The Complex Trauma Podcast

In this conversation, Sarah and Erica Butler, PhDc, LMFT, the founder and executive director of Blue Ridge Eating Disorder Care Center, discuss the role of families in eating disorder recovery. 

They highlight the importance of families being involved and invested in the treatment process. They also discuss the challenges that families face, such as navigating higher levels of care and dealing with treatment trauma. They emphasize the need for open communication, collaboration with the treatment team, and ongoing support for both the individual with the eating disorder and their family. 

Erica provides tips for families transitioning from higher levels of care to outpatient treatment and discusses the challenges and complexities of parenting a child with an eating disorder. Sarah and Erica emphasize the importance of empathy, support, and collaboration in helping families navigate this difficult journey. They also highlight the need for education and awareness about eating disorders, as well as the harmful impact of diet culture on individuals and families. 

Takeaways

• Families play a crucial role in eating disorder recovery and should be involved and invested in the treatment process.
• Open communication and collaboration with the treatment team are essential for successful recovery.
• Families may face challenges such as navigating higher levels of care and dealing with treatment trauma.
• Ongoing support and involvement from the family are important for long-term recovery.
• Transitioning from higher levels of care to outpatient treatment requires careful planning and coordination with the treatment team. Parenting a child with an eating disorder can be challenging and distressing, and it requires empathy, support, and collaboration.
• There is a lack of education and awareness about eating disorders, which often leads to delayed recognition and intervention.
• Diet culture plays a significant role in the development and perpetuation of eating disorders, and it is important to challenge and change harmful beliefs and behaviors.
• Treatment for eating disorders should be person-focused and incorporate a health-at-every-size approach, focusing on overall well-being rather than weight or appearance.
• Support groups and therapy for partners and families are crucial in navigating the complexities of eating disorders and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Residential treatment centers like Blue Ridge provide specialized care for adolescents with eating disorders, offering individualized treatment plans and a supportive environment.

Be sure to check out Erica and her team at Blue Ridge at https://www.blueridgetreatment.com/ and on Instagram at @blueridgetreatmentpa

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

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Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Casey discuss what to do when motivation in recovery wanes. They use the analogy of gardening to illustrate how motivation can waver and how external factors can impact progress. They emphasize the importance of adjusting expectations, setting boundaries, and finding joy in other areas of life to maintain momentum. They also highlight the need for support and compassion during the challenging journey of recovery. Overall, they encourage listeners to be kind to themselves and recognize the small successes along the way.

Takeaways

• Motivation in recovery and in life can waver due to external factors and changing circumstances.
• Adjusting expectations and setting boundaries can help maintain motivation.
• Finding joy in other areas of life can contribute to overall momentum.
• Support and compassion from others are crucial during the recovery journey.
• Recognizing and celebrating small successes is important for long-term progress.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Laura discuss the Olympics, athletes, and eating disorders. They talk about their love for the Olympics and their favorite events. They also discuss the importance of body diversity in the Olympics and how athletes can be affected by eating disorders. They highlight the high prevalence of eating disorders among athletes and the need for support and healthy environments. They emphasize the importance of separating competition from body image and finding joy and purpose outside of sports. They also mention the impact of sports on mental health and the need for balance and self-care.

Takeaways

• The Olympics showcase a wide range of body sizes and shapes, highlighting the importance of body diversity in sports.
• Athletes, including Olympians, are not immune to eating disorders and body image struggles.
• Athletes may need additional support and resources to navigate the pressures and challenges of their sport.
• Finding joy and purpose outside of sports is essential for athletes' well-being and identity development.
• Body size and shape should not determine an athlete's worth or success.
• Mental health and self-care are crucial aspects of athletic performance and overall well-being.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Abby discuss trauma therapy and how it can support ACA's and folks who have experienced complex trauma. They highlight the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship and developing safety and stabilization as the first step in trauma therapy. They also discuss the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and parts work (ego state work) as effective modalities in trauma therapy. The conversation emphasizes the role of the nervous system in trauma therapy and the importance of understanding and regulating the body's response to trauma triggers. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the slow and paced approach to trauma therapy for PTSD and CPTSD and the need for patience and compassion in the healing process.

Previous episodes and blogs mentioned in today's episode:

• Trauma and Adult Children of Alcoholics Podcast
• Strategies That Makes Sense For Adult Children of Alcoholics
• What is Nervous System Regulation Blog
• How Trauma Therapy Can Help Adult Children of Alcoholics Blog
• All About The Window of Tolerance

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, Sarah and Emily discuss the recent buzz around the show Bridgerton, bodies in the media, fatphobia, internalized fatphobia, and anti-fatness. They explore the definitions of these terms and their impact. 

