Childhood Experiences and Eating Disorders with Dr. Amanda Bolton

Understanding Body Matters Podcast

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr. Amanda Bolton. Amanda is the co-owner of Eating Disorders Training Australia with her colleague Dr. Sarah Egan which provides training and supervision to clinicians approved by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration. Amanda has worked at the Monash Health eating disorder outpatient service (Wellness and Recovery Centre) and within private practice. Amanda also worked as both a Senior clinician and Co-ordinator of the Butterfly Eating Disorder Day program at Monash Health for many years. Amanda developed this program, the group content, the treatment focus, supervised students as well as clinicians, provided training for eating disorders and oversaw the treatment being provided for young people. Amanda has been delivering extensive treatment for over 8 years delivering individual treatment using CBT-E, CCSM, DBT, schema therapy, family focused treatment (AFT) as well as group therapy programs (CCSW, CBT, ACT, DBT). Amanda also really likes to draw on other specific frameworks such as HAES, intuitive eating, motivational interviewing, FBT, MANTRA and psychodynamic in her work as a clinician as well as clinical supervisor. Where Amanda is also a casual lecturer and supervisor with the Cairnmillar Institute.

On this week’s episode we will be speaking about the topic of childhood experiences and the impact that it can have within Eating Disorders. Most notably on the impact of adverse childhood experiences or ongoing adversity carried into adulthood. On this episode Amanda will be speaking about the messages that we receive in childhood, dieting in childhood and on family members who have also experienced eating disorders. While also acknowledging that not all people who experience adverse childhood experiences or traumas do actually develop an eating disorder. Amanda also will provide some support and guidance for parents around the topic of childhood experiences within eating disorders. So, on that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Amanda!

Podcast Summary:

1. Messages in childhood influencing eating behaviours

2. Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

3. Dieting in childhood

4. Families with a history of eating disorders

5. Ongoing adverse experiences into adulthood

6. The protective factors in childhood that may prevent an eating disorder

7. Support for parents

Links to Dr. Amanda Bolton:

Eating Disorders Training Australia Website: https://eatingdisorderstrainingaustralia.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatingdisorderstrainingaust/

Instagram: @eatingdisorderstrainingaust

Links from the episode:

BMA Support wise courses to support parents: https://www.supportwise.com.au/

BodyMatters Australasia Website: https://bodymatters.com.au/

BodyMatters Instagram: bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email