Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating with Specialist, Kate Fisch
One of our basic necessities is food, and today we’re diving into this topic with our guest, Kate Fisch, who is a licensed social worker, practicing psychotherapist, and eating disorder specialist.
Many of us have some quantifiable eating disorder pattern, whether it is binge eating, restricting, or starting to label food as “good” or “bad”. Kate has dedicated her career to eating disorders and helping women everywhere overcome patterns of disordered eating.
In this episode, Jessica and Kate talk about how our relationship with food tends to overflow to all other areas of our lives and how, as women, our conversations often center around what we eat and what we do to lose weight. After touching on the difference between anorexia and bulimia and when these disorders are more likely to show up, Kate explains why distinguishing between “sometimes” and “all the time” foods is a helpful way to encourage healthy eating while also avoiding turning it into an obsession. After all, all foods should be permitted!
You will also hear about modeling a healthy relationship with food as a parent, what we can do to help our kids build a positive body and self-image, the need for more education and support for patients and their families, and Kate’s Eating Recovery Academy.
Key points from this episode:
Understanding that, while food is a source of pleasure, it cannot be your only source.
How our relationship with food tends to spill over into other areas of our lives.
The biological and genetic differences between anorexia and bulimia.
The times in a person’s life when they are most prone to developing an eating disorder.
Jessica talks about her response when her daughter recently said she was on a diet.
The problem with labeling food as “good” and “bad” and feeling guilt around it.
Why it is helpful to think instead about “sometimes” foods and “all the time” foods.
Educating children about a healthy relationship with food by explaining its different purposes.
The shocking prevalence of disordered eating and people’s obsession with food.
How the patriarchy is perpetuated when women fight amongst each other.
Remembering that there is no perfect parent – strive for being a good enough parent.
Learn about Kate’s platform for educating other therapists about treating eating disorders.
The lack of support and education for people with eating disorders and their families.
Advice for how parents can model a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
