Today we take a deep dive with Harriet Frew, a mutual podcaster. She is the host of the Eating Disorder Therapist podcast, and is a really experienced counselor in the UK. Besides offering individual therapy and her podcast, Harriet has online courses, trainings, and break through days. Harriet specializes in the treatment of bulimia binge eating disorder, and OSFED (other specified category), and she really focuses on the psychology of disordered eating or eating disorders. Harriet is a BACP accredited counselor and eating disorder practitioner and has been in practice since 2003. 

In this episode, Harriet talks about bulimia and the binge/purge cycle. We then break down how to work through it.

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Show Notes

[00:01 - 05:31] Opening Segment

• I introduce our guest for this episode

• Harriet talks about specializing in bulimia

• Experiencing bulimia firsthand

  1. Triggered by different stresses

  2. Importance of having support

[05:32 - 23:55]  Let’s Talk About Bulimia and the Binge Purge Cycle

• What is bulimia and the binge purge cycle

• Symptoms are usually not obvious

  1. Binge eating, losing control, keeping it a secret, being ashamed

  2. Binge cycles, restrictive cycles, and the purge

• Relationship of exercise and the binge

• Feels like a compulsive thing after the binge

  1. “Compensating” for the eating episode

  2. No longer a joyful experience

  3. Simple dieting vs. Eating disorder

• Treatment and recovery process

• Breaking the binge purge cycle

  1. Understanding the triggers and why it was developed

  2. Part of a larger picture

• Examples of somebody with these underlying issues

• Having a lot of inner conflict

  1. A small part is genetics

[23:56 - 32:23] Closing Segment 

• What is a breakthrough day

• Giving people more time for reflection

  1. Not a quick fix

• How body image plays into eating disorders

• Connect with Harriet through the links below

• Final words

Connect with Harriet through her Instagram and checkout her website atwww.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk!

Tweetable Quotes

“Every sort of struggle, no matter how small or large or whatever it looks like, should all be taken seriously.” - Rachelle Heinemann

More From Rachelle

Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.

I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.

You can connect with me on Instagram, through my website or email me directly clicking the links below.

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