Ep. 77 Eating Disorders Part 2: The Therapist Episode on Signs, Symptoms, Causes, & How to Finally Heal | Dr. Morgan Francis

This week, we’re continuing the conversation about eating disorders, but this time, with a professional who has spent nearly two decades treating eating disorders.

After my solo episode (ep. 75) sharing my 15-year battle with anorexia, bulimia, food addiction, and body dysmorphia, you sent in hundreds of questions…and I saved all of them for this conversation.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Morgan Francis, licensed therapist and eating disorder specialist, for a powerful, honest, informative, and definitely-lifesaving conversation that every woman (and every parent) needs to hear.

Together, we break down:

✨ Disordered eating vs. eating disorders—the difference matters

✨ How young it starts (as early as five years old) and why

✨ The most commonly missed warning signs

✨ How to know if you may be struggling

✨ What to do if someone you love has an eating disorder

✨ How to help yourself if you’re stuck in the cycle

✨ Why “looking healthy” can hide years of pain

✨ The role of shame, trauma, comparison, and control

✨ What real healing actually looks like, and how you can learn to love your body

This episode is equal parts education, compassion, and empowerment. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand your own relationship with food and your body…this conversation is a gentle, grounding place to start.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you’re not alone, there IS help, and healing is absolutely possible. 🫶🏼

Here are three free, reputable places to get help:

💛 NEDA: Free screening tools and a 24/7 crisis text line (text NEDA to 741741).

💛 ANAD: Free virtual support groups and one-on-one peer mentoring at anad.org. 

💛 Project HEAL: Helps people access treatment when cost or insurance is a barrier at theprojectheal.org. 

You’re not alone, and real support is available. 🫶🏼

Want deeper support from Dr. Morgan?

💛 Here’s a link to Dr. Morgan’s Guide to Intuitive Eating and her Trainings for Therapists & Coaches -> CLICK HERE 

If this episode speaks to you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. And if you haven’t listened to Part 1 my story—it’s Episode 75.

Watch this full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell .

Here are the key moments from the episode:

02:11 Why I Brought a Therapist On

08:30 Dr. Morgan’s Story & Trauma

15:45 Body Image Isn’t Vanity

21:50 Eating Disorder vs. Dysmorphia

29:10 Can You Trust Yourself Around Food?

36:15 Disordered Eating vs Diagnosis

42:18 Binge Eating & Fitness Culture

49:30 Ozempic: Relief or Distraction?

56:40 Body Trust, Respect & Appreciation

01:00:05 Are You Ready to Heal?

01:06:14 The Power of Self-Forgiveness

01:13:02 Eating Disorders in Men

01:18:55 What Dr. Morgan Wants You to Know

Connect with Heidi:


Website: https://heidipowell.net/  

Email: podcast@heidipowell.net  

Instagram: @realheidipowell

Facebook: Heidi Powell

YouTube: @RealHeidiPowell

Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/  

Connect with Dr. Morgan Francis:

Website: http://www.scottsdalepremiercounseling.com/  

Instagram: @drmorganfrancis

About Dr. Morgan Francis:
 Dr. Morgan Francis is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. She is the owner of Scottsdale Premier Counseling in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her mission is to break through the mental health shame game. With over 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of Body Image and Eating Disorders, Dr. Francis can empower you to make peace with your body and food. You can watch her on Wellness Wednesdays as the Mental Health Expert for 12 News Arizona.  She is also a frequent guest on Fox News and serves as public speaker and consultant on mental health helping churches, schools, and community organizations. You can work with Dr. Francis by accessing her online courses or attending her webinars. Dr. Francis lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her three children and husband.