Therapy is Political & Creating Safety for Fat Folks with Alexandra Shewan, BA, MC

Creating Safe Spaces: Exploring Fat Liberation with Alexandra ShewanIn this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kale Stansberry, a licensed clinical professional counselor and fat positive therapist, interviews Alexandra Shewan from Canada. The discussion delves deep into fat liberation, addressing internalized anti-fat biases, and exploring intersectional identities. Both hosts share their personal experiences and discuss the importance of building safe fat communities. The episode underscores the significance of understanding and acknowledging one's cultural and ancestral identities while remaining mindful of the privileges associated with whiteness. Kale and Alexandra also address the importance of non-neutrality in therapy, self-disclosure, and the detrimental effects of diet culture and fat bias. Finally, the hosts highlight strategies for maintaining mental health in an anti-fat world, including the value of community, spirituality, and engaging in artistic pursuits.00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Everything Podcast00:27 Meet Alexandra Shewan: Intersectionalities and Fun Facts02:05 Discussing Indigenous Land Acknowledgment03:52 The Importance of Anti-Oppressive Therapy10:25 Challenges in the Counseling Field14:08 Fat Liberation and Therapy Practices16:57 The Impact of Anti-Fatness in Mental Health21:11 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy23:04 Navigating Puberty and Diet Culture24:57 The Impact of Early Sexualization25:32 Objectification and Self-Perception25:58 Childhood Awareness and Diet Culture30:18 Emotional Neglect and Fatness36:15 The Importance of Community38:45 Personal Escapism and Self-Care41:20 Exploring Spirituality and Identity44:44 Conclusion and ResourcesNAAFA - naafa.orgNative Land - native-land.caSelkie Counselling - selkiecounselling.caFat Tea - selkiecounselling.ca/fat-tea Get full access to Fat Positive Therapist (Kayla) at kaylastansberry.substack.com/subscribe