You asked us: Everyone says to love your body, but how? We invited Rachel Rifkin, LMHC, CEDS, and Associate Director of Support Groups for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders to the podcast to answer your questions and explain what BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) is and talk openly about eating disorders. Rachel is a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in eating disorders within the LGBTQ+ community with lived eating disorder experience. 

In this episode, Rachel talks about what BDD and eating disorders look like, explains how they manifest, and gives us advice on what to do if you or a loved one are struggling. Rachel tells us how to use attainable language surrounding our bodies, like body tolerance, and body disconnect when looking to get to a place of acceptance. She has advice on how to acknowledge and respect our bodies realistically and avoid traps. How do you support a loved one with BDD? Please know that you are not alone. There is help!:

The Alliance

Free HelpLine 866-662-1235

findEDhelp Database

App: findEDhelp: App Store  Google Play

[email protected]

[email protected]

(00:00:00) Introducing Rachel Rifkin, LMHC, CEDS, Associate Director of Support Groups for The Alliance.

(00:04:20) How Rachel Rifkin’s eating disorder started her on this career path.

(00:13:40) What does an eating disorder look like? 

(00:19:16) A basic definition of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) to start the conversation. 

(00:25:45) Signs that might indicate a struggle with BDD on ANY level and muscle dysmorphia.

(00:31:10) BDD is not an eating disorder but it can be connected to one.

(00:33:48) How life events that bring body changes or emotional responses can cause BDD to manifest. 

(00:40:40) TTSL Community question: Everyone says to love your body, but how?

(00:46:40) Small steps to take towards neutrality when hating your body. 

(00:56:10) TTSL Community question: how can we support our loved ones who have body dysmorphia without invalidating their feelings? 

(01:08:04) Value not connected to appearance and how meaningful compliments can disrupt and change thought patterns.

(01:16:32) Where to find and connect with Rachel Rifkin and/or look for resources.

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