Talking about Sexual Abuse and Eating Disorders, with Patty Cabot

Before I launch into this week’s episode, I just want to mention a trigger warning as my guest this week talks about sexual abuse. In the episode, we don’t go into the details of the specific abuse, however, this episode may still be triggering for you, if you, or someone you know has experienced abuse. Make sure you take care of yourself. If this is not the right time, you may wish to give this episode a miss. Today I am talking to Patty Cabot, author of the book ‘Not That Girl Anymore’ and someone who is passionate about raising awareness around sexual abuse. Starting in her teens, Patty battled drastic weight fluctuations and thought it was what prevented her from having romantic relationships. Desperate to break the cycle and open herself to love, at age 38 she started working with a therapist specialising in eating disorders. The therapist believed Patty’s weight changes and her relationship with food were a symptom of childhood sexual abuse, and only by resolving it could she have the love she wanted. In the episode today, Patty talks about sexual abuse and the link with eating disorders. She explores the shame and secrecy experienced by sufferers. She talks us through her healing journey and the different therapies that helped, along with meditation and other tools. Patty showed incredible tenacity and resilience in healing, walking a therapy journey that spanned 12 years. She has emerged the other side with deep self-awareness, has healed her relationship with food and is open hearted and feeling her emotions, in way that she never dreamed possible. This is truly inspiring episode about what is possible with healing. Let’s get to the conversation.   To find out more about Patty:- Website: https://www.pattycabot.com/ Book – Not That Girl Anymore: https://www.pattycabot.com/not-that-girl-anymore   Harriet's Substack: https://substack.com/@theeatingdisordertherapist   Harriet Frew's current offers: - Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating Course https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/online-courses.html Online Breaking Free from Bulimia  https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/bulimia-nervosa-online-course.html Eating Disorders Training for Professionals https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html