Creating Safe Spaces: Exploring Fat Liberation with Alexandra Shewan
In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry, a licensed clinical professional counselor and fat positive therapist, interviews Alexandra Shewan a registered Clinical Counselor 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. Kayla 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 Podcast
00:27 Meet Alexandra Shewan: Intersectionalities and Fun Facts
02:05 Discussing Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
03:52 The Importance of Anti-Oppressive Therapy
10:25 Challenges in the Counseling Field
14:08 Fat Liberation and Therapy Practices
16:57 The Impact of Anti-Fatness in Mental Health
21:11 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy
23:04 Navigating Puberty and Diet Culture
24:57 The Impact of Early Sexualization
25:32 Objectification and Self-Perception
25:58 Childhood Awareness and Diet Culture
30:18 Emotional Neglect and Fatness
36:15 The Importance of Community
38:45 Personal Escapism and Self-Care
41:20 Exploring Spirituality and Identity
44:44 Conclusion and Resources
Resources & Info
NAAFA - naafa.org
Native Land - native-land.ca
Selkie Counselling - selkiecounselling.ca
Fat Tea - selkiecounselling.ca/fat-tea
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