Episode 008

Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici)

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a clinical psychologist and globally respected expert on eating disorders and DBT. Dr. Federici challenges the common assumption that body image naturally improves after weight restoration, explaining that for many people, body disturbance isn't a "lag" but a core neurobiological feature of eating disorders rooted in sensory and perceptual differences. The conversation explores the distinction between body dysmorphia and negative body image, the power of validation as a "safety signal," and practical communication strategies for caregivers—including Dr. Federici's four-step framework: validate what makes sense, reinforce adaptive behavior, invite rather than impose help, and offer sensory-based coping tools. Drawing parallels to how clinicians treat psychosis and dementia, Dr. Federici makes a compelling case for believing patients' lived experiences rather than dismissing them. This episode offers caregivers both scientific grounding and practical hope for supporting loved ones through the often-misunderstood struggles of living in their "earth suit."

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:02 Meet Dr. Anita Federici: 25 Years in the Eating Disorders Field

06:30 The Body Image "Lag": Why It May Not Be a Lag at All

14:36 Validation as a Safety Signal

17:39 Body Dysmorphia vs. Negative Body Image: The "Earth Suit"

24:27 Normal Body Dissatisfaction vs. Warning Signs

30:35 What to Say: The "You Make Sense" Conversation

41:33 Hair on Fire: Sensory Tools During Acute Treatment

44:47 Lessons from Treating Psychosis and Dementia

50:01 A Message of Hope: Start Where You Are

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.

Workshop 8 (Sunday – December 21, 2025)

What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say

Led by Dr. Anita Federici

Bio:

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, emotion regulation challenges, and trauma. A sought-after international trainer, consultant, and researcher, she is also co-author of Treating Eating Disorders with DBT: The MED-DBT Protocol (Guilford Press, 2024) https://www.guilford.com/books/Treating-Eating-Disorders-with-DBT/Federici-Wisniewski/9781462558483?srsltid=AfmBOooqJiiIH63_128Czz7N-n3W5tZvzP_8I5o5mOPsw0JhVuQN5PAZ

Episode 007

The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the often overlooked role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery with special guest Kevin Dunn. Kevin, a seasoned volunteer and the Director of Family Mentorship at Equip, shares insights from his eight-year journey supporting his daughter through an eating disorder. The conversation covers the emotional challenges men face, the importance of humility, validation, distress tolerance, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kevin emphasizes the need for male caregivers to be present, practice active listening, and collaborate openly with other caregivers. This episode aims to shed light on how inclusive caregiving can enhance recovery outcomes and the unique strengths men bring to the table.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:02 Meet Kevin Dunn: From Caregiver to Men of FEAST Founder

04:01 Kevin's Personal Story: A Daughter's Diagnosis at Age 8

10:55 The Birth of Men of FEAST

14:56 Creating a Safe Space for Male Caregivers

18:16 Why Male Voices Matter in Recovery

22:26 Getting Aligned as a Team: "Same Bookstore, Not Same Page"

27:29 Essential Skills: Humility, Acceptance, and Validation

42:58 Baby Steps for Dads: Be Present, Be Available, Listen

51:18 Silver Linings and a Message of Hope

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

Men of FEAST:

https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Episode 006

Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery.

Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:14 The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder

04:13 Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently

05:01 Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses

08:52 Navigating Challenging Family Conversations

15:30 Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans"

19:35 Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions

25:45 Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary

30:12 Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible

33:58 Closing and Preview of Next Episode

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Resources:

Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcast

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/

Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder.

FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.

There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series:

Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UK

Led by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director

Other resources:

• Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinar
• The Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna