EMDR and disordered eating with Dr. Kucharski

An interview in the Notice That Podcast with Dr. Lori Kucharski, a specialist with EMDR and eating disorders.

Episode Description

“Eating Disorder, Disordered Eating, Dysmorphia

Eating disorders

• Primarily cases which fit DSM 5 criteria
• Typically including noticeable behaviors and higher level of care needed
• People tend to think of extreme cases on TV series, movies, and in books

Disordered eating

• Relationship with food or their body isn’t where they want it to be
• For example, people who are chronically dieting
• Always wanting your body to be different

Dysmorphia

• Consistent feelings of “something is wrong.”
• The continuum ranges from not liking a specific body part all the way to as complex as investing a lot of time and energy into elective cosmetic procedures.
• Importantly, body dysmorphia is not gender dysphoria

Diagnostic criteria feels irrelevant in the lived experience of things this complex

• Keep in mind, however, we are bound by ethical and legal obligations to assess and determine the needs of the client to ensure safety.
• Stay human centered by embodying the fact that disordered eating is a creative way to deal with overwhelming life experiences

Shame and Microaggressions

• Remember, there are likely many layers of trauma.
• Specifically, when we aren’t deemed socially acceptable we’re constantly receiving messaging that we’re not okay the way we are.
• Therefore, it’s important to examine your personal power and privilege to avoid perpetuating client’s shame through microaggressions

EMDR and Disordered Eating

• Remember,  if you’ve already been working with complex trauma, all the skills and tools that work over there are going to work here
• First, determine the level of care needed.
• Check out NEDA’s guidelines and obtain consultation when necessary
• Second, continue with history taking while being mindful about their and their family’s relationship to food and the messaging received around food
• Similar to complex trauma cases, preparation and resourcing is a crucial phase when working with these clients
• Target selection and sequencing
• Go towards the traumatic memory  to get to the root underneath
• Desensitizing work around the current symptoms may be necessary
• Don’t forget to be curious about positive memories in addition to negative ones”

—Description from publisher

Podcast Access

Open Access

Savage, J., & Sundwall, M. (Hosts). Episode 60: EMDR and disordered eating with Dr. Kucharski. In Notice That Podcast. Patreon. http://emdr-podcast.com/ep-60-emdr-and-disordered-eating-with-lori-kucharski/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ep-60-emdr-and-disordered-eating-with-lori-kucharski