Diet Culture and really miss out on the best parts of enjoying food. Zoe will also go through the importance of addressing all aspects of food and wellbeing. Zoe has had appearances on 774 ABC Melbourne, Channel 10, 3AW, GOLD FM radio and numerous media contributions including the Herald Sun, Women’s Weekly and Body + Soul. Zoe acknowledges that so many people are just wanting to feel normal around food and heal their relationship with food. So on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Zoe.

Podcast Summary: 

1.     Food trends overtime

2.     Not making decisions around food based on external information

3.     The Dessert Scenario and the value of foods such as chocolate

4.     Why the body needs sugar

5.     Giving yourself options with food

6.     The importance of experiencing joy with food

Links to Zoe:  Instagram:@zoe.dietitian.lovewhatyoueat

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest Eating Disorder Recovery Coach and Neuro- linguistic Programming Practitioner (NLP) Millie Thomas. Millie is the Founder of HealED which offers Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching and NLP for those who are experiencing disordered eating.

On this weeks episode Millie so bravely opens up about her lived experience with Anorexia Nervosa after struggling with the Eating Disorder for 15 years. Millie was told by healthcare professionals that they didn’t believe she would ever recover from her Eating Disorder and palliative care was the only option. Thankfully Millie survived the mental illness that nearly took her life and is now here to share with people that no matter how long or hard your eating disorder journey has been there is always hope for a full recovery. Now Millie is an Eating Disorder recovery advocate and speaker who really promotes recovery, reinvention and working towards a life free from Eating Disorders. Millie is passionate about changing the Eating Disorder treatment landscape to include many voices of invaluable lived experience. So please enjoy our lovely guest Millie!

Podcast Summary

1. Millie’s story of recovering from Anorexia Nervosa

2. Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner

3. The power of other people holding on to hope for you

4. Fighting for your inner child

5. Affirmations, collages, quotes, and reminders in recovery

6. Self-care and connecting to nature

Links to Millie Thomas:

Instagrams: @millietnz & @healedrecoverycoach

Podcast: RenourishedED

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest one of our provisional Psychologists and family therapists here at Body Matters, Emily Stewart-Petiq. Emily holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Epidemiology) Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Psychology with an (Honours- first class). Emily is specifically passionate about supporting adolescents who are experiencing Anorexia Nervosa where Emily is trained in MFBT Maudsley Family Based Therapy. Emily is also particularly interested in working with adult clients experiencing Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma- related Difficulties, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Where Emily utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Radical-Open Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (Ro DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches. Emily also believes in the therapeutic benefits of deeper awareness and connection, through gentle movement, mindful breathing, and meditation. Where Emily has also completed a 200 hour yoga teaching training.

On this week’s episode Emily will discuss the role of Family Based Therapy also known as Maudsley Family Based Therapy in the treatment of Restrictive Eating Disorders for adolescence. Where specifically, Emily will discuss this treatment for those experiencing Anorexia Nervosa and break down the importance of the support of family within the treatment team. As way to support families in supporting a child experiencing a restrictive Eating Disorder. Within this episode we also discuss the amazing program Support Wise that has been created by Body Matters at a tool for families within the process of being a part of Maudsley Family Based Therapy. So on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Emily!

Podcast summary

1. How an Eating Disorder can disrupt family life

2. Psychological, behavioural, and Psychical symptoms of restrictive eating

3.  Anosognosia is being unaware of your own mental health condition

4. The role of family members in treatment

5.  The 3 phases of Maudsley Family Based Therapy

6. Support Wise, Support for families at Body Matters

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest and one of the Client Care Specialists here at BodyMatters Australasia, Allison Bennett.  Ali has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle and has started completing her honours program. Where Ali aspires to complete a Master of Clinical Neuropsychology to become a Registered Neuropsychologist. As Ali has always had an interest in understanding how the brain functions as well as looking at how the brain reacts and adapts to challenges. Ali is hoping to one day contribute to the understanding of how the brain directly affects thoughts, behaviours, and feelings in both a research and in a clinical setting.

On this week’s episode Ali so kindly shares her lived experience of disordered eating and her experiences with the Eating Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder. As someone who has grown up in a family of boys and was recently diagnosed with ADHD this year, Ali has taken a major step in her journey in being able to overcome disordered eating. Experiencing neurodiversity without support and trying to find one’s identity in a diet culture filled world Ali ended up finding true self- worth, value, friendship, and community. On this episode Ali shares her experiences of trying to make sense of the female relationship with food and body in a world filled with so much misinformation. Having to really look deeply into the relationship that we have with ourselves and the mindsets that we carry day to day. Through all the lessons learnt from her recovery journey Ali really advocates for people who experience eating disorders, neurodiversity and mental health concerns. On that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Ali.

Podcast Summary:

1. Growing up in a family with boys

2. Looking for role models with food

3. The role of support in recovery

4. Finding your true value and worth within oneself

5. Learning that mistakes are okay

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest Founder and Director of the Myrtle Oak Clinic, Jodie Sheraton. Jodie is an Accredited Dietitian and Accredited Nutritionist who graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics). Jodie is also currently the Director of Optimum Intake Dietitian's and holds the position as an Executive Committee Member of Dietitian's Australia (DA)’s Eating Disorder Interest Group. Where Jodie has over 13 years’ experience working in the field of eating disorders. This is where Jodie has maintained her passions to work from a Non- Diet Approach and a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach.

