#67: Finding Your Authentic Self In Eating Disorder Recovery with Dr. Anita Johnston

Written By Abbie Attwood

You won't want to miss this incredibly healing conversation. Dr. Anita Johnston joins Abbie to discuss the magic of metaphors and story-telling in ED recovery, and how we can return home to our authentic selves to find freedom. They discuss why highly intuitive and deeply feeling people tend to be most vulnerable to eating disorders, and how to use those gifts as superpowers in recovery.

Topics covered:

  • How being highly sensitive impacts disordered eating and healing

  • The safety and security that EDs can provide

  • Anita's childhood in Guam and how that shaped her experience with food, body, and herself

  • Our illusion of control in having an eating disorder

  • Storytelling and metaphor in ED treatment

  • Language of recovery and healing

  • Disordered eating thoughts and behaviors as a coping mechanism and distraction

  • Following our joy and authenticity to freedom from diet culture

  • Emotional literacy and boundaries

  • Why those who suffer from EDs are the ones that the world needs most

  • Mothering energy and how to provide that to ourselves

Anita Johnston, Ph.D., CEDS is a clinical psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist and supervisor, working in the field of women’s issues and eating disorders for over 35 years. She is the author of the best selling book, Eating in the Light of the Moon and co-creator of the Light of the Moon Cafe, a series of online interactive courses and women’s support circles, and Soul Hunger workshops. She is currently the Clinical Director of Ai Pono Hawaii eating disorder programs with out-patient programs on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii, and an ocean-front residential program on Maui. Full Plate is listener-supported (no ads!) so please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes at Patreon.com/fullplate

Patreon is also home to the episode transcripts (which are publicly available to everyone, not just our patrons!). If you’re looking for those, head over to Patreon.

Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast

Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness

Abbie’s website: www.abbieattwoodwellness.com

Light of the Moon Cafe: https://lightofthemooncafe.com/

Anita's website: https://dranitajohnston.com/

Find Anita on Instagram: @dranitajohnston

Abbie Attwood https://abbieattwood.com
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#68: How Wellness Culture Steals Our Well-Being with Christy Harrison, Author and Registered Dietitian
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#66: HUNGER: What It Is, What It Isn't, & How We Can Learn To Trust It