#163: The Wisdom in Dissociation: When Leaving Your Body Is a Form of Protection with Monika Ostroff
This week on The Full Plate Podcast, Abbie is joined by Monica Ostroff, a therapist and eating disorders specialist, to explore Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and its overlooked intersection with eating disorders.
They also have a deeper conversation about the relationship between trauma and disordered eating. Monica shares her personal journey, detailing her experiences with anorexia and trauma, and how these experiences shaped her professional path in the field of eating disorders.
Listen to the episode for more on:
The misconceptions surrounding DID
Trauma-related origins of both DID and eating disorders
Taking a strengths-based perspective in recovery
Trauma-informed approaches to treatment
The complex relationship between trauma, eating disorders, and self-compassion
Understanding our internal voices
Using inner world tools for healing
The protective nature of eating disorders
What it means to be gentle in recovery
Addressing the challenges of worthlessness
Coping with societal pressures surrounding body image
Why healing is really about connection
How we can show up for ourselves with kindness and understanding
More About Monika:
Monika Ostroff, LICSW, CEDS-S is the Executive Director of the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc (MEDA). Prior to leading MEDA, she directed several residential, partial hospital and intensive outpatient eating disorder programs in addition to having owned a thriving private practice. Monika is the co-author of Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery and a contributing author to Self-Harm Behavior and Eating Disorders. With more than 25 years of experience in the field of eating disorders, Monika has presented at many national conferences, taught at the university level, and appeared on many media broadcasts, publications & podcasts. Practicing from a trauma informed, social justice and staunchly HAES® aligned lens, Monika is a dedicated ally and strong advocate working to ensure access to equitable, compassionate, and affirming care for all. Her passion for treating eating disorders and mentoring other professionals was borne out of her own struggle with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and life experiences.
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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy
Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Eades
Podcast Editing by Brian Walters
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