Working within both the public health and private practice settings Jodie has experience working with clients who experience emotional eating, clinical eating disorders, sub clinical eating disorders, fussy eating, and child/ family nutrition. Jodie utilises nutritional counselling, interventions, and provides supervision to a wide range of individuals and professionals. Where Jodie was trained by Australia’s leading clinicians at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Maudsley Family Therapy where she found her area of interest working with children and families.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic working as a Dietitian in the treatment space of eating disorders. Where Jodie explores the complex nature of people’s relationships with food by highlighting that all people have unique stories around food. So please enjoy our next lovely guest, Jodie!

Podcast summary

1.   Understanding Eating Disorders

2.   Individually looking at people’s relationships with food

3.   Myth busting beliefs around food

4.   Moving away from weight centric methods as a Dietitian

5.  A non- diet approach

Links to the Myrtle Clinic

On this weeks episode I am thrilled to be bringing back one of our much loved guests here on the podcast Psychologist Meg O’Shea. Meg is a Registered Psychologist and family therapist here at BodyMatters Australasia. Meg has a previous history working as a primary school teacher for over 15 years where she really began to see the need for mental health support within the community. Meg holds a Bachelor of Teaching/ Bachelor of Arts (Primary) double degree, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, A Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) and has completed her Masters in Professional Psychology. Meg prides herself on being body inclusive, trauma- informed, and neurodiversity affirming. Meg also believes that building strong, collaborative, supportive relationships with clients, families and other supports is the most important component to therapy.

Meg has a special interest in holistic, mindfulness- based practices, complex trauma, ARFID, Eating Disorders, disordered eating and body distress of all ages, sizes, shapes, genders, race and neuro-differences. Meg has experience working from the models of CBT, CBTe, Motivational Interviewing, Body Trauma Focused Therapy for ED, PTSD & Complex PTSD, Maudsley Family Based Therapy, Polyvagal/Autonomic Nervous System (Safety and Connection) and client- centred practice. Meg is also currently undertaking training in Schema therapy for eating disorders and has training in teaching Yoga for Eating Disorders.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of motivation on Eating Disorder recovery. While Eating Disorders are a mental illness and motivation significantly fluctuates with the impact of internal or external influences, motivation does have a place in the Eating Disorder recovery space. So, on that note please enjoy our lovely guest and this amazing episode of hope!

Podcast Summary:

1. Motivation fluctuates

2. Quasi recovery is a facade

3. Motivational factors impacting your recovery

4. Internal vs external motivators

5. Recovery isn’t linear

6. Defining your own ‘why’ to recover

7. Self- Compassion and support

Links from the episode:

On this weeks episode we are super excited to be celebrating our 100th episode for Body Matters Australiasia's podcasts. For this episode we go back to a small number of our many amazing episodes to remind people that there are so many episodes available! For our 100th episode we would like to thank all the guests and the listeners from the podcast. We know that eating disorders or disordered eating is a hard topic and experience for people. So we want to congratulate any listeners who are struggling or who have struggled with disordered eating for putting some time towards a recovery based podcast. We also want to thank all the brave recovery speakers who came forward to share their stories of hope as a way to help people struggling with disordered eating to feel that recovery is possible.

While we weren’t able to include all our amazing speakers, advocates and stories we would like to say a massive thank you to all the guests that have come on the podcast. We would also like to say thank you to the many Body Matters team members who have come on the podcast. So thank you to Psychologist Amy Newton, Psychotherapist Mihaela Homjack, Provisional Psychologist and family therapist Emily Stewart Petiq, Dietitian Elle Snow, Provisional Psychologist Nicola Dillenbeck, Psychologist and Family therapist Meg O’Shea, Psychologist and family therapist Joss Armstrong, Dr Kylie Mosely, Psychologist and Family therapist Jennifer Puth, Provisional Psychologist Rikeya Constable and Psychologist & Family therapist Harriet Iles. However, we can’t say thank you without thanking our amazing Director here at Body Matters Psychologist Sarah McMahon who has been a massive contribution to this podcast. Sarah has not only contributed many episodes but has had an amazing drive and passion to collaborate with people for the fight against Eating Disorders. Eating Disorders can have a devastating effect on people’s lives especially within todays social media age. So we thank everybody who is able to speak about Eating Disorders through proper education as a way to help those that are struggling.

On a more positive note to celebrate the amazing episodes we have available for people we will go back to some of our episodes to remind people of the incredible value that these episodes have. The episodes played will also be named if anyone would like to go back and listen to these. Here are 10 episodes that we went back too, enjoy! Episodes played:

1. Picky Eating and ARFID with Amy Newsom 2. What is Orthorexia Nevosa with Sophie Smith 3. What is Bulimia. The Tools and Techniques to assist in recovery with Kate Hudson Hall 4. Growing up in the Modelling Industry with Isabelle Cornish 5. Can Clean Eating Undermine Eating Disorder Recovery with Christine Byrne 6. Alcohol and Eating disorders with Mia Findlay 7. Mind, Body Matters Yoga for Eating Disorders with Amy Woods 8. Grief and Loss for Eating Disorders with Harriet Illes 9. Diet Culture and Body Image with Jaqueline Byrne 10. Eating Disorders in Schools with Director Sarah McMahon

