summary

In this episode of the Inclusive Movement and Nutrition podcast, host Maggie Lawler is joined by Sean Blake and Deirdre Reddan to discuss the complexities of eating disorders, the importance of family support in recovery, and the unique challenges faced during the holiday season. They explore how families can navigate these challenges, the significance of planning, and the need for awareness and education around eating disorders. The conversation emphasizes the importance of language, the impact of societal pressures, and the hope for recovery, encouraging listeners to approach the topic with compassion and understanding.

takeaways

• Families play a crucial role in the recovery process.
• Recovery is a journey of self-discovery and understanding.
• The holiday season can amplify challenges for those with eating disorders.
• Routine is essential for individuals in recovery.
• Planning ahead for family gatherings can alleviate anxiety.
• Conversations about food and body image should be approached with care.
• Eating disorders can manifest in various ways and are not always visible.
• Education and awareness are vital in combating stigma around eating disorders.
• Language used around food and body image can significantly impact individuals.
• There is hope for recovery, and it is possible to find peace away from anxiety.

Seán Blake is a Shine ambassador and his story has been featured on the documentary Anorexia, My Family & Me, which is available on the RTÉ Player.

Deirdre Reddan works with Zuzanna Gajowiec, in SupportED Families. Together they help parents, partners, friends and family members to understand the important role that they play in their loved one’s eating disorder recovery and, teach them tools and techniques so that they can provide help and support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Maggie Lawler sits down with Laura Casey and Alicia Woods from Lois Bridges Treatment Centre to discuss eating disorder treatment in Ireland. This conversation provides valuable insights into how treatment works, what to expect when reaching out for help, and the importance of multidisciplinary care for eating disorders.

• Accessing Treatment: Learn about the different pathways to treatment including HSE funding, private health insurance, and GP referrals
• Treatment Options: Understanding the difference between inpatient, day patient, outpatient, and virtual programs
• The First Contact: What happens when you reach out for help for the first time
• Real-World Challenges: How treatment prepares people to navigate diet culture and weight-centric messaging while in recovery
• Body Image Work: The importance of body image groups and learning to manage triggers in everyday life
• Multidisciplinary Care: The role of psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, nurses, and other specialists in eating disorder treatment
• Beyond BMI: Why BMI is not an accurate measure of health and the importance of holistic care
• Societal Impact: Discussion of how social media, influencers, and GLP1 medications are affecting eating disorders

Laura - Director of Services at Lois Bridges Alicia Woods - Clinical Nurse Specialist at Lois Bridges

Phone: 01 2107906

Website: https://loisbridges.ie

Instagram: @loisbridgesdublin

Referrals can be made by GPs, therapists, dietitians, or individuals can reach out directly. The team is available to answer questions via phone call, text, email, or WhatsApp.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Inclusive Movement & Nutrition Ireland, Maggie sits down with Dr. Marianne Miller, an eating disorder therapist who specialises in ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia and anorexia. Dr. Marianne brings a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, sensory-attuned approach to her work, and in this conversation, she helps us understand how eating disorders like ARFID are often misunderstood or missed altogether, especially in neurodivergent individuals.

They explore how sensory sensitivities, trauma, and social expectations can all influence eating behaviours, and how current cultural norms—both in parenting and the wellness industry—can unintentionally worsen disordered eating.

Key Highlights

• What is ARFID and why it’s often misdiagnosed or overlooked.
• How ARFID shows up differently from anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder.
• The intersection of neurodivergence and disordered eating.
• Why pushing “healthy” food in schools or home settings can backfire.
• How fitness and nutrition culture often ignores individual sensory and psychological needs.
• What workplaces and professionals can do to support, not shame.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains conversations about depression, mental health issues, and eating disorders. Please take care while listening.

About Dr. Marianne

Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed therapist based in California, specialising in eating disorders including ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, and anorexia. She takes a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and sensory-attuned approach to therapy, working with both teens and adults. In addition to her clinical practice, she offers online courses, resources, and hosts the podcast Dr. Marianne Land, where she shares compassionate, practical insights into eating disorders and mental health.

Connect with Maggie:

Instagram: drmariannemiller

Website:www.drmariannemiller.com

About Maggie:

Maggie is the owner of Simple Strength Leixlip, a size-inclusive gym in Ireland that prioritizes evidence-based, non-diet approaches to movement. She’s passionate about creating welcoming, empowering spaces for people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities

Connect with Maggie:

Podcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/inclusive_movement_nutrition/

Business IG: https://www.instagram.com/simple.strength.leixlip/

Website: https://simplestrengthleixlip.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.