Category: Trauma

Connection: Building Meaningful Relationships

Feeling disconnected in an increasingly digital world? You’re not alone. Building meaningful relationships in today’s fast-paced environment requires mindfulness and effort.

In a fast-paced, digital world, it’s easy to feel disconnected from others. Yet, human connection is essential for our well-being. Building meaningful relationships takes time and effort. Start by being present—actively listening and engaging with those around you. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in the other person’s experience. Vulnerability also plays a key role in deepening connections. By sharing our true selves, we invite others to do the same. Whether it’s a friendship, family bond, or professional relationship, cultivating empathy, openness, and presence leads to stronger, more fulfilling connections.

Challenge yourself to be fully present in your next conversation. Ask thoughtful questions and engage deeply—notice how it strengthens your sense of connection.

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The Power of Compassion

Have you ever considered that the compassion you show others begins with how you treat yourself? True compassion starts from within, and it’s the key to building stronger, more authentic connections.

Compassion begins with understanding and acknowledging another person’s struggles. But true compassion also starts with ourselves. Practicing self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness and understanding when you’re going through tough times—builds emotional resilience. When we’re kind to ourselves, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others. Compassion is a powerful connector in relationships. It helps people feel seen, heard, and valued, whether it’s in a professional setting or personal relationship. The ripple effect of a small, compassionate act can be profound, offering relief and support to those around you.

Start practicing self-compassion today. Speak to yourself kindly during tough moments, and notice how this inner kindness enhances your interactions with others.

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Book Resources for Fostering a Relationship with Food and the Body Centered on Healing and Liberation

I’m excited to introduce my co-author on today’s blog, Gina Mateer, RD, LD, CEDRD-S, a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian in the state of Texas, and a certified eating disorder registered dietitian-supervisor. Gina shares my passion for exploring and studying about eating disorder-related topics. Together, we’ve looked into a wide range of books that delve into eating disorders, intuitive eating, and body inclusivity. Our mutual interest in these subjects has inspired us to compile this list of resources that offer guidance, personal insights, and advocacy for developing a relationship with food and the body, centered on healing and liberation.

Eating Disorder Recovery and Management

These book resources cover a broad spectrum of topics related to eating disorders, intuitive eating, and body inclusivity. For those focused on eating disorder recovery and management, titles like How to Nourish Your Child through an Eating Disorder, The Eating Disorder Trap, and 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder provide guidance and strategies for overcoming eating disorders. Books like Life Without Ed and Sick Enough offer personal insights and medical perspectives on recovery.

  1. How to Nourish Your Child through an Eating Disorder by Casey Crosbie and Wendy Sterling
  2. The Eating Disorder Trap by Robyn Goldberg
  3. 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb
  4. Man up to Eating Disorders by Andrew Walen
  5. Binge Eating Disorders by James E. Mitchell
  6. Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer
  7. The Eating Disorder Sourcebook by Carolyn Costin
  8. Sick Enough by Jennifer L. Gaudiani

Intuitive and Mindful Eating

In the realm of intuitive and mindful eating, How to Raise an Intuitive Eater and Intuitive Eating emphasize developing a healthy relationship with food based on intuition rather than restrictive diets. Gentle Nutrition and Unapologetic Eating present a non-diet approach to eating that prioritizes well-being over weight.

  1. How to Raise an Intuitive Eater by Sumner Brooks and Amee Severson
  2. Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
  3. Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
  4. Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita Johnston
  5. Gentle Nutrition: A Non-Diet Approach to Healthy Eating by Rachael Hartley
  6. Unapologetic Eating by Alissa Rumsey

Body Inclusivity and Size Acceptance

For those interested in body inclusivity and size acceptance, books like Landwhale and What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat challenge societal norms about body size and advocate for acceptance. The Body is Not an Apology and Body Respect promote self-love and respect for all body types, while Health at Every Size and Anti-Diet argue against diet culture and for health at any size. These resources collectively provide valuable insights and support for fostering a relationship with food and the body rooted in healing and liberation.