Links for Body Matters Australasia:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr. Amanda Bolton. Amanda is the co-owner of Eating Disorders Training Australia with her colleague Dr. Sarah Egan which provides training and supervision to clinicians approved by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration.  Amanda has worked at the Monash Health eating disorder outpatient service (Wellness and Recovery Centre) and within private practice. Amanda also worked as both a Senior clinician and Co-ordinator of the Butterfly Eating Disorder Day program at Monash Health for many years. Amanda developed this program, the group content, the treatment focus, supervised students as well as clinicians, provided training for eating disorders and oversaw the treatment being provided for young people. Amanda has been delivering extensive treatment for over 8 years delivering individual treatment using CBT-E, CCSM, DBT, schema therapy, family focused treatment (AFT) as well as group therapy programs (CCSW, CBT, ACT, DBT). Amanda also really likes to draw on other specific frameworks such as HAES, intuitive eating, motivational interviewing, FBT, MANTRA and psychodynamic in her work as a clinician as well as clinical supervisor.  Where Amanda is also a casual lecturer and supervisor with the Cairnmillar Institute.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of childhood experiences and the impact that it can have within Eating Disorders. Most notably on the impact of adverse childhood experiences or ongoing adversity carried into adulthood. On this episode Amanda will be speaking about the messages that we receive in childhood, dieting in childhood and on family members who have also experienced eating disorders. While also acknowledging that not all people who experience adverse childhood experiences or traumas do actually develop an eating disorder. Amanda also will provide some support and guidance for parents around the topic of childhood experiences within eating disorders. So, on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Amanda!

Podcast Summary:

1. Messages in childhood influencing eating behaviours

2. Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

3.  Dieting in childhood

4. Families with a history of eating disorders

5. Ongoing adverse experiences into adulthood

6.  The protective factors in childhood that may prevent an eating disorder

7.   Support for parents

Links to Dr. Amanda Bolton:

On this week's episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest Dietitian and Founder of Love What You Eat Zoe Nicholson. Zoe has been working as a Dietitian in private practice for almost 20 years now working from Melbourne Victoria. Over the 20 years Zoe has been privately practicing she's conducted nutrition seminars and workshops for various workplaces or corporations, created ongoing content and written her own Dietetic blogs. Zoe Founded the organisation Love What you eat in 2004 where before COVID- 19 had 5 practices across Melbourne including in Malvern, North Melbourne, East Melbourne, Coburg and Kew). Zoe also started what's called the Moderation Movement back in 2014 with Counsellor Jodie Arnot which has now gathered nearly 40 thousand followers on Facebook. The Moderation Movement has been such a great movement for people really being able to help people explore their relationships with food and body through interactive workshops and events. Zoe works from a size inclusive and non- dieting approach to health that helps people heal their preoccupation with food or movement so that they can live a life that happily incorporates the best parts of it. 

On this week's episode we will be speaking about healing the relationship that we have with food and body as the foundation for health. Where Zoe will explore how people can become so preoccupied with Diet Culture and really miss out on the best parts of enjoying food. Zoe will also go through the importance of addressing body image concerns when wanting to address the food side of wellbeing. Zoe is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading dietitians with appearances on 774 ABC Melbourne, Channel 10, 3AW, GOLD FM radio and numerous media contributions including the Herald Sun, Women’s Weekly and Body + Soul. Zoe acknowledges that so many people are just wanting to feel normal around food and heal their relationship with food. So on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Zoe. 

Podcast Summary 

1. Diet culture on our relationship with food

2. There is no one right way to eat

3. The intuitive eating process 

4. Addressing body image concerns with a professional

5. Seeking a non diet approach Dietitian 

6. Choosing to trust your body over dieting 

Links to Zoe: 

Instagram: @zoe.dietitian.lovewhatyoueat

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest acting Clinical Director of SA Psychology & Wellness, Clinical Psychologist, and board approved Supervisor Dr. Julee La Mott. Julie immigrated to Adelaide in 2018 from California in the US where she invested 10 years pursuing a higher level of education graduating with a clinical doctoral program from the University of La Verne. Prior to moving to Australia, Julee ran her own practice, worked several years in the medical fields, worked in community mental health clinics, provided counselling at University centres and within academic settings. Dr La Mott also has extensive experience conducting psychoeducational, neuropsychological and psychological evaluations or assessments on clients.

Dr. La Mott is a highly skilled clinician who supports clients with a range of presentations including but not limited to Eating Disorders, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Self- Harm, Grief and Loss, ASD, Relationship issues as well as Generalised and Complex Trauma. Julie values a collaborate approach to therapy and really nurtures the approach to therapy that works with each individual uniquely. Julee is one of a small group of Psychologists in Australia with advanced training in Gottman Method for Couples Therapy. Having assisted hundreds of couples in improving the quality of their relationships. Julee is also extremely passionate about providing a space for all clients to be able to explore their thoughts, feelings, relationships and personal experiences. Valuing the role of coming alongside clients lives to support them along their journeys.

On this weeks episode I am delighted to be speaking about the topic of Undernutrition on the brain with Dr. La Mott. Undernutrition or restriction can impact the brain and body tremendously beyond what some people are really able to articulate. When restriction or an eating disorder starts to impact the brain there are various psychical, emotional, cognitive and social symptoms that people will experience. Depending on the duration of the eating disorder or the restriction it can greatly impact the various levels of these effects. To help people who may be experiencing some of the effects of undernutrition on the brain or have experienced it in the past Julee so beautifully will shed some light on what is actually happening in the brain and the body when someone experiences high levels of undernutrition. So on that note enjoy our phenomenal guest Julee!

