Binge Eating, Dissociation & Trauma with Sandi James

In this episode, we sit down with Sandi James, a registered psychologist, certified eating disorder recovery coach, and lived-experience clinician with over 15 years in mental health and trauma recovery.

Together, we explore the often-overlooked world of binge eating disorder, its deep connection with dissociation, and the innovative, person-centered approaches Sandi uses to help clients who feel let down by traditional treatment methods.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

Why Binge Eating Disorder Is Underdiagnosed:

Discover how shame, stigma, and medical bias contribute to the lack of recognition and treatment for BED.

The Role of Dissociation in Binge Eating:

Learn how dissociation disconnects individuals from their behaviors—and what can be done to break this pattern.

The Power of a Personalized Approach:

Why a one-size-fits-all treatment model often fails, and how Sandi's harm-reduction methods meet clients where they are.

Joyful Movement & Creative Healing:

From surfing to art therapy, find out how incorporating fun, engaging activities can ground the mind and support recovery.

Practical Tips for Staying Present:

Sandi shares actionable tools to help prevent dissociation and build resilience against binge episodes.

If you or someone you know has struggled with binge eating, trauma, or feeling disconnected from their body, this episode offers compassionate, insightful guidance—and a message of hope.

🗣️ Contact and Follow Sandi here:

https://www.instagram.com/sandi_in_the_world/

https://www.sandijames.com.au

Please like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources and support on your recovery journey!

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00:00 - Intro

01:10 - The Underrecognized Nature of Binge Eating Disorder

02:45 - Shame & Stigma in Treatment

04:30 - how anxiety, depression, and trauma frequently accompany binge eating.

06:20 - Why many people delay seeking help until medical complications arise.

08:15 - The Role of Dissociation in Binge Eating

10:05 - Sandi’s Personal Journey with Trauma & Recovery

10:35 - The Therapeutic Relationship

13:30 - How the pandemic tied in to Sandi’s relapse and what helped her recover.

16:15 - Practical Strategies to Counter Dissociation

19:40 - Joyful Movement as a Recovery Tool

23:10 - Why person-centered care is crucial for long-term recovery success.

25:45 - How self-kindness plays a vital role in overcoming binge eating.

26:00 - Tetris, juggling, games

35:20 - The Importance of Creative Outlets in Recovery

38:10 - How to Connect with Sandi

#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery

Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.