Episode 284: Clinician's Corner | Shame, Stigma & Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder

In this episode of Clinician's Corner, Molly and Clarissa get real about one of the most pervasive and painful barriers in recovery from ultra-processed food use disorder: shame and stigma. Fresh off facilitating two back-to-back retreats (with Vera joining both!), they bring the depth of those in-person conversations directly to you. This is the kind of episode that meets you where you are — no toxic positivity, no oversimplified "just love yourself" advice, and absolutely no shaming you into change. In this episode, you'll hear: The ancient roots of stigma and how it evolved from physical branding to the labels we carry today How external stigma becomes internalized — and why that inner critic is the real battleground Why shame is rarely a catalyst for sustainable change (and why "hitting bottom" is not a recovery strategy) The ways shame quietly shrinks our lives: postponing travel, relationships, photos, joy — until we're "fixed" Whether shame can ever be an ally, and when it becomes maladaptive Why self-compassion is the antidote to shame — but it's not the whole story The difference between doing this work cognitively vs. somatically, and why both matter What it looks like to stop fighting shame and start collaborating with it instead A note for listeners: This is a big ask. Everything we talk about today is deeply ingrained — not a simple reframe. Give yourself permission to take it slowly. You don't have to figure this out in 60 minutes (it's taken us decades, and we're still in it). Connect with us: 📧 FoodJunkiesPodcast@gmail.com 🌐 https://www.sweetsobriety.ca/ If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember — your life is happening right now. Get in there and live it. The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.