Eating Disorders: Navigating Recovery

We're thrilled to welcome Jess Sprengle, LPC and mental health advocate, to the podcast! Jess -- who has been working with clients experiencing eating disorders for over five years -- brings a roll her sleeves up and get in there with you approach to her therapeutic work. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults find peace with food, work toward finding a “home” in their bodies, and live lives worth living.

Our episode with Jess will be two parts, with the second part going live on Wednesday, November 11th.

You can follow and connect with Jess at www.jessicasprenglelpc.com, on Instagram @thecrankytherapist, and on twitter @JessSprengleLPC

Catherine and Francis reflect on their conversation with Chrissy Beach, MSW, LCSW about cognitive behavioral therapy and family intervention in eating disorder treatment and recovery. Francis shares how CBT adds value to treatment and acknowledges the barriers of family treatment in recovery, particularly for trans and gender diverse individuals. Catherine speaks about the importance of what each family member brings to the whole dynamic, and how we can bring our best selves forward in our family systems.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Chrissy Beach, MSW, LCSW, she shares her reasoning for the vitalness of family, chosen family, and support system involvement in eating disorder treatment and recovery. We end our conversation as we always do, asking Chrissy what she would say to folks experiencing eating disorders looking for a path forward.

In Part 1 of Catherine and Francis' discussion with Christine (Chrissy) Beach, MSW, LCSW, our guest provides an overview of strengths and areas of growth for cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavioral therapy as effective modalities in treating eating disorders, as well as sharing her expertise on why involving family, chosen family, and supports can be important to the recovery process.

Chrissy obtained her MSW from New York University and has worked in the field of eating disorders for 25 years. She believes that full recovery is possible no matter how long someone has experienced an eating disorder, employing therapeutic methods based on the clients’ needs and strengths. Chrissy works with individuals, couples, and families to educate clients’ loved ones, help build support for recovery, help eliminate feelings of shame, and help end the isolation that eating disorders thrive on for those it affects. Chrissy has worked in all levels of care in her career, and currently works in private practice in association with Kenneth W. Willis, M.D. in Skillman, NJ. Chrissy can be reached at [email protected].

Catherine and Francis reflect on their conversation with Syd Yang, a mixed race queer/non-binary healer, writer, intuitive artist and healing justice organizer. Francis reflects on Syd's message about what it means to create space for an eating disorder to co-exist, and Catherine shares an experience about how body liberation has been part of her recovery journey.

In the final segment of this remarkable conversation, Syd shares their experiencing writing their book, Release: A Bulimia Story. Syd shares how this story is about love that became toxic, and how they were able to survive in a world without this other being telling them what to do. Finally, Syd reflects on what they would share with someone experiencing an eating disorder. Their message is simple: you are enough.

For more information about Syd and their work, visit www.releasebulimia.com.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Syd, they share their perspectives on body liberation, providing space to consider what liberation means and is for individuals. Syd talks about surviving in a world that saw their body as "wrong" and how connecting with support outside of western treatment and practices can be -- and was -- a liberating moment.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 21 for the final part of our conversation with Syd - we're so grateful for their energy and connection.


Content warning: eating disorder behaviors

In Part 1 of Catherine and Francis’ conversation with Syd Yang (they/them) – a mixed race queer/non-binary healer, writer, intuitive artist and healing justice organizer – they talk about how magic, possibility, and intention are held at the core of Syd’s practice.

They walk listeners through a story of connection and community, and how little moments of connection are transformative.

And finally, Syd challenges all of us to think about how we show up in this world – one designed to oppress and deny healing -- and whether we are willing to give up power to alleviate suffering. They share a powerful message that when we see each other, that’s a moment where we can move towards justice and healing.

Join us for Parts 2 and 3 on October 17 and October 21. Be well.

Francis and Catherine reflect on their conversation with Krista, who contributed to Hope for Recovery: Stories of Healing from Eating Disorders. They talk about Krista's compelling image of the broccoli in the teeth or the toilet paper on the shoe and how those micro-embarrassing moments of being called out for something (weight, diet, fundamental personality traits) has impacted them.

In this episode, Krista Hutcherson, who contributed to the book Catherine co-edited, Hope for Recovery: Stories of Healing from Eating Disorders, shares her recovery story. Krista had a long and circuitous recovery journey with several ups and downs, including struggles with dysfunctional marriages and trauma. She persevered and sought help from her family and found solace in her faith and spirituality. She shares insights from her journey and provides encouragement to listeners who struggle to find full recovery.

Content Warning: sexual abuse, relapse, suicide ideation, eating disorder behaviors