The Other Side Of The Plate

Episode 009Navigating Family Based Treatment (with Dr. Amy Boyers)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura and Jenni welcome Dr. Amy Boyers, co-founder and president of Galen Hope and a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience treating eating disorders. Laura and Amy's friendship stretches back to childhood in Miami, making for a warm and candid conversation about family-based treatment (FBT). Dr. Boyers traces the evolution of eating disorder treatment from the "parentectomy" era of the eighties and nineties through the emergence of FBT, explaining the three phases of the manualized protocol while advocating for what she calls "FBT with a twist": adding meal support coaches, dietitians, respite from grandparents, and regular therapy sessions for burnt-out caregivers. She addresses common reasons families stall (inconsistent monitoring, "clean eating" that can't achieve caloric density, reluctance to enforce meaningful consequences) and offers a memorable reframe: when one part of a family system changes, the other parts engage in "change back behaviors" to restore the status quo. Dr. Boyers emphasizes that FBT is only the "gold standard" if it works for your family, and encourages parents to develop a Plan B before they need it.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 Meet Dr. Amy Boyers: From Childhood Friends to Eating Disorder Expert06:42 What Is FBT? From Maudsley to Lock and Le Grange13:25 When FBT Isn't the Right Fit: Recognizing Family Dynamics21:52 Common Reasons Families Stall: "Change Back Behaviors"27:07 Caloric Density and the "Two Entire Birds" Problem29:25 Consequences That Signal Commitment37:00 FBT with a Twist: Adding Coaches, Dietitians, and Therapy45:02 When to Transition Away from FBT51:35 The Future of FBT and Treatment53:57 Advice for Families Starting Their FBT JourneySUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/Link from Dr. Amy Boyers:https://www.galenhope.com/eating-disorders/10-foods-for-anorexia-refeeding/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/(FEAST webinar August 2025)When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment (FEAST webinar slides August 2025)When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment(FEAST Webinar-July 2024)How We Developed FBT and Why it Works(FEAST webinar December 2025)Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in Recovery(FEAST webinar slides December 2025)Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in RecoveryTreating Eating Disorders -...

Episode 008Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a clinical psychologist and globally respected expert on eating disorders and DBT. Dr. Federici challenges the common assumption that body image naturally improves after weight restoration, explaining that for many people, body disturbance isn't a "lag" but a core neurobiological feature of eating disorders rooted in sensory and perceptual differences. The conversation explores the distinction between body dysmorphia and negative body image, the power of validation as a "safety signal," and practical communication strategies for caregivers—including Dr. Federici's four-step framework: validate what makes sense, reinforce adaptive behavior, invite rather than impose help, and offer sensory-based coping tools. Drawing parallels to how clinicians treat psychosis and dementia, Dr. Federici makes a compelling case for believing patients' lived experiences rather than dismissing them. This episode offers caregivers both scientific grounding and practical hope for supporting loved ones through the often-misunderstood struggles of living in their "earth suit."00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:02 Meet Dr. Anita Federici: 25 Years in the Eating Disorders Field 06:30 The Body Image "Lag": Why It May Not Be a Lag at All 14:36 Validation as a Safety Signal 17:39 Body Dysmorphia vs. Negative Body Image: The "Earth Suit" 24:27 Normal Body Dissatisfaction vs. Warning Signs 30:35 What to Say: The "You Make Sense" Conversation 41:33 Hair on Fire: Sensory Tools During Acute Treatment 44:47 Lessons from Treating Psychosis and Dementia 50:01 A Message of Hope: Start Where You AreSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.Workshop 8 (Sunday – December 21, 2025)What To Say When You Don’t Know What To SayLed by Dr. Anita FedericiBio:Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, emotion regulation challenges, and trauma. A sought-after international trainer, consultant, and researcher, she is also co-author of Treating Eating Disorders with DBT: The MED-DBT Protocol (Guilford Press, 2024) https://www.guilford.com/books/Treating-Eating-Disorders-with-DBT/Federici-Wisniewski/9781462558483?srsltid=AfmBOooqJiiIH63_128Czz7N-n3W5tZvzP_8I5o5mOPsw0JhVuQN5PAZ

