Eating disorders are often misunderstood because what we see on the surface rarely tells the whole story. Like an iceberg, the most visible signs may reveal only a small part of a much larger experience.

In this episode of We’re Not OK: A Community of Healing, we sit down with Amparo Penny, LCMHC, C-DBT, a licensed clinical mental health counselor with more than 25 years of experience in the mental health field, to explore the complexities of eating disorders and what it means to look beyond the surface.

Together, we unpack common misconceptions about eating disorders, the visible and invisible signs that can make them difficult to recognize, and the ways family influences and experiences with body image can shape our relationship with ourselves. Amparo also shares insight into recognizing when something isn't right, navigating the messy middle of healing, and supporting others with compassion rather than judgment.

Because understanding the full picture requires looking beyond what is immediately visible. And sometimes, the first step toward healing is being willing to explore what lies beneath the surface.

Connect with Amparo: ⁠Home | Amparo Penny, LCMHC, C-DBT, CCTPWorkbook-"When Fear Wants the Wheel"

IG: ⁠@amparopenny

Connect with the hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Antija Allen & Justin Stewart⁠⁠⁠

IG, TikTok, and YouTube: @thenotokpodcast