  1. Landwhale by Jes Baker
  2. What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon
  3. Reclaiming Body Trust by Hilary Kinavey and Dana Sturtevant
  4. Body Respect by Lindo Bacon and Lucy Aphramor
  5. The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
  6. Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
  7. Health at Every Size by Lindo Bacon
  8. Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison
  9. Lifting Heavy Things by Laura Khoudari

Debunking Wellness Culture

This collection of books critically examines wellness culture, its myths, and its societal impact. Debunking Wellness Culture and The Wellness Trap by Christy Harrison explore how wellness trends can prioritize profit over genuine health and promote unrealistic standards. Natural and The Gluten Lie by Alan Levinovitz question the assumptions that “natural” products and dietary restrictions are inherently beneficial. The Gospel of Wellness by Rena Raphael investigates how the wellness industry exploits insecurities to sell products, while Decolonizing Wellness by Dalia Kinsey highlights the industry’s neglect of marginalized communities, advocating for more inclusive health approaches. Together, these books encourage readers to question mainstream health narratives and adopt a more nuanced understanding of wellness.

  1. The Wellness Trap by Christy Harrison
  2. Natural by Alan Levinovitz
  3. The Gospel of Wellness by Rena Raphael
  4. The Gluten Lie by Alan Veninovitz
  5. Decolonizing Wellness by Dalia Kinsey

If you like a good book (or audio book like Gina) then grab a copy of one of these, get the highlighters/pens/notepad ready and dive in. We highly suggest that you read these in a book club style if you like to nerd out about nuance the way Gina and I have on several of these books. More than anything we just hope that if you are in need of continued learning or support that these books can be a resource for you as they have been for each of us.

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Navigating Misattunement in Relationships

Misattunement in relationships can be a tricky, yet enlightening, experience. It occurs when there’s a disconnect or lack of synchronization between people’s emotional and psychological states. Imagine dancers stepping on each other’s toes instead of gracefully moving in harmony. This discord can manifest in various forms, such as misunderstandings, unmet needs, or feeling unheard and unseen. It’s a common phenomenon, and recognizing it is the first step towards creating more attuned and fulfilling connections.

One of the key aspects to addressing misattunement is fostering open and empathetic communication. It’s about being present and genuinely trying to understand your partner’s perspective, even if it differs from your own. This requires a playful curiosity and a willingness to explore each other’s inner worlds without judgment.

By asking questions, sharing feelings honestly, and really listening, you can begin to bridge the gap that misattunement creates. It’s a collaborative effort, where both partners contribute to building a stronger, more empathetic bond.

Misattunement is not the end of the world—in fact, it’s quite the opposite. These moments are opportunities to learn more about each other and deepen your connection. Embrace the process creatively; perhaps through shared activities that encourage mutual understanding or simply by making space for regular check-ins.

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What is Secure Relating?

Secure relating refers to a a state of mind, a healthy and balanced way of connecting with yourself and others in relationships. It involves the following qualities: emotional regulation, autonomy, empathy and compassion, effective communication, trust and reliability, adaptability, boundaries, and conflict.

Developing secure relating starts with self-awareness. Recognizing your emotional patterns helps you respond thoughtfully even as you feel activation in your system. Self-compassion and self-acceptance are crucial foundations for extending these qualities to others. It encourages growth and connection, allowing both individuals to be their true selves. In their book, Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World, Ann Kelley and Sue Marriott talk about being the right size for you, not shrinking to fit in or puffing up and being bigger.

Ultimately, secure relating leads to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. By cultivating it, you create a positive and nurturing environment for yourself and those around you.

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Cultivating Body Trust: A Journey of Radical Self-Love

In a world inundated with diet culture and fat phobia, reclaiming body trust can feel like a radical act of self-love. Reconnecting with your body means recognizing it as your ally, not an adversary. Hilary Kinavy and Dana Sturtevant’s book, Reclaiming Body Trust: Break Free from a Culture of Body Perfection, Disordered Eating & Other Traumas, outlines the foundations of Body Trust, including working the edges of your comfort zone, finding community, observing with kindness and curiosity, embracing imperfection, and honoring your resources. These principles help you return to your body, your home.

