In this insightful and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Orlee Klempner, an integrative practitioner specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and trauma-informed yoga. Orlee opens up about her personal journey of growing up in a culture steeped in dieting, body image pressures, and early medical trauma. Through her story, Orlee shares how shame and comparison shaped her relationship with her body—and how IFS became a transformative tool in helping her find self-acceptance and compassion. Together, they explore how parts work helps uncover the protective roles behind eating disorders, the importance of validating lived experiences, and how healing requires gentleness, empathy, and curiosity. This candid episode highlights the power of IFS in addressing eating disorders, trauma, and anxiety, while offering hope and concrete tools for anyone struggling with body image and self-worth. Orlee Klempner is an integrative practitioner who combines Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and trauma-informed yoga to support people navigating eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and anxiety. Her work is rooted in both professional training and lived experience, including early medical trauma, disordered eating, sobriety, and cancer. She specializes in helping clients build trust with their bodies and reconnect to the parts of themselves they've learned to reject. Orlee offers online and in-person sessions through her practice, Orlee Living + Wellness.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • How childhood experiences, family dynamics, and cultural messages shape body image and eating patterns.
  • Orlee’s personal story of early medical trauma, scars, and the impact of body shame in her formative years.
  • An introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the concept of 'parts work' in healing.
  • The 8 Cs of Self in IFS (compassion, curiosity, courage, calm, clarity, confidence, creativity, connectedness).
  • How eating disorders can function as protective 'parts' that develop to manage deep pain.
  • Why validation of lived experience is critical to recovery.
  • How mindfulness and self-compassion practices support healing from disordered eating and body dysmorphia.
  • Why no one has to be 'sick enough' to seek support.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Today's Topic: Embracing Your Inner Critic
  • 01:30 Guest Introduction: Orlee Klempner's Journey
  • 03:23 Orlie's Early Struggles with Body Image
  • 09:06 The Role of Internal Family Systems in Healing
  • 16:02 Understanding and Validating Personal Experiences
  • 19:31 The Impact of Societal and Familial Messages
  • 27:15 Navigating Competing Parts and Self-Compassion
  • 38:53 Orlee Klempner's Professional Practice and Services
  • 40:43 Conclusion and Resources

CONNECT WITH ORLEE:

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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.