In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Haley Schiek, an eating disorder recovery coach and founder of COSANA Coaching, to share her personal journey from years of struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating to building a life of freedom, purpose, and joy. Haley recounts how childhood bullying, social media pressures, and the cultural obsession with thinness shaped her early sense of self and triggered her eating disorder. She opens up about her healing path—starting with yoga teacher training at just 15, discovering energy work and spiritual connection after college, and ultimately finding peace with her body and food. Together, Haley and Dr. Cristina explore how trauma, systemic pressures, and the “thin ideal” keep so many people trapped in cycles of shame and self-criticism, and why true recovery often requires addressing mind, body, and spirit—not just behavior. This episode is for anyone who has struggled to feel at home in their body, or who is curious about incorporating yoga, mindfulness, and energy work into their recovery process.

Haley Schiek is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Peer Educator in Healthy Relationships (CPE), and Yoga Instructor (E-CYT 250) who specializes in eating disorder recovery and women’s psycho-spiritual wellness. She is the owner and founder of Cosana Coaching (est. 2021), offering online support to clients across the U.S. along with in-person services in Puerto Rico. Her coaching approach blends lived recovery experience with professional training. After nearly a decade battling an eating disorder within the western medical-mental health model, Haley discovered energy healing and yoga as transformational tools that allowed her to rebuild self-trust, release destructive patterns, and come home to herself. Today, she empowers others to do the same—helping clients rebel against disordered thinking, dismantle diet culture, regulate their nervous systems in healthy ways, and cultivate joy, confidence, and self-acceptance. Through personalized coaching, group programs, and community & corporate wellness events, Haley’s mission is to serve others as a partner in healing.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Haley’s personal journey through anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and orthorexia—and what helped her begin to heal.
  • The psychological impact of bullying, betrayal trauma, and social media during adolescence.
  • How yoga teacher training and embodiment practices became a turning point in her recovery.
  • The role of energy healing and spirituality in finding deeper emotional freedom.
  • Why focusing on function and joy—not aesthetics—is key to repairing your relationship with your body.
  • How surfing, yoga, and mindfulness brought Haley back into her body and taught her to live more playfully.
  • Ways to integrate holistic practices into eating disorder treatment and recovery.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:59 Exploring Beyond Talk Therapy
  • 01:24 Haley Sheik's Journey to Healing
  • 03:10 The Impact of Bullying and Social Media
  • 05:49 Discovering Yoga and Energy Healing
  • 17:25 The Role of Objectification Theory
  • 24:13 Embracing Holistic Healing
  • 29:04 Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit
  • 33:33 Haley's Coaching and Upcoming Programs
  • 35:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
  • 36:38 Podcast Conclusion and Resources

CONNECT WITH HALEY:

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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:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.