Similar to a meditation practice where getting distracted and losing focus is common, cultivating and healing body trust comes from repeatedly returning to these foundations, no matter how often you stray from the path. It’s about acknowledging that straying is part of the process and that each return strengthens your connection with your body.

Reclaiming body trust is a personal and ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. Your body is wise and resilient. Trust it, collaborate with it—it’s your lifelong companion.

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What is Somatic Ecotherapy?

Somatic Ecotherapy tunes into the inner wisdom of the body and senses and involves integrating the outdoors and the natural world as a mechanism of healing and transformation.Being outdoors has many benefits including stress reduction, relaxation, improved mood, a greater sense of peace and increased self-confidence. Somatic Ecotherapy helps create a sense of stability, grounding and connection, and can help contain and transform difficult and powerful emotions and experiences.

Through practices such as mindfulness, breathwork, and body awareness, Somatic Ecotherapy encourages individuals to listen to the subtle messages of their bodies and tap into their innate wisdom. This process not only helps in managing stress and anxiety but also cultivates a deep sense of presence and self-acceptance. By embracing the outdoors as a sacred space for healing and transformation, Somatic Ecotherapy offers a holistic approach to well-being that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It is a gentle yet powerful modality that honors the resilience and healing potential that lies within each of us.

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Navigating Mother’s Day Grief: Finding Comfort Amidst Loss

Mother’s Day can be a vivid reminder for those grieving their relationship with their mom. The absence of something gets your attention and it’s both upsetting and confusing. Acknowledge your emotions; it’s okay to feel what is present for you. 

There’s a lot of pressure to have the relationship with your mother look or be a certain way. Give yourself permission to not be hard on yourself. Instead, practice some self-care and self-compassion. Take time for self-care; engage in activities that bring solace and comfort, whether it’s journaling, meditation, or a leisurely walk. If it’s available to you, surround yourself with supportive friends or family members who understand and validate your feelings. Reach out for professional support if needed; therapy can provide a safe space to explore complex emotions. 

Remember, grief can be mysterious, distressing, and complicated. Be gentle with yourself and take time to learn and understand how you experience grief in your mind, body, and heart.

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Somatic Experiencing®: Healing Trauma and Stress

Recognizing how past traumas and stress affect the body can be a valuable resource in resolving the symptoms of stress and trauma. One of the core tenants of somatic-oriented work is that the body possesses its own wisdom and can lead us towards healing if we listen to it.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a technique that assists individuals in addressing and releasing stored trauma in the body. By focusing on bodily sensations and physical experiences, SE aims to regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety and equilibrium. SE commonly includes methods like body scanning, where individuals tune into different body parts to identify tension, and grounding exercises to foster connection and presence in the moment.

Incorporating somatic healing into daily life can be a powerful practice. Simple activities such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle stretching can help individuals maintain a connection with their bodies and enhance a feeling of calmness and well-being. By integrating somatic practices into your routine, you can develop a deeper understanding of your body and emotions, promoting resilience and self-care.

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Healing Trauma: Navigating the Journey with Understanding and Care

Trauma is a complex and deeply personal experience that can have a profound impact on individuals. It is essential to approach the topic of trauma with empathy, understanding, and sensitivity. While the effects of trauma can be long-lasting and challenging, it is important to remember that healing is possible.

While talking about your experiences and emotions can be a significant part of the healing process, it may sometimes trigger negative feelings and worsen the situation. It’s essential to take the time to understand what feeling safe and comfortable means to you. This resource will be essential as you navigate through the healing journey.

It is also important to recognize that healing from trauma is a journey that looks different for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it is okay to take your time and be patient with yourself. Remember, you are not alone in your experiences, and there are resources and communities available to support you along the way.

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