This episode explores how trauma-informed yoga can support eating disorder recovery, contrasting it with fitness-focused yoga that might trigger disordered behaviors. Jennifer shares her personal journey with eating disorders and how yoga became instrumental in her healing process. Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, C-IAYT, is an author, educator, and certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders. She is the founder of Yoga for Eating Disorders, a virtual space for support and community offering yoga therapy, yoga classes, trainings, resources, and more. Jennifer's passions are guiding others in incorporating the teachings and practices of yoga into their recovery care plan and educating professionals. She believes we must include our bodies in healing our minds, and yoga is one way we can do that. Jennifer is the author of Body Mindful Yoga and The Courageous Path to Healing. Her writing about her personal recovery journey and yoga therapy for eating disorders has been featured widely in print, broadcast, and online media.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Jennifer's Background

  • Recovered from an eating disorder that began in college and resurfaced later in life
  • Found yoga several years into recovery when looking for safe movement options
  • Now helps others as a certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders
  • Founder of Yoga for Eating Disorders, offering virtual therapy, classes, and training

Fitness Culture vs. Therapeutic Movement

  • Modern yoga has often become fitness-focused, which can fuel eating disorders
  • Fitness-focused yoga can reinforce drives for perfection, calorie burning, and body-changing
  • Traditional yoga philosophies focus on connection and healing rather than performance

Trauma-Informed Yoga Approach

  • Emphasizes intentional, slower movement and introspection
  • Focuses on experience rather than performance of poses
  • Helps reconnect mind and body that become severed during eating disorders
  • Uses gentle language that avoids triggering body parts or perfectionist cues
  • Avoids poses that might feel vulnerable for those with trauma histories

Practical Applications for Recovery

  • Starts with simple hand movements for those resistant to body connection
  • Uses rhythm and breath work for nervous system regulation
  • Incorporates yoga philosophies like non-harming, contentment, and non-attachment
  • Provides options so participants never feel forced into uncomfortable positions
  • Creates safe exploration without competitive or fitness-focused elements

Working Through Resistance

  • Acknowledges how difficult body reconnection can be for those with eating disorders
  • Starts with small, manageable practices (sometimes just 30 seconds)
  • Focuses on hands, feet, head, and heart rather than triggering body areas
  • Processes experiences in real-time with compassionate discussion

Collaborative Recovery Support

  • Works as part of treatment teams with therapists and dieticians
  • Helps develop grounding tools for anxiety around recovery challenges
  • Creates space for processing body experiences that can inform other treatment

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:58 The Toxicity of Social Media Fitness Trends
  • 01:47 Introducing Jennifer Kreatsoulas
  • 03:20 Jennifer's Journey with Yoga and Eating Disorders
  • 05:28 The Evolution and Impact of Yoga in Recovery
  • 08:14 Trauma-Informed Yoga Practices
  • 11:43 Challenges and Strategies in Yoga Therapy
  • 23:09 Addressing Body Dysmorphia and Trauma
  • 41:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
  • 44:25 Closing Remarks and Resources

HOW TO CONNECT WITH JENNIFER TO LEARN MORE:

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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.