25. Using Metaphors to Understand Eating Disorders with Courtney Dowdell, LCAT, CEDCAT, RDT/BCT

Welcome to another episode of Understanding Disordered Eating. I am so excited for this session because with me is Courtney Dowdell. Courtney is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Creative Arts Therapist in Midtown, Manhattan, concentrating on depression, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, and body image challenges. She aims to bridge healing and therapy with theatre and arts. She has substantial experience working with other treatment professionals to set up a personalized treatment plan to support recovery.   Courtney brings warmth, compassion, and insight, offering clients an avenue to examine their thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental space. And it’s been a privilege to talk with her in this episode as we go over the idea of metaphors and how we can use arts and drama therapy to incorporate them into our food healing mission.  [0:01-4:13] Intro I introduced you to our guest I met Courtney when I was in higher level of care Courtney’s background  Licensed creative arts therapists, specifically drama therapy in NYU   [4:14- 7:22] What does drama therapy actually look like? Drama therapy brings a very embodied approach  How individuals can build trust in themselves , in their own bodies and be able to really listen and tune in to their physical and emotional internal cues Eating disorders often cause individuals to fluctuate between rigidity and chaos Role Theory Approach in Drama Therapy Drama therapy in groups Attuning to the bodies of other people Building apathy and seeing different perspectives   [7:23- 15:38] The Idea of Metaphors Decoding behaviors by using metaphors Being able to create reflections on the things in your life Movements and intentions Divide your energy and bring more joy Embracing compassion to where you’re at right now What are the things that are coming in our way? Nourishing meal plans on a metaphorical level The process of not enough or too much (and finding that middle space)   [15:39- 24:40] Hunger Fullness Internal Cues , Building Security, Body Image and How to Approach These Aspects Metaphorically? Developing cues as time goes by Addressing the psychodynamics underneath the issues Wanting certain aspects of the eating disorder  The freedom of not engaging with eating disorder thoughts Finding ways to build safety in yourself  How to embrace the unknown? Body Image: Everybody is Unique Embracing diversity and individuality    [24:41- 35:10] Using Our Voice and Encourage Diversity  Allowing your body to be what it is The Set Point Theory Living in a Standardized Diet Culture  Unlearning negative experiences Wherever you’re at is valid Utilizing creative approaches   [35:11-36:11] Outro Where to find Courtney? Resources Mentioned: Courtney’s Instagram Courtney’s Website   Tweetable Quotes: “Our relationship with food our symptoms is an encoding of basically all the pain, all our experiences and memories in behavior form” - Rachelle Heinemann “The groupie becomes a holding container to be seen and for individuals to be able to contain their emotions” - Courtney Dowdell   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode.   You can connect with me, Rachelle Heinemann on Instagram, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected].