Experts Explain Trauma | Why Does Food Make You Feel Safe?

An episode of the Healing and Growing, Hand in Hand podcast, hosted by Lisa Tickel, titled "Experts Explain Trauma | Why Does Food Make You Feel Safe?" was published on December 20, 2025 and runs 10 minutes.

December 20, 2025 ·10m · Healing and Growing, Hand in Hand

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Summary

Why do we turn to food when we’re stressed, sad, or overwhelmed?In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, licensed clinical psychologist and binge eating recovery expert Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms breaks down the psychological and biological reasons food becomes a source of comfort—especially for those with trauma histories.We explore:- Why food is tied to safety in early childhood- How trauma disconnects us from hunger and fullness signals- What "interoceptive awareness" is and why it's essential to healing- The truth behind intuitive eating—and why it’s not as simple as “eat when you're hungry”- Practical ways to start rebuilding body trust after binge or emotional eatingIf you’ve ever wondered why you reach for food when you're not hungry, or felt shame for emotional eating, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and real solutions.Connect with Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms:Psychologist & Creator of The Finding Food & Body Freedom FormulaWebsite: https://peacefulpresencepsych.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finding_food_and_body_freedomDon’t forget to subscribe for weekly trauma-informed tools for healing, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.#bingehealing #traumarecovery #emotionaleating #interoceptiveawareness #bodytrust #expertsplaintrauma #foodfreedom #intuitiveeating #healingjourney #drjessicaneukamhelms

Episode Description

Why do we turn to food when we’re stressed, sad, or overwhelmed?

In this episode of Experts Explain Trauma, licensed clinical psychologist and binge eating recovery expert Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms breaks down the psychological and biological reasons food becomes a source of comfort—especially for those with trauma histories.

We explore:

- Why food is tied to safety in early childhood

- How trauma disconnects us from hunger and fullness signals

- What "interoceptive awareness" is and why it's essential to healing

- The truth behind intuitive eating—and why it’s not as simple as “eat when you're hungry”

- Practical ways to start rebuilding body trust after binge or emotional eating

If you’ve ever wondered why you reach for food when you're not hungry, or felt shame for emotional eating, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and real solutions.

Connect with Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms:

Psychologist & Creator of The Finding Food & Body Freedom Formula

Website: https://peacefulpresencepsych.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finding_food_and_body_freedom

Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly trauma-informed tools for healing, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

#bingehealing #traumarecovery #emotionaleating #interoceptiveawareness #bodytrust #expertsplaintrauma #foodfreedom #intuitiveeating #healingjourney #drjessicaneukamhelms