Eating Disorders: How to regain confidence in yourself and your body? – with Amanda Forissier, CBT therapist

🩵 Introduction

Eating disorders (EDs) — anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID — are complex illnesses that stem not from willpower, but from profound psychological suffering . In this episode of the États Dames podcast , Amanda Forissier , a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) therapist , guides us to better understand these disorders, soothe shame and guilt, and rediscover a compassionate relationship with ourselves and our bodies . Through concrete tools and an approach grounded in science and gentleness, she invites us to regain confidence and place self-compassion at the heart of the healing process.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

📊 Did you know?

💬 In France, nearly 1.2 million people suffer from eating disorders, 90% of whom are women. Yet, less than half dare to seek help . Eating disorders often appear between the ages of 12 and 25 , but can affect people of any age, including adults or after a life upheaval (pregnancy, menopause, breakup, stress).

A persistent taboo that fuels shame and delays healing.

🌸 What is an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is an illness where the relationship with food becomes a reflection of an emotional imbalance . It is not a matter of whim or lack of willpower, but an attempt to regain control over one's emotions through the body or food .

The most common forms are:

• Anorexia : intense fear of gaining weight, extreme restriction, distorted body image.

• Bulimia : eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors (vomiting, excessive exercise).

• Hyperphagia : episodes of overeating without compensation.

• ARFID : food avoidance not related to weight (fear of choking, sensory sensitivity, etc.).

“Eating disorders are a form of psychological suffering that manifests itself through the body and food.”— Amanda Forissier

🧠 The causes and dominant emotions

Eating disorders stem from multiple factors : social pressure, perfectionism, fragile self-esteem, personal or traumatic history. The most frequent emotions are:

• The shame : of not being “normal”.

• Guilt : after a crisis or a transgression.

• Fear : of judgment, of change, of losing control.

“Emotional validation is essential. Telling someone 'I understand that this shame is overwhelming you' already allows them to breathe again.” — Amanda Forissier

🌿 CBT tools to soothe and reconnect with yourself

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify automatic thoughts , to question them, and then to replace them with more realistic and benevolent thoughts . It also allows one to act step by step , without violence towards oneself.

Some tools shared by Amanda Forissier:

• Thought cards : analyze the situation, the thought, the emotion and create a gentle alternative.

• Gradual exposure : reconnecting with one's body image or a dreaded food, gradually.

• The emotional compass : Stop – Breathe – Ground yourself – Name your emotion – Wait 10 minutes .

• Self-compassion : talking to yourself as you would to a friend, with humanity and patience.

  
  

💬 Message from Amanda Forissier

“You are not your eating disorder. Recovery is possible, even if the road is long. Every small step towards gentleness, flexibility, and kindness towards yourself is a victory.”

🎧 Listen to the episode

🎙️ Discover the full episode "At the Heart of Eating Disorders: When Body Image Takes the Lead"

Full episode

📚 Useful Resources

• Amanda Forissier's self-help notebooks (grief, depression, breakup…)

Notebooks to discover

• Anorexia Bulimia Info Listening Service (ABIE) — 0 810 037 037

• Fil Santé Jeunes — 0 800 235 236

• SOS Friendship — 09 72 39 40 50

• National suicide prevention hotline: 3114

• Other episodes of États Dames on mental health and body image

💬 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are eating disorders a matter of willpower?

No. Eating disorders reflect deep psychological and emotional suffering, never a lack of willpower.

2. Can an eating disorder be cured?

Yes, with appropriate support (CBT, nutrition, medical and emotional support), healing is possible.

3. How to help a loved one who is affected?

By prioritizing listening, kindness, and "I" statements rather than advice or judgments.

4. Are CBTs effective?

Yes, cognitive behavioral therapies are among the most scientifically validated approaches to supporting eating disorders.

🌷 Conclusion

Talking about eating disorders opens a space for understanding and compassion. This episode of États Dames reminds us that healing comes not from control , but from listening, gentleness, and connection . Every woman deserves to feel at peace with her body, without shame or fear.