In this episode, therapist Becca shares her personal and professional journey from being immersed in diet culture to discovering intuitive eating and the Health at Every Size approach. She discusses the moment she realized she had an eating disorder, how working with a coach transformed her perspective, and her ongoing process of recovery. Becca and host Cristina explore the myths around eating disorder recovery, emphasizing that while triggers can reappear, long-term healing is possible. The conversation also delves into how personality frameworks like the Enneagram can help individuals understand their motivations and patterns related to disordered eating, offering additional tools for self-compassion and growth. Becca Moravec, LPC, LMFT, has been a practicing therapist for over 15 years. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and is passionate about body liberation and helping people heal their relationship with food and their bodies. As a Certified Narrative Enneagram Teacher and practitioner, she weaves personality, self-growth, and compassionate insight into her work. Becca is also the founder of Belong Consulting, where she supports individuals and organizations in cultivating authenticity, connection, and self-belonging.        

Key Topics Discussed

  Becca’s Personal and Professional Journey  
  • How Becca, after 15 years as a therapist, recognized her own disordered eating and diet culture influences.
  • Her search for help through intuitive eating and Health at Every Size (HAES), and the lack of local resources at the time.
Discovery of Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating    
  • Introduction to the HAES approach and its impact on her understanding of eating disorders.
  • The transformative effect of working with a HAES coach and discovering fat activism.
  Diet Culture in Therapy and Society  
  • The prevalence and acceptance of diet culture, even within the therapy and eating disorder treatment communities.
  • How Becca’s new awareness shifted her language and approach with clients.
Recovery: Process and Challenges    
  • The ongoing nature of recovery from disordered eating.
  • Myths about recovery, addressing the belief that recovery is impossible or that struggles are lifelong.
  • The impact of societal changes (e.g., GLP-1 medications, shifts in body positivity) and personal health triggers on recovery.
  Biological and Psychological Triggers  
  • How illness and unplanned restriction can re-trigger old eating disorder patterns due to biological responses.
  • The importance of understanding the biology behind binge-restrict cycles.
  The Role of Self-Compassion and Awareness  
  • Using self-compassion and curiosity to navigate setbacks and triggers.
  • The value of self-awareness in recognizing and responding to old patterns without self-judgment.

Strategies for Supporting Body Image

  1. Increase Self-Awareness and Curiosity
  • Practice Self-Observation: Use tools like the Enneagram or Internal Family Systems to understand your motivations and triggers. Ask yourself, “What part of me is being triggered right now?” and observe your thoughts with curiosity rather than judgment.
  • Recognize Personality Patterns: Notice how your personality type (e.g., people-pleasing, perfectionism) may influence your body image concerns and eating behaviors.
  1. Challenge Diet Culture and Myths
  • Educate Yourself: Read foundational books like Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon to understand the impact of diet culture and learn about alternative, body-affirming approaches.
  • Question Cultural Messages: Be critical of societal messages that equate thinness with worth or morality. Remind yourself that these are cultural constructs, not truths.
  1. Practice Self-Compassion
  • Meet Triggers with Kindness: When old thoughts or triggers arise (due to illness, stress, or societal pressures), respond with compassion instead of self-criticism. Understand that setbacks are normal and do not mean failure.
  • Allow for Imperfection: Accept that recovery and body acceptance are ongoing processes. You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love and belonging.
  1. Build Supportive Connections
  • Seek Community: Stay connected to supportive resources, such as podcasts, books, and communities that promote body acceptance and intuitive eating.
  • Work with Professionals: Consider working with therapists or coaches who practice from a Health at Every Size or intuitive eating lens.
  1. Focus on Body Function, Not Appearance
  • Value What Your Body Does: Shift your focus from how your body looks to what it enables you to do. Appreciate your body’s strength, resilience, and capabilities.
  • Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and thank your body for its functions, especially during times of illness or recovery.
  1. Develop an Inner Observer
  • Pause and Reflect: When you notice negative body thoughts, pause and reflect on where they’re coming from. Is it your inner critic? A need for acceptance? Use this awareness to respond more thoughtfully.
  • Separate Identity from Thoughts: Remember that you are not your thoughts or your personality structure. You can observe them without letting them define you.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
  • 02:58 Becca's Journey into Therapy and Diet Culture
  • 04:25 The Revelation and Recovery Process
  • 07:15 Understanding Recovery and Its Challenges
  • 12:41 The Role of the Enneagram in Therapy
  • 17:25 Exploring the Nine Enneagram Types
  • 20:49 Applying the Enneagram to Eating Disorders
  • 25:33 Practical Applications and Client Experiences
  • 36:07 How to Get Started with the Enneagram
  • 39:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH BECCA:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. 

Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.