490: GLP-1’s and Eating Disorders with Dr Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland

Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week, we're talking about a subject that many people are curious about lately, GLP-1's the diabetes medications that are being used by non-diabetics for weight loss. Therapists need to know about these medications, because clients are exploring them. I sat down with Dr. Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland, two therapists who specialize in eating disorders, to hear their perspective on whether these medications are helpful or harmful. Our conversation took us many places I wasn't expecting and challenged so many biases I had about these medications - some I wasn't aware of until we started talking. We went into diet culture, various eating disorders, why people are using GLP-1's and what they're experiencing. Their perspective was much more nuanced than I expected and I'm grateful to them for educating me! Whether you're someone considering GLP-1's, or a therapist whose clients may be curious about these meds, you'll find a lot to think about in this episode.Vanessa Scaringi, PhD, CEDS-C, is a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX. Vanessa co-owns with Kathryn Garland, LCSW, CALM Counseling, a group therapy practice. She primarily sees individuals in working on recovery from eating disorders or body image issues. Vanessa has dedicated much of her career to working in the eating disorder field. Kathryn Garland is a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor as well as a certified eating disorder specialist consultant in Texas, New York, Massachusetts and Colorado. She obtained postgraduate psychoanalytic training in New York City and incorporates relational and intuitive methods into her work with clients. Learn more about Dr. Vanessa Scaringi and Kathryn Garland, LCSW via their CALM Counseling ATX website and their Instagram.If you're interested in being notified when I announce the details of the new Therapy Chat membership which will open in September, 2025, submit your info on this form. Thanks!Therapists, visit the new For Therapists page on the Trauma Therapist Network website for discounts on training, recommended resources and more. Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today.Love Therapy Chat? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe where you listen to your podcasts! Thank you!Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands