We continue our "Deep Dive" into Bonnie's journey. In the prior episode, Act I, Scene 1, we covered her family of origin and childhood experiences. Now, we start as she enters the world of 12-Step recovery. 

A special thank you to those who messaged me to let me know you appreciate this deep dive approach. Especially those who felt they were "more broken" than others. You're not. Don't let that cunt of a Shame Hag drive your IFS family car. xoxo

There's something rotten in Denmark....or Tualatin. Whichever.

This is the beginning of a new series I'm calling, "Deep Dive". It's about swimming into deeper, darker waters because some of us are adult children of alcoholics/addicts/narcissists. Our mental health requires minimal-to-zero contact with our family of origin and our trauma recovery can feel like a bait and switch: I came here for recovery, not to have traumatic body memories!

Yeah. We know. 

What's more, we can start to feel like we're more fucked up than the other people-sort of like the newcomer thinking they're the fattest person in the room. Ours is a disease of isolation that operates like a perpetrator and the first thing a perpetrator needs to do is get you alone. My hope is this series will let you know you are most definitely not alone.

Here is the first interview with Bonnie. Together we lay the ground work for what will definitely be a much deeper dive.

I really wish I had more time to prepare for this topic before pitching. It's so interconnected and yet essential to understand the nuances. Hopefully, I can record a follow up conversation in the new year. 

I was invited to speak at a treatment facility for eating disorders and answer the question, "Why should you leave treatment and join a 12 Step program?"  Good times.

This is my favorite ACA workshop on boundaries, also titled "Boundaries with Barb". This recording does not include the Q&A session at the end.

You can find the full recording with Barb's handouts on my Google Drive.

You can find other 2021 ACA World Convention recordings on the ACA website.

I was invited to speak at the Bay Street Newcomer Meeting, Wednesdays at 7:00pm.

Zoom Meeting ID: 830 0871 6331

At long last, our part two on the topic of Anorexia & Restricting. In this episode we focus on Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous' focus on the powerlessness over control.

I should clarify that ABA's first step is: We admitted we were powerless over our insane eating practices—that our lives had become unmanageable. However, if you read the literature, the focus becomes powerless over control. 

For more information on the Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous program, visit their website at ABA12Steps.org.

Also, I have a PDF of chapters 1-7 from their 12 Step book:

ABA Ch 1-3 and Ch 4-7.

You can find the book on their website or several online bookstores. 

This morning our planned speaker had to cancel due to illness, so I stepped in. In a very jumbled manner I touched on 5 different 12 Step programs for food and how recovery can create a secure attachment. 

Here is the YouTube video on Secure Attachment that I reference.

In part one, Stacy, Mattie and I talk about why we want to have this discussion and touch on topics we want to explore further in part 2. (Apologies for the poor sound quality!)

For more information on the Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous program, visit their website at ABA12Steps.org.

Also, I have a PDF of chapters 1-7 from their 12 Step book:

ABA Ch 1-3 and Ch 4-7.

You can find the book on their website or on Amazon.com

Wonderful chance to hear our fabulous fellow, Denise speaking at the SE Saturday in person on 3-4-2023.