S4 E8: Erica Trocino on Overcoming Shame and Stigma with Eating Disorders

In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, Dominic Lawson sits down with Erica Trocino, Clinical Director of The Meadows Ranch, to discuss the intricacies of eating disorders and the road to recovery. Trocino, a licensed professional counselor, certified eating disorder specialist, and supervisor, shares her insights on the stereotypes surrounding eating disorders, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the unique challenges of treating these complex conditions.

Trocino emphasizes that eating disorders affect a diverse range of individuals, including males, athletes, the LGBT community, and people in midlife and beyond, breaking the stereotype that these disorders only impact young white females. She highlights the role of diet culture and media in perpetuating these stereotypes and the importance of body positivity in promoting mental health.

The conversation also delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorders, particularly among young people. Trocino discusses how isolation, fear, and lack of access to treatment during the pandemic fueled an increase in eating disorders, leading to lengthy waitlists for treatment programs.

Trocino provides valuable insights on recognizing early warning signs of eating disorders, such as preoccupation with food, weight, and body image, and the avoidance of social situations. She stresses the importance of seeking treatment early and not waiting until hitting "rock bottom," emphasizing that recovery is possible at any stage.

The discussion also touches on the barriers to seeking treatment, including shame and the feeling of not being "sick enough" or "good enough." Trocino encourages individuals to overcome these obstacles and prioritize their mental health, highlighting the non-linear nature of recovery and the importance of not comparing oneself to others.

Trocino shares the unique challenges of treating eating disorders compared to substance abuse, noting that complete abstinence from food is not possible, and the focus must be on changing one's relationship with food. She also discusses the role of animal-assisted therapy, such as with therapy dog Cowboy, in providing a non-threatening way to practice essential skills like assertiveness and emotional regulation.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the prevalence of dual diagnosis and co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, among individuals with eating disorders. Trocino emphasizes the importance of addressing these underlying issues in treatment to achieve lasting recovery.

Key Takeaways:

1. Eating Disorders Affect Diverse Populations

Erica Trocino emphasizes that eating disorders impact a wide range of individuals, including males, athletes, the LGBT community, and people in midlife and beyond, challenging the stereotype that these mental health conditions only affect young white females.

2. COVID-19 Pandemic Fueled Eating Disorders

The isolation, fear, and lack of access to treatment during the pandemic led to an increase in eating disorders, particularly among young people, resulting in lengthy waitlists for treatment programs.

3. Recognizing Early Warning Signs is Crucial

Preoccupation with food, weight, and body image, as well as avoidance of social situations, are important early warning signs of eating disorders. Seeking treatment early, without waiting to hit "rock bottom," is essential for recovery.

4. Overcoming Barriers to Treatment

Shame and feeling "not sick enough" or "not good enough" can hinder individuals from seeking eating disorder treatment. Prioritizing mental health and understanding that recovery is non-linear and unique to each person is crucial.

5. Unique Challenges in Treating Eating Disorders

Unlike substance abuse, complete abstinence from food is not possible when treating eating disorders. The focus must be on changing one's relationship with food and addressing underlying mental health issues.

6. The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Therapy animals, like therapy dog Cowboy, provide a non-threatening way for individuals to practice important skills such as assertiveness and emotional regulation during eating disorder treatment.

7. Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

Dual diagnosis and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, are prevalent among individuals with eating disorders. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for lasting recovery.

This insightful conversation with Erica Trocino provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of eating disorders and the path to recovery, offering hope and guidance to those struggling with these mental health conditions.

Erica Trocino is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor in the state of Arizona, a certified...