In this episode, Sarah and Stef explore how body acceptance might feel like defeat for many who have struggled to change their bodies and feel oppressed by their circumstances. They dissect how acceptance is a proactive practice that differs from the feeling of defeat, which is reactionary and involves a perceived loss against external forces. Stef shares personal insights on how acceptance can feel oppressive when it seems to invalidate self-advocacy, while Sarah discusses how resistance to acceptance often stems from fear and shame.

The conversation touches on therapeutic techniques to work through resistance, the importance of validating and allowing resistant feelings, and the transformative power of willingness and allowing reality as it is without judgment. They also talk about the importance of having a supportive space where resistance can be discussed openly and without the urge to “fix” it immediately.

Towards the end, they discuss real-world applications of these concepts, bringing in examples like discomfort on airplanes due to body size and personal triggers in relation to diet culture. They also investigate how contextualizing experiences as non-personal and understanding biological and psychological underpinnings can help shift perspectives from defeat to empowerment.

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Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

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