016 - Treating to the Traits: An Introduction to Temperament-Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S) (with Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck)

Episode 016

Title: Treating to the Traits: An Introduction to Temperament- Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S) (with Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck)

In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, clinical psychologist and co-developer of Temperament Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S), to explore a model of eating disorder care built on neuroscience and personality research. Dr. Knatz Peck explains what TBT-S is, how specific temperament traits—like anxiety, perfectionism, and harm avoidance—are overrepresented in eating disorders, and why treating to the trait rather than against it changes everything. The conversation covers how parents can access TBT-S, what the five-day intensive format looks like, and why understanding the biology behind their child's behavior helps caregivers show up more effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

01:16 Guest Introduction: Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck

01:36 What Is TBT-S and Why It Was Developed

06:00 The "S" in TBT-S: Why Words and Supports Matter

08:22 What Temperament Actually Means

11:23 Temperament Traits Across Eating Disorder Subtypes

17:27 Traits as Gifts: Treat to the Trait

25:04 Honoring Traits Without Colluding with the Eating Disorder

30:06 How Environment Interacts with Traits

32:17 Why Parents Are the Primary Agent of Change

36:14 Neurobiological Empathy: What Parents Gain from TBT-S

38:33 How Families Access TBT-S: Intensives and Provider Training

43:58 Case Study: Finding Engagement After Years of Being Stuck

49:23 Three Practical Tips for Supports

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST programs and services:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

FEAST Blog Post-Laura Hill PhD:

https://feast-ed.org/how-temperament-influences-support-given-to-loved-ones-with-eating-disorders/

Bright Mind Therapy (Dr. Knatz Peck's clinic):

https://www.brightmindtherapy.com/

TBTS Institute:

https://tbtstraining.com

Guest Bio:

Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck is a clinical psychologist and the founder and clinical director of BrightMind Therapy. She is a practitioner-scientist trained in the UCSD Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry in child and adolescent mental health and evidence-based treatments for parents and youth. In addition to her role at BrightMind Therapy, Dr. Peck is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she directs an Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program for adolescents and young adults with eating disorders and their families.

Dr. Peck is involved in clinical research underway at UCSD evaluating novel psychiatric treatments including psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and family-focused eating disorders treatment. She provides regular workshops and trainings around the world focused on parent training, family-based treatment, and eating disorders. Dr. Peck is passionate about high-impact treatments and working with youth, with a particular focus on adolescents. She is dedicated to ensuring that youth feel connected and safe while receiving high quality treatments that are rooted in science, adapted for age, family-involved, and last but not least, creative and fun!

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys being in nature, surfing, yoga, hiking, writing, and spending time with her young daughter and husband. Born and raised throughout Central and South America to American parents, Dr. Peck identifies as “third-culture” which she credits for the value she places on openness, flexibility, and appreciation for diversity of opinion.