Podcast Summary:

1.    Undernutrition from restriction or an Eating Disorder

2.    The symptoms of undernutrition on the brain

3.    The links between the gut and the brain

4.    Your brain requires so much energy to function daily!

5.    Undernourishment impairing key functions 

Links to Dr. Julee La Mott

SA Psychology and Wellness: https://sapsychologyandwellness.com.au/

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be bringing back last week’s special guest accredited Exercise Physiologist and Health Coach, Sarah Liz King. Sarah has her own podcast, blog, E-books, online courses, online personal training, and coaching programs that aim to help women regain their periods, find food freedom and have a healthier relationship with exercise. Sarah is a Health At Every Size (HAES) Exercise Physiologist and health coach who uses scientific fact and her own personal journey to inspire other women to want to develop a positive relationship with food, exercise and their bodies. Where Sarah’s main mission is to help people ‘unlearn’ everything about diet culture to foster a life for people that feels right. Where Sarah hosts her own podcast Holistic Health Radio Podcast which helps people with recovery from an eating disorder, disordered eating, or hypothalamic amenorrhea.

On this weeks episode we will be speaking about the topic of your mental cycle and how it can be impacted by disordered eating, psychological stress or intense exercise. Where we will specifically be talking about hypothalamic amenorrhea which is condition that causes someone period to stop often caused by undereating, stress, and excessive exercise.

Podcast Summary

1.   Hypothalamic amenorrhea

2.   The impact of hypothalamic amenorrhea

3.   When your period doesn’t return in recovery

4.   Not wanting to address your lost menstrual cycle

5.   The long-term impacts of hypothalamic amenorrhea

6.  The psychological struggles with fertility

Links to Sarah Liz King

Website: https://sarahlizking.com/

Instagram: @sarahlizking

Podcast: Holistic Health Radio Podcast

Tik Tok: sarahlizking

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest accredited Exercise Physiologist and Health Coach, Sarah Liz King. Sarah has her own podcast, blog, E-books, online courses, online personal trainings, and coaching programs that aim to help women regain their periods, find food freedom and have a healthier relationship with exercise. Sarah is a Health At Every Size (HAES) Exercise Physiologist and health coach who uses scientific fact and her own personal journey to inspire other women to want to develop a positive relationship with food, exercise and their bodies. Where Sarah’s main mission is to help people ‘unlearn’ everything about diet culture to foster a life for people that feels right. Where Sarah hosts her own podcast Holistic Health Radio Podcast which helps people with recovery from an eating disorder, disordered eating, or hypothalamic amenorrhea.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of over-exercising on the body. As people who experience an eating disorder or independent from an eating disorder may struggle with over- exercising. Throughout the episode Sarah so beautifully goes through the signs and symptoms for overexercising or compulsive exercising. To let people know that over-exercising can so easily become something that is out of peoples control. For anyone who may be experiencing the negative effects of over- exercising both on the body and psychologically this episode may just be for you. So please enjoy our lovely guest Sarah!

Podcast Summary:

1. The benefits of movement

2. The signs and symptoms of over-exercising

3.  The negative effects of over- exercising on your body

4.  The importance of fat on the body

5.  Our hormones and libido levels

6.   The psychological impact of over- exercising

Links to Sarah Liz King

Website: https://sarahlizking.com/

Instagram: @sarahlizking

Podcast: Holistic Health Radio Podcast

Tik Tok: sarahlizking

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode, I am super excited to be bringing back our lovely guest and Psychologist here at BodyMatters Harriet Iles. Harriet has completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Adelaide.  Harriet did complete a degree in law however, new her true passions were really to become a Psychologist. This is where Harriet then completed her Honours in Psychology at the University of Sydney. Where Harriet is now a Registered Psychologist practicing at BodyMatters Australasia as well as at the Ramsay Clinic Northside, working in eating disorder treatment.

On this weeks episode we speak about the topic of values in the context of Eating Disorders. Assisting people to acknowledge and recognise the many influences impacting our core values and how to prioritise them. This is where Harriet so beautifully provides a range of strategies, tools and approaches around unpacking the impact of values. Understanding how to identify certain behaviours and tendencies contributing to the inner conflict that eating disorders can create. So on that note, let's get in It!

Podcast Summary

1.  Identifying the false Eating Disorder values

2. Finding out what you value and what matters to you

3. Living in accordance with your values

4. Building up self- confidence

5. How to talk to yourself with self- compassion

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be bringing on the podcast our much loved guest and Director here at BodyMatters Australasia Sarah McMahon. Sarah is a Registered Psychologist and the Director of BodyMatters Australasia which is an eating disorder treatment clinic based in Sydney, Cremorne. BMA utilises the discipline of Psychologists, Dieticians, Paediatricians, Social workers, Psychotherapists, as well as multiple other stakeholders. Sarah Co- Founded BodyMatters with Lydia Turner in 2009 as a way to go beyond the biomedical model in the treatment of eating disorders. Sarah is also the Founder of the grassroots advocacy group 'Collective Shout' where she has Chaired the organisation for six of its eight years. 