Episode 007The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the often overlooked role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery with special guest Kevin Dunn. Kevin, a seasoned volunteer and the Director of Family Mentorship at Equip, shares insights from his eight-year journey supporting his daughter through an eating disorder. The conversation covers the emotional challenges men face, the importance of humility, validation, distress tolerance, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kevin emphasizes the need for male caregivers to be present, practice active listening, and collaborate openly with other caregivers. This episode aims to shed light on how inclusive caregiving can enhance recovery outcomes and the unique strengths men bring to the table.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:02 Meet Kevin Dunn: From Caregiver to Men of FEAST Founder04:01 Kevin's Personal Story: A Daughter's Diagnosis at Age 810:55 The Birth of Men of FEAST14:56 Creating a Safe Space for Male Caregivers18:16 Why Male Voices Matter in Recovery22:26 Getting Aligned as a Team: "Same Bookstore, Not Same Page"27:29 Essential Skills: Humility, Acceptance, and Validation42:58 Baby Steps for Dads: Be Present, Be Available, Listen51:18 Silver Linings and a Message of HopeSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/Men of FEAST: https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Episode 006Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder RecoveryIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery.Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:14 The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder04:13 Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently05:01 Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses08:52 Navigating Challenging Family Conversations15:30 Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans"19:35 Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions25:45 Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary30:12 Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible33:58 Closing and Preview of Next EpisodeSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Resources:Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcasthttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder.FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T. There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series: Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UKLed by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive DirectorOther resources:Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinarThe Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna

Episode 005The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy KrasnaIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura sit down with a very special guest: Judy Krasna, the Executive Director of FEAST. Judy shares her powerful personal journey from finding FEAST as a parent in Israel to leading FEAST as a global organization. She discusses the core mission of FEAST—parents helping parents—and what makes its community so unique. The episode covers the vital role of volunteers, key resources for new families like 'FEAST 30 Days' and the 'Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and a message of hope that recovery is possible and parents are not to blame.00:10 Introduction to the Podcast 01:02 Welcoming Judy Krasna, Executive Director of FEAST 01:41 Judy's Personal Journey: From Parent to Executive Director 03:42 The Mission and Values of FEAST: Parents Helping Parents 05:23 What Makes the FEAST Community Special? 07:05 Clarifying Misconceptions about FEAST: All Ages and Treatment Types 08:53 The Heart and Soul of FEAST: The Volunteers 11:10 Where to Start: FEAST 30 Days & The Caregiver Skills Toolkit 15:07 Judy's Biggest Hope for Families: Feeling Less Alone 16:44 Key Advice for New Parents: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 19:13 Common Threads: The Universal Caregiver Experience 22:34 The Reality of Caregiver Self-Care 25:25 The Future of FEAST: Opportunities and Challenges 28:31 How Listeners Can Support FEAST's Mission 30:44 A Personal Story Illustrating the Heart of the Community 33:35 Final Message: Hope, Recovery, and You Are Not to Blame 35:53 Conclusion and How to Get InvolvedBIO - JUDY KRASNAJudy Krasna has been involved in the eating disorders space as a parent advocate and an expert by experience for over 15 years. She was an active volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a staunch advocate for incorporating lived experience into research and treatment. After serving on the F.E.A.S.T. Board of Directors and taking on multiple volunteer roles within the organization, Judy stepped into the position of F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director in early 2021. Judy is passionate about helping families of people with eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life after a fierce and prolonged battle with anorexia.SUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Resources:FEAST 30 Days FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit Around the Dinner Table ForumAround the Dinner Table-Facebook groupBecome a Parent Support Volunteer at F.E.A.S.T.