In Conversation: Redefining eating disorder language, treatment and recovery

Start the New Year with a special thought-provoking episode of Unravelling. Hosts Kurt White and Mary Wilson are joined by Brattleboro Retreat postdoctoral psychology fellow Mary Iellamo to revisit a compelling panel from the Brattleboro Literary Festival. Moderated by Iellamo, this conversation brings together authors Anna Shechtman (The Riddles of the Sphinx) and Emmeline Clein (Dead Weight), who were each featured individually in the previous two episodes of Unravelling (episodes 13 and 14).

With clips from the panel, this episode delves into the cultural narratives surrounding eating disorders, unpacking the paradoxes of connection and competition in recovery. It also tackles critical questions about treatment: how do we balance harm prevention with addressing the systemic causes of these illnesses? And how can innovative strategies—like group outings that mimic real-life social experiences—be integrated into care, even when they provoke anxiety?
The conversation concludes by exploring how treatment centers and individuals can create spaces for recovery that support autonomy, healing, and meaningful connections.

Links:

Anna Shechtman's website: Anna Shechtman

The Riddles of the Sphinx: The Riddles of the Sphinx – HarperCollins

Emmeline Clein's website: https://emmelineclein.net/Homepage

Dead Weight: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Weight-Essays-Hunger-Harm/dp/0593536908

Brattleboro Literary Festival: https://brattleborolitfest.org/