Takeaways

• Fatphobia and anti-fat bias perpetuate fear, stereotypes, and harm.
• Internalized fatphobia is the internalization of societal messages that fat bodies are undesirable, unworthy and a problem to be solved.
• The media plays a significant role in promoting fat phobia and weight stigma.
• Representation of diverse body types in the media is crucial for challenging societal beauty standards.
• It is important to call out and challenge fat phobia and anti-fat bias when encountered.
• Educating oneself and seeking out diverse perspectives can help in dismantling fat phobia and promoting body acceptance.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

On today's podcast Sarah is introducing a new Reclaim Therapist, Ashley Fox!

Ashley comes to Reclaim with experience working in a college counseling center. On today's episode Sarah and Ashley are talking all about the college experience and ways to navigate the many transitions that college students face.

From new roommates and academics to dining halls, defining your values and the freshman 15, today's episode is covering a lot!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Casey discuss the what's why's and how's of saying no. They explore the challenges of setting boundaries and the fear of losing connections. They also discuss the idea of selfishness and self-care, emphasizing the need to prioritize oneself. Casey provides tips for saying no, including seeking support, visualizing, and starting with small steps.

Takeaways

• Reclaiming oneself involves discovering authenticity and acting on one's desires.
• Setting boundaries and saying no can be challenging but are essential for self-care.
• Fear of losing connections and the need for approval can hinder the ability to say no.
• Seeking support, visualizing, and starting with small steps can help in setting boundaries.
• Setting boundaries may lead to the dissolution of relationships, but it is important to prioritize one's own needs.

Tune into the following episodes for more on this topic!

People Pleasing: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/understanding-the-roots-of-people-pleasing/id1685884946?i=1000630128605
Overfunctioning: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/understanding-overfunctioning-and-embracing-slowing/id1685884946?i=1000634092439
Boundaries: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/exploring-the-world-of-boundaries/id1685884946?i=1000619327069

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Abby discuss a tool called RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) that can be used to navigate challenging emotions. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and allowing difficult emotions to be present, rather than trying to avoid or fix them. They also discuss the ongoing nature of the investigation process and the need for self-compassion. The conversation highlights the idea that the goal of mindfulness practices is not to be present all the time, but to build tolerance for being present with challenging emotions. The tool of RAIN can be customized to individual needs and can help cultivate a different relationship with difficult emotions.

Takeaways

• The RAIN tool (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) can be used to navigate challenging emotions.
• Recognize and allow difficult emotions to be present, rather than trying to avoid or fix them.
• Investigate with curiosity and care, exploring how the emotion is experienced in the body and thoughts.
• Nurture with self-compassion, offering kindness and support to oneself in the face of difficult emotions.
• The goal of mindfulness practices is not to be present all the time, but to build tolerance for being present with challenging emotions.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Laura discuss relationships with people who have experienced trauma. They discuss the importance of safety in relationships with individuals who have experienced trauma and the need for patience and understanding. They emphasize the significance of self-care and seeking support for both the person who has experienced trauma and their loved ones. They also discuss the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who has experienced trauma and offer strategies for supporting them. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience, compassion, and seeking support in navigating these complex dynamics.

Takeaways:

• Creating safety in relationships is crucial for individuals who have experienced trauma.
• Being in a relationship with someone who has experienced trauma requires patience, compassion, and understanding.
• Seeking support for oneself and the person with trauma is essential in navigating these dynamics.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, Sarah and Megan Luybli, a registered dietitian and intuitive eating counselor, discuss the intersection of chronic pain and body image. Megan shares her personal journey with chronic pain and how it has affected her body image. They talk about the importance of support, self-validation, and self-compassion in navigating these challenges. Megan also highlights the need for more awareness and understanding of chronic pain in all bodies. They discuss the role of therapy and somatic experiencing in finding regulation and ease in the body. Megan shares resources and support groups for those dealing with chronic pain.

Takeaways

• Chronic pain can have a significant impact on body image and self-perception.
• Support from others and self-validation are crucial in navigating the challenges of chronic pain and body image.
• Therapy and somatic experiencing can help regulate the nervous system and provide tools for managing pain and body image issues.
• There is a need for more awareness and understanding of chronic pain in larger bodies.
• Resources and support groups, such as Nancy's Nook, can provide valuable information and community for those dealing with chronic pain.

Learn more about Megan, her work and her practice at https://www.asoftplacetolandllc.com

Check out Nancy's Nook Endometriosis at www.nancysnookendo.com

Follow Emma Maxwell on IG at @endometriosisem

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw 

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.