Dr. Hillary McBride, a psychologist, talks about eating disorders, mother-daughter relationships, and listening to the wisdom of our bodies. They discuss the balance between recovery and personal goals in therapy and the impact of the mother-daughter relationship. They also explore the power of anger in women and the importance of being present in the body.
Recovering from an eating disorder involves rediscovering curiosity and engaging with the world, emphasizing the importance of embodiment in the healing process.
Objectification of bodies leads to self-harm behaviors and disconnection from lived experiences; media literacy and surrounding oneself with embodiment supporters can promote healthier connections with our bodies.
Deep dives
The Power of Embodiment and Reconnecting with the Self
Dr. Hilary McBride, a registered psychologist and author, emphasizes the importance of reestablishing a connection with our bodies and embracing embodiment. Through her personal experiences, she realized that recovering from an eating disorder wasn't just about focusing on managing behaviors but also about rediscovering her curiosity and reengaging with the world. Dr. McBride's research explores the concept of embodiment and its impact on our mental health and well-being. By tuning into our bodily cues, paying attention to emotions, and embracing the sensory elements of being a body, we can move away from self-objectification and experience a deeper sense of self and connection.
The Impact of Objectification and Cultivating Embodiment
Dr. Hilary McBride discusses the pervasive issue of objectification in our society, where bodies are often reduced to objects to be evaluated and judged based on societal standards. This objectification can lead to self-harm behaviors, decreased cognitive performance, and a disconnection from our lived experiences. McBride emphasizes the importance of media literacy and critical thinking when it comes to consuming media that perpetuates objectification. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with people who embrace embodiment and challenge objectifying narratives can create a subculture that supports rehumanization and promotes a healthier connection with our bodies.
Spirituality and Embracing the Body
Dr. Hilary McBride reflects on how spirituality has been historically used to disembody ourselves, distancing us from our physical experiences and creating a dichotomy between the spiritual and the physical. However, she argues that our bodies are the pathway to spirituality and wonders, perceiving our bodies as vessels of presence and connection. McBride cites her connection with nature and gardening as a reminder of the interconnectedness between all things, recognizing that she is part of the larger tapestry of creation. She encourages a shift in perspective, seeing the body as sacred and integral to our spiritual journey.
Reframing Our Perspectives and Embracing Curiosity
Dr. Hilary McBride challenges the dominant narratives surrounding the body and encourages reframing our perspectives. She suggests asking questions such as, What does it cost us to see our bodies as objects? and Who else do we see as objects when we objectify ourselves? McBride highlights the importance of embracing curiosity and wonder, tuning into our bodily cues, and appreciating the sensory elements of being a body. By cultivating an embodied, curious approach to life, we can reconnect with our authentic selves and experience the world in a more meaningful way.
Hillary McBride, PhD, is a Registered Psychologist, researcher, podcaster, and author, but underneath all of that she is a human, who loves asking questions about what it means to be human, how we heal and grow, and what it means to be a body. In this interview, Dr. McBride and Ericka Graham discuss eating disorders, mother-daughter relationships, and what it means listen to the wisdom of our bodies.
More info on Hillary McBride: She publishes written works for community and academic audiences about embodiment, trauma, eating disorders, mental health and spirituality; her bestselling book The Wisdom Of Your Body was released in 2021, and her next book, Practices for Embodied Living will be released in 2024. Her award-winning CBC podcast Other People's Problems was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times as essential listening, and she is the co-developer of Katalyst Mental Health Ketamine Assisted Therapy program. What makes her feel alive is her daughter's laugh, her love for her partner and close friends, asking unanswerable questions, and spending time in or near the ocean.