Healing the Roots of Eating Disorders | Trauma, Control & Self-Acceptance w/ Dr. Cristina Castagnini

In this deeply insightful episode of Trauma Undone, host Natasha Graziano sits down with psychologist and eating disorder specialist Dr. Cristina Castagnini to explore the often misunderstood connection between eating disorders, trauma, control, and mental health.

Dr. Castagnini shares both her clinical expertise and personal journey, offering a compassionate look at how eating disorders develop, why trauma is only one part of the picture, and how societal pressures around body image shape disordered eating behaviors. Together, they unpack the recovery process, early warning signs, and the vital role of education, self-love, and acceptance in healing.

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating disordered eating, supporting a loved one, or seeking a deeper understanding of how trauma shows up in the body.

🧠 Eating disorders are influenced by genetics, environment, trauma, and culture

🎭 Control often plays a central role in disordered eating behaviors

🚨 Disordered eating can exist without a formal diagnosis

🔍 Recognizing early signs can be life-changing

🛠 Recovery is personal and deeply individualized

💛 Self-love and acceptance are foundational to healing

03:03 Understanding the Causes of Eating Disorders

05:55 Personal Journey: Recognizing an Eating Disorder

08:57 The Recovery Process: Steps to Healing

11:46 The Role of Control in Eating Disorders

14:55 Identifying Eating Disorders: Signs and Symptoms

17:49 Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders

21:04 Working with Patients: The Therapeutic Process

23:59 The Impact of Society on Body Image

26:54 Supporting Loved Ones with Eating Disorders

29:51 Final Thoughts on Self-Love and Acceptance

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