#97: Dr. Anita Johnston on Being a Highly Sensitive Person & How Authenticity Heals Us

The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

As we close out this year, we are revisiting a fan-favorite and incredibly healing conversation with Dr. Anita Johnston. Listen in as we discuss the magic of metaphors and story-telling in ED recovery, and how we can return home to our authentic selves to find lasting freedom from food restriction and body dissatisfaction. Abbie and Anita discuss why highly intuitive and deeply feeling people tend to be most vulnerable to eating disorders, and how to use those gifts as superpowers.

Topics covered:

• How being highly sensitive impacts disordered eating and healing
• The safety and security that EDs can provide
• Anita's childhood in Guam and how that shaped her experience with food, body, and herself
• Our illusion of control in having an eating disorder
• Storytelling and metaphor in ED treatment
• The importance of language in recovery and healing
• Disordered eating thoughts and behaviors as a coping mechanism and distraction
• Following our joy and authenticity to freedom from diet culture
• Emotional literacy and boundaries
• Why those who suffer from EDs are the ones that the world needs most
• Mothering energy versus fathering energy
• Reparenting ourselves
• The most essential tools for healing

About Dr. Anita Johnston: Dr. Anita Johnston, Ph.D., CEDS is a clinical psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist and supervisor, working in the field of women’s issues and eating disorders for over 35 years. She is the author of the best selling book, Eating in the Light of the Moon and co-creator of the Light of the Moon Cafe, a series of online interactive courses and women’s support circles, and Soul Hunger workshops. She is currently the Clinical Director of Ai Pono Hawaii eating disorder programs with out-patient programs on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii, and an ocean-front residential program on Maui. Find Anita on Instagram: @dranitajohnston

Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast

Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness

Abbie’s website: www.abbieattwoodwellness.com

Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate

Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast

Social media:

• Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast
• Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness

Group program:

Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching

Group membership:

Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group

Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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