Check out the latest talks, interviews, and articles from Megan Bruneau. For hundreds more, check out her author pages on Huffington Post, Forbes, MindBodyGreen, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, Gaia, Entrepreneur, Verily and Quartz.
I’ve been working with Melissa* for close to two years. Her initial email, with “Can u help me?” in the subject line, was spurred by a recent breakup – yet another relationship, I soon learned, that Melissa’s eating disorder had stolen from her.
Read MoreAlthough these days I focus primarily on entrepreneurial mental health, I began my counseling career immersed in the eating disorder recovery world. The prior decade of quietly trying to heal myself from bulimia and anorexia had instilled in me a fervent desire to support others – both directly as as clinician and indirectly as an advocate.
Read MoreI have a sterilized version of this story, where I say I’ve just always been fascinated with psychology and helping. I remember a clear conversation with my dad at about seven or eight years old, where I decided I would be a psychologist (after he killed my dreams of being a singer songwriter, artist, and journalist, respectively *sigh*). This version is not untrue, but like most therapists the full story is that my curiosity about the human condition grew out of personal experience with pain.
Read MoreDuring a recent emotional rough patch, I found myself craving dance. I've spent years optimizing my mental health and have learned dance is one of the most reliable ways of shifting my mood – particularly when its positive effects aren't negated shortly thereafter with a hangover (because historically for me they've gone hand-in-hand). So knowing 3am tequila shots and a regrettable makeout would probably cancel out the therapeutic benefits of a night of clubbing, I shot a text to a couple of friends asking if they had any recommendations for accessible (daytime, sober) dance workouts in the city. Both returned with the same answer: 305 Fitness.
Read MoreIn this episode of Blair Badenhop’s Brand Yourself podcast, Megan shares her how perfectionism affected her life, how she recovered from eating disorders, and how she created an authentic unique brand.
Read MoreWhen you hear Melainie Rogers’ story, it’s not surprising she had the courage to call out Weight Watchers on their recent – and highly controversial – marketing strategy: Oprah’s favorite diet-empire announced it was offering free memberships to teens for the summer. This move that was met with understandable outrage from the eating disorder recovery community, as nearly 100 percent of eating disorders begins with a diet; teenage years are accompanied by natural pubescent weight-gain; and heck, confidence as a teen is difficult enough without feeling pressured to shrink.
Read MoreIt's a long one but it's worth it! Learn how trauma, perfectionism, and diet culture are at the root of anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and under-confidence – and how to free yourself from those shackles. WATCH HERE
Read MoreMy dear, wise friend Sarah Anne Stewart interviewed me on shame & perfectionism and how it relates to body image & disordered eating, anxiety and depression. If you’re interested in my story and my advice for coping (especially this time of year!), tune in (quality is better than thumbnail suggests ?)! WATCH HERE
Read MoreBELLA Magazine asked me for some tips on dealing with the holiday season. Here’s a screenshot ( although…please ignore the “Eating Healthy During the Holidays” bit and pretend it says “Eating Happily During The Holidays ).
Read MoreI had an awesome conversation a couple weeks back with Orlaith Rosey from the Mindfully Fit Podcast. We talk disordered eating, how fucked-up societal expectations contribute to anxiety and depression in women, how perfectionism manifests in your “healthy” lifestyle, and more. Bear with me for (or skip) the first 5 mins or so (I was either nervous, excited, or my coffee hadn’t kicked in yet…) – shit gets good after that. If you enjoyed my interview on The Healthy Maven’s podcast, you’ll be into this one! I don’t know how to embed, so click on the screenshot below to be taken to the episode :).
Read MoreOnly in recent years have we finally begun to acknowledge the connection between diet and mood. Can you believe I went through seven years of post-secondary in psychology, and there wasn’t a single lesson on nutrition for mental health? Fortunately, I had always been interested in nutrition (a silver-lining byproduct of a decade-long battle with eating disorders) and how what we eat affects our mental health
Read More“Are you getting help?” the emergency room physician asked, his voice stern yet his eyes soft with pity. I wondered if he had a daughter.
“Yes,” I lied, averting his concerned gaze. My shame was compounded by awareness of my naked body, visibly starving through the slits of the humiliating blue hospital gown. “I’m seeing a therapist.”
Hours earlier, I’d bussed myself to the hospital after throwing up blood and feeling scared my eating disorder was going to kill me. I’d sat in the waiting room alone, too ashamed to tell my boyfriend at the time why I couldn’t meet up with him that night. I have too much homework, I’d told him
Read MoreThis episode’s guest is Megan Bruneau – a psychotherapist and wellness coach based in New York. She is also a writer and blogger and her work has been featured in different publications like Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Thought Catalog and Elephant Journal, just to name a few. She hosts the Failure Factor which features “failure stories” from successful people.
Today, we discuss eating disorders, anxiety, and other manifestations brought about by perfectionism. A very insightful episode as Megan has actually suffered from and battled with perfectionism as well, which she was able to overcome by practicing what she preaches, stepping out of her comfort zone, and discovering self-compassion. A very eloquent speaker, Megan provided us with an excellent episode that you’ll gain a load of value from.
Read MoreI swear to God if there’s one thing that will make me willingly leave this city, it’s hearing another group of brilliant, inspiring women talk about their “need” to reach some arbitrary goal weight they’ve determined will be the impetus to their elusive self-acceptance.
Read MoreI swear to God if there’s one thing that will make me willingly leave this city, it’s hearing another group of brilliant, inspiring women talk about their “need” to reach some arbitrary goal weight they’ve determined will be the impetus to their elusive self-acceptance.
Read MoreI was interviewed alongside some other badass experts on how to survive the holidays when recovering from an ED. Check it.
The Holidays are often said to be the most wonderful time of year. For many, it is a time to see loved ones, eat delicious food and celebrate the New Year. But for the 30 million Americans struggling with eating disorders, this time of year can be stressful and overwhelming.
For those in recovery from Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia or other eating disorders– it is anything but easy. Whether someone is a year into stable recovery or 10 years into his or her process of healing, there are many components that can still make the holidays an ultimate challenge
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Read Moreychotherapist and fellow podcaster Megan Bruneau shares her story of eating disorder recovery, learning to love her body, dealing with trauma, taking big risks in life, and lots more! PLUS, we're going weekly again--tune in next week for another new episode!!
Megan Bruneau is a mental health therapist, wellness coach, writer, and podcast host. She has a master’s in counseling psychology, a bachelor’s in psychology and family studies, and has worked in the fitness, yoga, and nutrition industries. After years of perfectionism-fueled depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, she discovered how to like herself, take risks, and find success without beating herself up to get there. She writes about how to develop a relationship with yourself where you motivate from love rather than fear, experience authentic happiness, and give yourself permission to follow your dreams and make it big! Find her on her blog, One Shrink's Perspective, and check out her writing and podcast for Forbes!
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