Eating-disorders therapist Stephanie Zone joins us to discuss how diet culture steals our happiness and joy, the physical and emotional effects of restriction and self-blame, why dieting and disordered eating are like being in an abusive relationship, the problem with the narrative that trauma “causes” larger body size, and so much more. Plus, Christy answers a listener question about studying nutrition and dietetics while trying to heal from your own disordered eating. (This episode originally aired on December 16, 2019.)

Stephanie Zone, PsyD, JD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and trauma, as well as other issues including anxiety and depression. She works with all types of clients at an HMO and in private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also a professor, workshop leader, and yoga teacher.

Stephanie began her career as a lawyer. Her passion for legal aid and social justice fueled a career change to psychology. She wrote her dissertation on feminism and eating disorders, with the theory that feminism might have a protective effect for women. She taught for 18 years at City College of San Francisco and created the class Psychology of Food, Weight, and Eating. Health at Every Size©️ is the guiding principle of her work. Stephanie also utilizes EMDR,Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion to help people heal from trauma and weight stigma and live with vitality. To learn more about Stephanie, visit her website at DrStephanieZone.com.

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For full show notes and a transcript of this episode, go to christyharrison.com/foodpsych.

Ask your own question about intuitive eating, Health at Every Size, or eating disorder recovery at christyharrison.com/questions.