Obviously this is a very thought and emotion provoking post! As a psychologist who has also worked with eating disorders (and trauma) for over 20 years I found myself nodding as I read along. What I think may be confusing is that not all boundary violations are intentional. Parents are often doing their best, acting with good intentions, perhaps struggling with their own unaddressed childhood issues. The result can be getting out of sync, disconnected and/or overprotective in a way that is harmful. Thank you for illustrating some of the ways this can play out!
I also think the research about anxiety disorders predating the development of eating disorder behaviors can be confusing. What this may overlook is that anxiety often is a reaction to the types of emotional experiences you describe.
Thank you for this thought provoking topic and conversation!
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Joanna-
Obviously this is a very thought and emotion provoking post! As a psychologist who has also worked with eating disorders (and trauma) for over 20 years I found myself nodding as I read along. What I think may be confusing is that not all boundary violations are intentional. Parents are often doing their best, acting with good intentions, perhaps struggling with their own unaddressed childhood issues. The result can be getting out of sync, disconnected and/or overprotective in a way that is harmful. Thank you for illustrating some of the ways this can play out!
I also think the research about anxiety disorders predating the development of eating disorder behaviors can be confusing. What this may overlook is that anxiety often is a reaction to the types of emotional experiences you describe.
Thank you for this thought provoking topic and conversation!
Kathleen Young, Psy.D.
June 5, 2009 - 10:47amwww.drkathleenyoung.com
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