Sarah has been involved in organisations such as Lifeline and is a Founding Member and Board Member of 'Endangered Bodies'. Where Sarah was also on the ANZAED Carer Consumer Committee. Sarah Holds a Masters in Public Health and is passionate about educating the community on eating disorders. Where Sarah is a regular voice in the Media. Sarah has written several book chapters including the body image & eating disorder chapter in Steve Biddulph's 2013 international best seller 'Raising Girls'  and contributed to Collet Smart's 2019 book "They'll be okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times". More recently, she has been interviewed extensively in Kasey Edwards & Christopher Scanlons "Raising Girls Who Like Themselves". Where Sarah has also worked with schools, workplaces, charities, and many more organisational bodies in the fight towards a culture without the dominating presence of eating disorders.

That is why I am so excited to be bringing Sarah back on the podcast to speak about the topic of the current economic pressures on Eating Disorders. During periods of stress and uncertainty lots of people’s ability to cope can quickly lapse. That is why on this week’s episode Sarah goes through the impact of the pressures of the cost of living on the presentation of eating disorders. As a way to encourage people during difficult times it is really even more important to reach out for help. Especially the right mental health support for the treatment and recovery from an Eating Disorder. So, on that note, let's jump right into the topic of money, negative feelings around money, being committed to recovery and the importance of seeking support when struggling with your mental health. Enjoy!

Podcast Summary:

1. The impact of stress and uncertainty on the presentation of eating disorders

2. The impact of the cost of living on recovery

3. Food insecurity and the way families are talking about food

4. Not justifying food restriction because of the economic crisis

5. Prioritising Eating Disorder recovery and treatment

6. Using your recovery tool kit during difficult times

Links to BodyMatters:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Dietitian and Director of The Mindful Dietitian & Body Positive Australia, Fiona Sutherland. Fiona is the host of ‘The Mindful Dietitian’ podcast where she has practiced clinically for 20 years primarily in the areas of eating behaviour, body image, sports nutrition, education, and training.  Where Fiona works as a Sports Dietitian working with a range of professional athletes now predominately working with the emerging professional dancers at the Australian Ballet School. Fiona has trained in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, MSC (Mindful Self Compassion), and MB- EAT (Mindfulness based Eating Awareness Training) where Fiona is a dedicated mindfulness practitioner and Yoga Teacher. Fiona is passionate about emphasising mindful eating and the intersection of food environment, eating psychology and body image in her work and training.

 Fiona is guest lecturer within the Melbourne- based Dietetics courses across four Universities within the area of eating behaviour, counselling, a non- diet approach and body image. Fiona also currently sits on the Australian & New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders Executive and co- convened the 2018 ANZAED Eating disorders Conference. As the Director of the Mindful Dietitian, Fiona has worked to create both a learning resource and community where she is also the Author of her own book ‘Vitamin A to Z’ the Diet Culture Smashing Mini Book. The Mindful Dietitian also runs various workshops, trainings, consultancies, a Blog and Fiona also provides Supervision for other Dietitian's. On this week’s episode I am delighted to be speaking about the topic of Sports and Eating Disorders with Fiona. Where Fiona so passionately speaks about supporting and educating people within the athletic or sporting communities around Eating Disorders. So on that note, please enjoy our next lovely guest!

Podcast Summary:

1. Risk factors for athletes and eating disorders

2. The protective factors for athletes

3. Sports that place pressures on appearance

4. Warning signs for an eating disorder

5. Encouraging the identity of more than an athlete

6. Boosting protective factors against eating disorders

The Mindful Dietitian Website:

Fiona’s Instagram: @the.mindfuldietition

On this week’s episode I am excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Clinical Psychotherapist and Founder of Wings and Quill Jaqueline Byrnes. Wings and Quill provides a range of services for the treatment of eating disorders including but not limited to psychotherapy, peer support groups, workshops, group programs and more. Jacqueline is trained with a Masters in Clinical Psychotherapy with further post graduate studies in narrative approaches, research and eating disorders. Jacqueline also holds additional qualifications in English literature, education, creative and professional writing and nutrition. As a writer Jacqueline has several articles, journal contributions and creative writing pieces published and is hoping to have her first book published soon.

Having produced a body of research in the qualitative narrative analysis of eating disordered experiences. Jaqueline has over 7 years of experience in her field where Jaqueline is now the Clinical Manager of Support Services for the leading national eating disorder organisation, The Butterfly Foundation. Jacqueline’s work in psychodynamic approaches has been widely acclaimed with the popularity of her programs in Sydney for the Butterfly Foundation leading to a national service being implemented as state-based programs being offered across Australia.

Most notably Jacqueline developed, implemented and managed the Butterfly Foundations e-health initiative ED HOPE a national Tele Web program, the first service of it’s kind in Australia. Regarded as an expert in her field Jacqueline is a valued member of the Expert Advisory Board for the Butterfly Foundation and contributes to research projects on the recovery for those with eating disorders. Jaqueline is also an active member on a variety of boards and organisations including the Qualitative Research in psychology Initiative, NEDC, ANZEAD and CAPA. Jaqueline is a facilitator of workshops and programs as well as is a supervisor for other clinicians in the eating disorder field.

On this week’s episode I am excited to be speaking about the topic of diet culture and our relationship with our bodies. As the relationship that we have with our bodies largely influences our body image. On this episode Jacqueline will so kindly explore the relationship we have with self as the primary focus for wellbeing. While also contributing to the understanding we may have around bodies, eating disorders and body image. Jaqueline’s love and research into Narrative Therapy really brings a unique and valued perspective into the treatment of eating disorders that I am really excited for you all to hear. So, on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Jaqueline!

