We’re kicking off our summer throwback series with an episode that’s just too good not to share again. While we take a little summer break, we’ll be rereleasing some of our most powerful and thought-provoking conversations—and this one tops the list.

Originally aired as Episode 73, this conversation with Dr. Judith Brisman is one of those rich, soul-stirring interviews that stay with you long after it ends. Dr. Brisman is an icon in the eating disorder treatment world. With over 35 years in the field and deep roots in psychoanalytic thought, she brings both clinical depth and human compassion to the most complex questions about food, desire, and emotion.

In this conversation, we explore why we turn to food to manage our feelings, how disordered eating often becomes the language of our unmet emotional needs, and what happens within family systems when an eating disorder is present. Dr. Brisman helps us understand not just the "what" but the "why" behind it all, offering a compassionate and grounded approach to recovery that emphasizes self-discovery, choice, and relational repair.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• How Dr. Judith Brisman became a pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders by blending behavioral work with psychoanalysis.

• How food becomes symbolic for desire and the complex ways we try to manage our wants and needs through eating behaviors.

• The link between emotional regulation and disordered eating, including compelling patient stories that bring theory to life.

• The role of family dynamics in shaping (and healing) disordered eating patterns.

• How feelings like anger, helplessness, and fear often get hidden behind food behaviors—and how therapy can bring these to light.

• Why recovery is not just about stopping behaviors, but about uncovering the inner voices and desires we’ve been afraid to face.

• What family-based treatment looks like and how parental roles and patterns can both support and hinder recovery.

• How to use moments of emotional overwhelm—like the urge to binge or restrict—as doorways into deeper self-understanding.

• How simple questions like “What do you want to eat?” can begin the process of helping someone find their voice again.
  
  

“Families all get into patterns, some of which work, some of which don’t work. An eating disorder in the family is an opportunity to say, okay, what might need to be changed right now? What might need to be inspected?” – Dr. Judith Brisman

“We don’t just see a parent in their role, and a child in their role; we see everybody in their roles, and how the dynamics come together.” – Rachelle Heinemann

“Knowing [your emotions and patterns] allows for choice.” – Dr. Judith Brisman

“It’s not so important to identify the cause of the eating disorder… maybe it’s interesting, but that's not going to end all or be the key… It’s more about what’s happening today, the identification, and what choice that provides.” – Rachelle Heinemann

Dr. Judith Brisman’s Website

Surviving an Eating Disorder: Strategies for Families and Friends

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You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at rachelle@rachelleheinemann.com

Let’s be honest—most of us would love to be the kind of person who “lives in the moment.” You know, one of those magical unicorns who wakes up excited for the day, mindfully savors every bite of their avocado toast, and breathes through stress like it’s non-existent. But instead, we’re over here eating lunch in front of our inbox, wondering why we feel like a disembodied ghost hovering somewhere between a meeting and a meltdown.

"I just don't wanna feel like I am dissociating my entire life." - Rachelle Heinemann

"Food is inherently soothing, and it works because it's distracting and soothing at the same time." - Rachelle Heinemann

"Without practicing in very neutral low-stakes moments, it's gonna be almost impossible for us to notice when we're triggered." - Rachelle Heinemann

"We really have to think about all of this in the context of our specific lives and what we need so that we can work toward a version of ourselves that lives in however much of the present moment we actually want to live in." - Rachelle Heinemann

Bergen Mental Health Group Inc. is hiring! If you think you’d be a great fit, check it out!

Grab my Journal Prompts Here!

Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? Let’s chat!

Now accepting new clients! Find out if we're a good fit!

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode.

Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here!

You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at rachelle@rachelleheinemann.com

If imposter syndrome were a person, most of us would be in a very toxic, on-again-off-again relationship with it. And just like any clingy ex, it loves to show up at the worst possible time—like, say, the first day of a new job, or every single time we try to feel confident about our bodies. Fun, right?

*Quick reminder that next week will be our last episode until September. Stay tuned for the re-release of some oldies but goodies to get you through the summer!

“By not talking about it, by not owning it, we sort of imply our own shame.” - Rachelle Heinemann

“If we start opening up and at least being open to the fact that other people can help us through some of the imposter syndrome... we at least give ourselves a chance to find some sort of self-acceptance there.” - Rachelle Heinemann

“Ultimately, what we're telling ourselves is ‘I can handle a little bit of human vulnerability’, which is the exact opposite of imposter syndrome.” - Rachelle Heinemann

“Working through imposter syndrome requires a lot of courage and alot of work.” - Rachelle Heinemann

Bergen Mental Health Group Inc. is hiring! If you think you’d be a great fit, check it out!

Grab my Journal Prompts Here!

Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? Let’s chat!

Now accepting new clients! Find out if we're a good fit!

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode.

Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here!

You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at rachelle@rachelleheinemann.com