Rachelle Heinemann Therapy

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Disordered Eating VS Eating Disorder, Which Is It?

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Do labels like "disordered eating" and "eating disorder" truly serve us, or do they limit our understanding of individuals and their unique journeys with food?

These labels are often misunderstood, which makes it feel like such a hard concept for our peers to grasp. As an outsider, who is curious about your own relationship with food or wants to support someone navigating theirs, knowing the difference in these labels can be beneficial. 

There is so much gray area when it comes to eating disorders and disordered eating. It’s not about fitting neatly into categories, but it’s about understanding the nuanced journey individuals go on to heal.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

  • What an eating disorder is vs what disordered eating is.

  • Is there a difference between eating disorders and disordered eating? 

  • How embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections with others and personal growth.

  • Strategies for navigating the fear of being judged by others.

  • The importance of staying true to yourself.

  • Resilience in facing life's challenges and bouncing back from setbacks.

  • Embracing imperfections and the freedom it brings from unrealistic expectations.

  • The importance of being kind and practicing self-love.

Tweetable Quotes

“I think that when we narrow ourselves into boxes and say, this needs to be labeled as disordered eating or an eating disorder, we pigeonhole ourselves, we pigeonhole our clients and their recovery or self-growth healing journey.” - Rachelle Heinemann

"The way that I like to see a relationship with food is on a continuum." - Rachelle Heinemann

Related Episodes

Grab my Journal Prompts here!

Related Episodes 

Episode 119. Eating Disorders Don’t Have a Look

Episode 82. Secrets and Eating Disorders with Dr. Kathryn Zerbe

Episode 69. High Functioning Eating Disorders

Episode 30. Eating Disorders are the Solution not the Problem with Jessica Setnick, MS,RD, CEDRD-S

Episode 19. Breaking Down Eating Disorder Higher Levels of Care With Catherine Silver, LCSW

Episode 09. 6 Tips If You Suspect Someone is Struggling with an Eating Disorder

Episode 01. Stuff You Should Know About Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating


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Grab my FREEBIE!: As you navigate recovery, you may be feeling like something is missing. You're doing a lot of work challenging yourself with the food, your body, and exercise. You're probably working on lots of other things at the same time, like stuff at work or relationship issues.

But, still, something doesn't feel like you're getting to the bottom of it. Grab my free journal prompts below and begin to work through the emotions of healing.

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