Beyond Binge Eating Healing Trauma & Overcoming Dissociation: Christine Forner on Mindfulness & Recovery
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Christine Forner, a leading expert in trauma, dissociation, and mindfulness, to uncover how the mind and body respond to deep emotional pain—and how to reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way.
If you've ever struggled with binge eating, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected from your own actions, this conversation is a must-watch.
Here’s what we’ll cover in the video:
The Survival Mechanism of Dissociation – How your brain protects you from pain by shutting down awareness, much like anesthesia.
Why Willpower Isn’t Enough – The real reason you can’t “just stop” binge eating or other self-destructive habits.
Mindfulness vs. Dissociation – How these two states are complete opposites and what it takes to shift from survival mode to healing mode.
Practical Strategies to Reconnect – Simple techniques to regain control in the moment, including how pausing, co-regulation, and sensory awareness can shift your state.
Why Modern Society Fuels Dissociation – How social media, overstimulation, and daily stress keep you disconnected—and what to do about it.
If you’re ready to move beyond cycles of emotional numbness and start
truly feeling present in your life, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and powerful tools for healing.
🗣️ Contact and Follow Christine here:
https://www.christineforner.com
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00:00 - Intro
01:11 - Introduction of Christine Forner
02:23 - The Invisible Nature of Dissociation and Its Impact
03:45 - How Dissociation Affects Binge Eating and Emotional Awareness
04:45 - The Chemistry of Dissociation: Similarities to Anesthesia
05:44 - Why Dissociation Overrides Willpower and Logical Thinking
06:37 - The Role of Society in Enabling Dissociation
07:34 - The Spectrum of Dissociation: Everyday Life to Severe Disorders
08:50 - Understanding the Body’s Emergency Cascade Responses
10:12 - How Survival Instincts Impact Brain Functioning
11:41 - The Science Behind Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Dissociation
12:56 - Why Human Connection Is the Key to Healing from Trauma
14:53 - How Dissociation Disconnects Us from Empathy and Awareness
17:19 - Dissociation and the Fragmentation of Sensory Perception
18:03 - How Dissociation Alters Memory and Emotional Processing
19:40 - The Biological Purpose of Dissociation in Life-Threatening Events
21:14 - Strategies to Interrupt Dissociation and Reconnect with the Body
23:10 - Simple Sensory Techniques to Regulate Overwhelming Emotions
25:44 - The Truth About Feeling Pain: Why Avoiding It Makes Things Worse
26:41 - Nurturing vs. Mindfulness: A More Effective Approach for Trauma
29:20 - The Difference Between Formal & Informal Mindfulness Practices
31:45 - Why Mindfulness Can Be Overwhelming for Those Who Dissociate
34:04 - The Power of Co-Regulation and Support in Healing Trauma
35:14 - Procerus Muscle Technique: A Simple Exercise for Self-Soothing
36:58 - How Gentle Touch Can Rewire the Nervous System
37:18 - Final Thoughts: The Importance of Bringing More Nurturing into Our Lives
37:37 - Where to Follow Christine Forner
#dissociation #trauma #mindfulness #nurture
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.