Podcast summary

1. The relationship you have with your body

2.Your bodies needs outside of diet culture

3. The research on body image and eating disorders

4. The relationship you have with yourself

5. Narrative therapy

6. Trusting yourself and your body

Links to Jaqueline:

Jaqueline’s Instagram: @wings_and_quill

Jaqueline’s Facebook: Wings and Quill

Wings and Quill Website: http://www.wingsandquill.com/

Links to BodyMatters:

On this weeks episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest Principle Dietitian and Nutritionist from the Lifestyle consultations clinic, Elizabeth Stathakis. Liz is the Founder and Principle Dietician of the Dietitian clinic Lifestyle Consultations in Five Dock, which was established by Liz in 2011. Liz is an m Accredited Dietitian, a Nutritionist, an Exercise Physiologist, a Clinical Supervisor and a Health Coach. Having completed a Bachelor of Health and Exercise at the University of New South Wales and a postgraduate Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics at Sydney University, she has also completed additional studies in management, leadership, counselling and behaviour change. Liz has worked as a Dietitian at the Eating Disorder Units at Wesley Hospital Ashfeild, at Northside West Clinic Wentworthville, as well as has been a Senior Dietician at Hunters Hill Private Hospital. Having also worked and been on the podcast for the Butterfly Foundation where she ran group programs in Sydney on eating disorders and body image issues. Liz has worked with children, adolescence and adults helping people with eating disorders, injury rehabilitation, type two diabetes management, sporting performance and cardiovascular health management. Where Liz has written expert feature articles for the Village Observer, Mens health Magazine and Meat and Livestock Australia.

On this weeks episode Liz so kindly speaks about the topic of understanding your own unique food needs. Where Liz will outline the various factors that influence our ability to meet our nutritional and holistic needs. Really emphasising the importance of meeting someone where they are at from a professional perspective before trying to meet your food needs. So on that note, please enjoy the lovely Liz!

Podcast Summary:

1. The importance of meeting your bodies nutritional needs

2. The ineffectiveness of the calories in calories out method

3. The holistic lifestyle factors that influence your ability to meet your needs

4. Eating for recovery and repair after an eating disorder

5. Making changes that align with your overall needs

6. Getting the right mental health support when working on meeting your needs

Links to Liz

Lifestyle Consultations: https://lifestyleconsultations.net.au/

Links to BodyMatters:

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest, Psychologist and Media Spokesperson Dr. Alissa Knight. Alissa is the Director and Founder of her own Psychologist Clinic ‘The Calming Suite Psychology’. Where Alissa practices as a Registered Psychologist, Eating Disorder Specialist, Psychology Media Spokesperson, Researcher, Conference Speaker, and Teacher.  Dr. Alissa Knight has a Doctorate/PHD in Psychology, a Masters in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), a Masters of Journalism and Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Education Junior/ Primary. Exceedingly, prior to Alissa becoming a Clinical Psychologist, she worked in roles as a Scientist (Researcher) in areas such as Psychiatry, Psychology and Nutrition. Alissa also worked as a Journalist (Breakfast Radio Host), a Primary School Teacher and a Professional Dancer. Which allowed Alissa to teach dance to children and adolescents at the Australian Dance Academy. Alissa is an accredited Les Mils BodyBalance (yoga, Thai chi, relaxation and meditation) instructor and taught BodyBalance in fitness centres around Australia for 9 years. As you can see Alissa has dedicated 17 amazing years to University study where she now holds 5 degrees across fields of Psychology, Neurology, Junior Primary/ Primary/ High School Dance Education and Journalism.

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be speaking with Dr. Alissa Knight as Alissa has appeared on Channel 7, Channel 9 and Channel 10 News for her expertise on the research into mental health. Specifically for her research into the phenomenon ‘drunkorexia’ which was first pioneered in Australia by researchers such as Alissa. Alissa appeared on Channel 10 for her knowledge on mental health and the application of smartphone technology in the prevention & treatment of mental health. Alissa has also been invited to speak on numerous radio stations including on the ABC news in Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, and Darwin. Alissa also appeared on Triple J the Hack, appeared in the Australian newspaper, and several online news sites. Alissa has not only been recognised in Australia but also internationally such as in the Cosmopolitan magazine in New York where Dr. Alissa Knight was interviewed by Carrie Arnold. Alissa has also been chosen to be included in the Science Media Exchange (‘Scimex’) and The Australian & New Zealand Science Media Centre with multiple articles, columns and press releases. As you can tell we are very lucky to be introducing you to this next special guest, Dr. Alissa Knight, who will so kindly be speaking about the topic of Overvaluing body image and physical appearance. With eating disorders becoming a major issue in our modern society Alissa speaks about perceptions of body image and physical appearance in conjunction with eating disorders. So please, let's get into it!

