In this episode, we sit down with Lucy, psychologist and co-director of Exhale Psychology Center, Brisbane, to unpack the reality of eating disorders, body image struggles, and mental health in today’s world. Lucy shares her journey into psychology, what inspired her to specialize in eating disorders, and how she balances her career with parenting. We explore therapy misconceptions, why it’s valuable even without a diagnosis, and how diet culture and social media wellness trends can harm our relationship with food. You’ll learn why weight is not the only sign of an eating disorder, how cultural and generational pressures shape our food habits, and the dangers of calorie counting and extreme restriction. Lucy offers practical self-acceptance tips, strategies for setting healthy boundaries around body comments, and ways to build a sustainable, balanced approach to eating and exercise. We also discuss: How to recognize early signs of disordered eating Free and accessible counselling resources in Australia. The link between mental health and physical health. Why body acceptance is more realistic than forced body positivity. If you’re navigating food anxiety, negative body image, or want a healthier approach to fitness and eating, this episode is packed with insight and actionable advice.

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