ABSTRACT
The first practice of recovery is to honor the impact of history. BED often develops early in childhood. When interpersonal relationships with caregivers are psychologically and/or physically threatening, the child may find the act of binge eating an effective means of coping. Neural pathways establish networks of self-loathing based on the internalization of shame and blame. Resulting struggles with relationships and cultural messages of body shame maintain the “trance of unworthiness” long after the threats from childhood are gone.