Podcast Summary:

1.  What influences our perception of physical appearance

2. Breaking down body image

3. When your perception of body image becomes too fixated

4. Living in a society that overvalues appearance

5. Body image from a neutral perspective

6. Being more compassionate towards your body

Links to Dr. Alissa Knight:

On this week’s episode, I am delighted to be bringing back our lovely guest and one of our amazing Psychologist's here at BodyMatters, Harriet Iles. Harriet has completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Also having completed her Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Sydney. Harriet is now a Registered Psychologist practicing at BodyMatters Australasia as well as at Ramsay Clinic Northside, working within Eating Disorder treatment.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of disconnection and Eating Disorders. As Eating Disorders have the tendency to consume large parts of our lives and disconnect us from important parts of ourselves. This can include disconnecting us from our physical bodies signals, our emotions, our values and our authentic selves. As a way to fight back against Eating Disorders, Harriet will explore ways of reuniting us with important parts of ourselves and with others. Using the power of vulnerability and self- compassion as a way to build up the self- confidence to take action towards reconnection. As a tool of understanding disconnection and reconnection. So on that note, please welcome our next special guest Harriet!

Podcast summary

1. The disconnection from our physical bodies and emotions

2. Disconnecting from meaningful parts of our lives

3. Disconnecting from our authentic selves

4. Reuniting with what is important for you

5. Vulnerability when connecting with others

6. Building up self- confidence

7.  Self- compassion

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be bringing back our much loved guest Julz. Who will now be speaking about the topic of exams in University, school, the HSC and TAFE. Where we will be talking about the different levels of stress that you can experience. Acknowledging that a moderate amount of stress can actually good for you and your life. While also recognising the fact that we each individually have a different threshold for the amount of stress we can withstand. Where then go onto speaking about the importance of reaching out for support and introducing more self- care activities during these times. So that stress levels during exams periods are managed or reduced as best as possible.

A little re- cap on our special guest Julz and one of BodyMatters very own client care specialists Julie- Ann Yap. Julz is currently completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Nutrition and Psychology Science at The University of Sydney. Where Julz endeavours to study her Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics to become a registered Dietician. In this episode Julz speaks about the positive role that stress can play in our lives as a source of motivation and drive during exam periods. Acknowledging that stress is a normal part of life and learning, something that can help us build up our overall resilience. So on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Julz!

Podcast summary

1. A moderate level of stress can help us adapt, grow, and build resilience

2. Figuring out what levels of stress are too high for you

3. The effects of exams on stress levels

4. Placing a focus on body, weight, and shape during times of stress

5. Learning to manage the work loud by breaking it down into chunks

6. Prioritising self- care during times of exams

Links to Julz:

health instagram: @julzhealth

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be introducing you to our next special guest and clinical psychologist from the Mind Body Well clinic, Fran Beilharz. Fran has a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology with a thesis on Body Dysmorphic Disorder and perceptual distortions in body image. With special interests in body dysmorphic disorder, body image concerns, mood and anxiety management, general wellbeing, eating disorders and disordered eating. This is where Fran is passionate about incorporating evidence- based practices when working with a range of mental health concerns. With trainings in different therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT and CBT-E), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Drawing on tools of self-compassion, mindfulness, interpersonal techniques, collaborative and client- centred approaches. Really valuing the role of lived experience within clinical practice.

That is why on this week’s episode I am really excited to be speaking about the topic of identity and eating disorders. With Fran really utilising the role of curiosity within eating disorder treatment to help people understand the different parts of identity. This is where Fran goes through what can happen when an eating disorder consumes a large part of our identity and how to de-identify with it. To allow people to then be able to explore the different aspects within ourselves so that we can begin to live the life that we truly want to live. So on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Fran!

Podcast Summary:

1.  Perception of self as part of your identity

2.  Identity is split up into a pie chart

3. Identifying too closely with the eating disorder

4. Everyone’s sense of identity is unique

5.  De-identifying with an eating disorder

6.  Exploring new interests and allowing change

Links to Fran

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest, Dietician Team Leader, and Accredited Practicing Dietician from the Mind Body Well Clinic Tom Scully. Tom has a wide range of clinical experience including working in an eating disorder unit in a mental health hospital and in private practice settings. Tom acknowledges the importance of recognising that gender, sex, race body shape/ size can affect all aspects of health and wellbeing. Understanding that experiences from health professionals also play a pivotal role in being able to create a space where people can discuss their health concerns in a way that recognises and affirms individuality. Tom utilises therapies such as Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E), Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as incorporates trauma informed care. In additions to working with clients one on one at the Mind Body Well clinic, Tom also provides support and supervision to the Mind Body Well dietetic team.

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be speaking about the topic of eating disorders and diverse backgrounds. As clinical settings and recovery-based frameworks are designed around western ideas of food and wellbeing. This conversation will open up the topic on varied experiences with food, body, families and culture. To help assist people from all backgrounds in feeling acknowledged in a way that allows for recovery for everybody. Tom acknowledges that this conversation is coming from the humbled perspective of a white Caucasian man and that as a practitioner he is always looking to the varying views of others. Tom works with a range of health concerns, but with interests in men’s health, LGBTQIA+ health, mental health and eating disorders.  So, on that that note, please enjoy!

Podcast Summary:

1. Minority stress

2. Familial, cultural, or religious dynamics

3. Protective factors against eating disorders

4. Gauging the capacity of people who can support you

5. Allowing people to be the expert of their own life

6. Talking to the person who takes on the responsibility for preparing the food

Links for Tom Scully

On this week’s episode, I am super excited to be bringing back our lovely guest and psychologist here at BodyMatters Harriet Iles. Harriet has completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Also having completed her Honours in psychology at the University of Sydney. Where Harriet is now a Registered Psychologist practicing at BodyMatters Australasia as well as at Ramsay Clinic Northside, working within eating disorder treatment.

