A Deep Dive into Dissociation and Binge Eating with Dr. Danielle Hiestand
I’m so excited for you to hear from San Diego trauma and eating disorder specialist, Dr. Danielle Hiestand, LMFT, CEDS on the topic of dissociation and binge eating. Danielle was actually a former doctoral student of mine from long ago, and she did amazing research on eating disorders. She has since become one of the top eating disorder therapists in San Diego, known especially for how she integrates eating disorder treatment and trauma therapy. Plus, she’s going to be a guest speaker for my Summer 2022 Freedom From Binge Eating class! Winning!
How did you become a trauma and eating disorder specialist in San Diego?
When I was an undergrad, I attended the University of California San Diego and took an elective class on eating disorders. I developed a strong interest in eating disorder prevention work, and eventually, I wanted to treat eating disorders. After working in the eating disorder treatment field for several years in San Diego, I realized that to help my clients more effectively, I needed more training in trauma. This was because most of my clients had trauma histories. I began training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy, and ultimately became an EMDR Consultant. I love helping people develop a healthy relationship with food, as well as a newfound appreciation for their bodies. It is an honor to support people in their healing journey and to get them to a place where they can enjoy everyday experiences like eating again.
What type of trauma and eating disorder treatment in San Diego do you offer?
I practice EMDR therapy for adults. I also integrate DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) in my work with clients, so that they can build coping skills and resources.
How many years have you been treating eating disorders overall, and how long have you been working with eating disorders in San Diego?
I’ve been in San Diego since 2001. In 2005, I began volunteering in the area of eating disorder prevention. In 2007, I started providing eating disorder treatment in San Diego.
You have graciously agreed to be a guest speaker for my live, virtual, 5-week, Summer 2022 Freedom From Binge Eating Class (yay!). You'll discuss the role dissociation and trauma play in the binge eating and binge/purge cycles.
What does dissociation mean and how can it be a part of binge eating and binge/purge behaviors?
Dissociation is the experience of disconnection among one’s thoughts, feelings, memories, and identity. Dissociation is one way the brain responds to adverse life events. It is how an individual protects themselves from being emotionally or physically overwhelmed. Therefore, you may not feel present your body. Sometimes dissociation doesn’t turn off, even though the distressing event is over. The brain can get stuck in “trauma time,” and continue to use dissociation to cope with everyday stressors.
People with eating disorders engage in behaviors that can bring on dissociation such as binging, mindless eating, and purging behaviors. Dissociation and eating disorder behaviors can be a way to survive and cope with intrusive traumatic memories.
How can trauma be an underlying factor in people who struggle with binge eating and binge/purge behaviors?
Trauma can be an underlying factor for many mental health disorders, such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. Trauma is a negative life experience that continues to make you not feel present in your body. If an individual is frequently triggered or has PTSD symptoms, they might use food to decrease their distress, avoid the feelings, or distract from the intrusive images or thoughts. Binge eating and binge/purge behaviors can help someone temporarily escape through dissociation; however, the use of these behaviors causes more problems in the long run.
What strategies can you use to stop not feeling present in your body during binge eating and binge/purge episodes?
If a person realizes they are having an episode, they could ask themselves: “Where am I right now? Am I safe right now? Do my mind and body know that I am safe right now?” These questions may help a person identify if they are present or dissociated. Next, the person could identify their options: (a) They could continue with the behavior, (b) They could pause for 5 minutes and choose a coping tool, (c) After 5 minutes, they can check in and explore if they want to continue with the behavior, or can they pause for another 5 minutes, and (d) They could stop and choose a coping tool and/or ask for help. These questions may help a person become more aware of the behavior they're engaging in and the choices they currently have.
What do you wish people knew about getting treatment for binge eating and trauma?
I wish people knew that recovery is possible. I know people can feel hopeless sometimes and you may not feel present in your body often. Especially if they have been struggling for a long time. I’ve seen people heal from EMDR therapy and recover from their eating disorders and PTSD. Research also supports the clinical effectiveness of EMDR therapy. If people believed they could get better they might be more likely to seek out treatment.
How can people learn more about and contact you?
Check out my website!
Ready to Conquer Binge Eating? Let’s Transform Your Relationship with Food Together!
Hello! If binge eating has been a challenge, you’re in the right place. I’m Dr. Marianne Miller, your dedicated Eating Disorder Therapist and Binge Eating Coach, available in San Diego, California, London, UK, Dallas, Texas, Washington, D.C., and online. Let’s start an exciting journey toward balanced eating and joyful living!
Kickstart Your Transformation
Get Started: Choose your path! Dive into the Elite Binge Eating Recovery Method or Join Dr. Marianne-Land’s Membership Program and begin your transformation today!
Engage: Take part in our self-paced binge eating program and watch yourself overcome binge eating and regain control.
Celebrate: Enjoy a new chapter filled with freedom, joy, and self-love!
Find Your Ideal Solution
🌟 Explore the Elite Binge Eating Recovery Method!
What It Is: A 3-month online coaching adventure tailored for professionals, students, athletes, and high achievers eager to gain control over their eating habits.
What You Get: Personalized virtual coaching and an online class packed with practical tips, strategies, and support to make food your ally.
Note: This is an engaging coaching experience, not clinical therapy, with me, Dr. Marianne Miller!
🌟 Join the Dr. Marianne-Land Binge Eating Recovery Membership Program!
What It Is: An exclusive online membership offering binge eating education and private virtual support via email.
What You Get: Access to a an interactive binge eating course and all the tools you need to address binge eating and shift your mindset for lasting change.
Note: This is an interactive, educational program—not clinical therapy. It’s all about getting the support and guidance you need from your binge eating coach!
Stay Connected
📸 Follow Me on Instagram
Get daily binge eating tips and motivation with engaging reels, posts, and updates. Join the Insta community!
🎧 Listen to Dr. Marianne-Land: An Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast
Subscribe on Apple or Spotify for insightful discussions and interviews on binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, diabetes, nutrition, mental health, and more!
Quick Disclaimers
Elite Binge Eating Recovery Method: This is an online education and live coaching support program, not clinical therapy. It’s a dynamic coaching experience with me, Dr. Marianne Miller.
Dr. Marianne-Land’s Membership Program: Provides binge eating education and virtual group support. It’s not a substitute for clinical therapy but a supportive coaching experience with plenty of resources.
Let’s start your journey to a balanced, joyful relationship with food today! 🌟