The Connection Between Unresolved Trauma & Long-Lasting Eating Disorders (Content Caution)

Have you ever wondered why recovery feels stuck, no matter how hard you try? When eating disorder behaviors keep returning despite your best efforts, unresolved trauma may be part of the reason. In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT, explores the deep connection between trauma and long-lasting eating disorders. Unresolved trauma often lives in the body, shaping the nervous system and influencing how we cope, eat, and relate to ourselves. Many people discover that their eating disorder was never just about food or control—it was about safety, survival, and protection. This episode helps you understand why that makes sense and how healing is possible when both trauma and the eating disorder are addressed together. Through compassionate storytelling and clinical insight, Dr. Marianne shares how trauma-informed therapy and body-based healing can help release long-held survival patterns. She also discusses how intersectionality, identity, and oppression influence the way trauma shows up in eating disorder recovery. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone who has struggled with eating disorder symptoms that seem to linger, shift, or return over time. It will especially resonate with: People who have been in treatment before yet still feel stuck in their eating disorders Those who sense their eating disorder is connected to trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress Neurodivergent individuals navigating sensory or emotional overwhelm around food Survivors of emotional, physical, or systemic trauma seeking trauma-informed recovery Clinicians, helpers, or loved ones who want to better understand how trauma and eating disorders overlap If you have ever wondered why recovery feels unsafe, inconsistent, or incomplete, this episode will offer language and insight to help you make sense of your experience. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How unresolved trauma keeps eating disorder symptoms active for years or decades Why eating disorders are often survival strategies, not failures of willpower The role of the nervous system in trauma and long-term eating disorder recovery How trauma-informed therapy helps create new pathways to safety and regulation Why intersectionality matters in trauma and eating disorder treatment Practical ways to rebuild safety, trust, and connection with your body Content Caution This episode includes discussion of trauma, eating disorders, and long-term recovery. Listen with care and pause if needed. If you are in distress, reach out to a trusted support person, therapist, or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) for immediate help. Related Episodes How Childhood Trauma Shapes Eating Disorders & Body Shame (Content Caution) on Apple & Spotify.Childhood Trauma & Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify.Using EMDR & Polyvagal Theory to Treat Trauma & Eating Disorders with Dr. Danielle Hiestand, LMFT, CEDS-S on Apple & Spotify.Trauma, Eating Disorders, & Levels of Care with Amy Ornelas, RD via Apple or Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller If this conversation resonates with you, therapy can help you begin to heal from trauma while working toward eating disorder recovery. Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT, @drmariannemiller, offers trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming therapy for individuals navigating eating disorders, trauma, and body image distress. Her approach centers on nervous system regulation, sensory attunement, and consent-based care to help you build safety and trust within your body. She offers therapy in California, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Learn more or schedule a consultation at drmariannemiller.com.