On this weeks episode we speak about the topic of self- worth and the importance of meeting our needs. Assisting in acknowledging and recognising the many influences that impact our self- worth as well as self- esteem within society. This is where Harriet so beautifully provides a range of strategies, tools and approaches towards build upon ones self- worth, as a practice. Understanding how to identify certain behaviours and tendencies contributing to a lower perception of self. let's get in It!

Podcast summary

1.  The difference between self-esteem and self-worth

2. Self-worth and its influence on our relationship with food

3. Tuning into what our needs are

4. Articulating what you need as a skill

5. Trusting people and self- trust

6. Building up self-worth

7. Self-acceptance

Links from the episode:

On this weeks episode I am so delighted to be bringing back on the podcast our much loved guest and Director here at BodyMatters Australasia Sarah McMahon. Sarah is a clinical psychologist and the Director of BodyMatters Australasia which is an eating disorder treatment clinic based in Sydney, Cremorne. That utilises the discipline of psychologists, dieticians, paediatricians, social workers, psychotherapists, as well as multiple other stakeholders. Sarah Co- Founded BodyMatters with Lydia Turner in 2009 as a way to go beyond the biomedical model in the treatment of eating disorders. Sarah is also the Founder of the grassroots advocacy group 'Collective Shout' where she has Chaired the organisation for six of its eight years.

Sarah has been involved in organisations such as Lifeline and is a Founding Member and Board Member of 'Endangered Bodies'. Where Sarah was also on the ANZAED Carer Consumer Committee. Sarah Holds a Masters in Public Health and is passionate about educating the community on eating disorders. Where Sarah is a regular voice in the Media. Sarah has written several book chapters including the body image & eating disorder chapter in Steve Biddulph's 2013 international best seller 'Raising Girls'  and contributed to Collet Smart's 2019 book "They'll be okay: 15 Conversations to Help Your Child Through Troubled Times". More recently, she has been interviewed extensively in Kasey Edwards  & Christopher Scanlons "Raising Girls Who Like Themselves". Where Sarah has also worked with schools, workplaces, charities, and many more organisational bodies in the fight towards a culture without the dominating presence of eating disorders.

That is why I am thrilled to be bringing Sarah back on the podcast this week to speak about the topic of food for the heart and the soul. As a way of giving yourself another reason to enjoy the experience of food and eating again. Acknowledging that food is more than just about the food. But instead a way to increase memories, friendships, connection, bonds, joy, and positive experiences in life.  So on that note, please give a warm welcome to Sarah and happy listening!

Podcast Summary

1. Eating foods to nourish the heart and soul

2. Building interceptive awareness around food

3. Honouring different parts of ourselves 

4. Eating socially, flexibly, and spontaneously

6. Making memories around food as a special part of being human

7. Exploring foods and all that life has to offer

Links from the episode:

On this week’s episode I am delighted to be speaking with Clinical Manager and Clinical Psychologist Ana Ximena Torres from the Mind Body Well clinic. Ana has over 14 years’ experience working in the field of eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma and or abuse. As well as Ana enjoys working with people looking to enhance their lives, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Ana Ximena uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT and CBT-e), Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MiCBT). Within her practice, Ana creates a space of self-reflection that utilises the frameworks of body positivity and self- compassion.

As well as being a clinical practitioner, Ana Ximena also a member of the Psychology Board of Australia- Board Approved Supervisor for Clinical Psychology Endorsement which allows Ana Ximena supervise other psychologists within their clinical practice.

On this week’s episode I am super exciting to be diving deep into the topic of emotions and emotional regulation. As those who experience eating disorders may have difficulty being able to manage their emotions. Especially in contrast to the many physiological changes that eating disorders can have on your body and emotions. So, on that note please enjoy the lovely Ana Ximena and happy listening!

Podcast Summary:

1. Dysregulated emotions

2. Internalising and suppressing feelings

3. Emotional responses

4. Self-regulating

5. Emotions and healthy relationships

6.  The importance of emotional intelligence

Links for Ana Ximena

On this weeks episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Sophie Rindfleish also known as @healthybodmind on social media. Sophie holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Dietetics where she practices as a Registered Dietician from both online private practice as well as within the hospital space. Having had her own lived experience of struggling with food and body, Sophie believes in being able to heal your relationship with food through creating a more balanced lifestyle. Through recipes, nutrition information and self-compassion Sophie aims to promotes a new "healthy" that incorporates overall well-being and self- care. Being able to look at peoples relationships with food from an individual and holistic perspective. Throughout her journey Sophie has become really passionate about gut health and eating disorder awareness really focusing on these areas within her work.

That is why on this weeks episode I am super excited to be speaking about the topic of not comparing your plate of food to others. As this can be something relatable to the diet culture world however, something that is detrimental to our ability to tune into what our bodies actually need. So if you have ever struggled with ignoring your own internal cues and choosing the opposite to what your body is trying to tell you. This may just be the episode for you. So please enjoy our lovely guest and happy listening!

Podcast Summary

1. Health is dependent on so many different factors

2. Creating your own version of health

3. Learning to tune into your own body

4. Choosing your needs over the tendency to restrict

5. The benefits of not comparing your plate of food to others

Links to Sophie

Instagram : @healthybodhealthymind

Book an appointment with Sophie: https://linktr.ee/healthybodhealthymind

Tik Tok: healthybodhealthymind

Links from the episode: