Illuminating Anorexia & Eating Disorder Recovery

Latest Episodes
Recovery Conversation with Jeanne, age 51
Jeanne, 51, has struggled with disordered eating for decades. In this podcast she talks with Michelle Sparkes about finding hope and freedom from behaviors she thought she would have to live with. You
Recovery Conversation with Freda, age 38
Freda, 38, has struggled with anorexia and disordered eating for 19 years. In this podcast she talks about the process of finding freedom from the obsessive thoughts and rules that circumscribed her l
Recovery conversation with Kate, age 42
Kate is a 42 year old mother of two who struggled for decades with restrictive eating and over-exercise. In this podcast she talks with Michelle about discovering a sense of freedom that she says is
Spiritual Power – what to do when you feel driven by fear
The fear that drives us down the scales and into the self-destructive behaviours characteristic of anorexia and other eating disorders can grow into a terror that is difficult to articulate. I believe there is a spiritual dimension to this fear,
Spiritual Power
I believe at the heart of an eating disorder lies a deep-seated hunger for acceptance and security. How we see our self and what we believe about our worth, value and entitlement (to life, nurture a
Comfort, peace & hope
Have you ever felt deeply distressed, inconsolable or highly anxious? Right now in my country we’re grappling with the devastating impact of catastrophic bushfires. Closer to home my dearly loved mum is suffering and in decline.
Warning…danger ahead!
I got caught in an ocean current on the weekend and it got me thinking how quickly we can go from being in control (“I’m okay”) to being out of control (“I’m in danger”). The slide from disordered or unhealthy (even sub-optimal) eating patterns and b...
What to do when you’re paralysed by fear
Paralysing fear. Feeling stuck and terrified. Afraid to make a “wrong” decision; afraid to make any decision. Acute anxiety is a major feature of anorexia and something most of us will relate to in some measure.
Christmas reflection
When we are locked in the self hatred of the eating disorder ‘cage’ we need to experience ourselves as seen, known, understood, worthwhile, valuable, loved. Even when and especially in the midst of our most acute struggles.
Communicating when it’s difficult
When it comes to communicating around a difficult situation or personal challenge I find the following piece of wisdom most helpful.