Feeling lost on how to support a friend or loved one struggling with an eating disorder? This episode equips you with practical tools for offering compassionate and effective support, without feeling like you need to become their therapist. We're joined by Jessica Shafer, MS, LMFT, a family therapist specialized in eating disorder treatment, who shares powerful communication strategies, healthy boundaries, and ways to show you truly care (without the pressure). Topics you’ll hear discussed in this episode include: ✈️  The Airplane Safety Analogy: How prioritizing your own well-being strengthens your ability to support others. 🗣️ Communicating with Love: Ditch the lectures and learn how to validate their experience. 🚫 Setting Healthy Boundaries: Discover ways to offer support without becoming a drill sergeant. 👂🏻 The Power of Active Listening: Create a safe space for your friend to share their struggles.    📌 Building a Support System: Learn how to navigate complex situations and access additional resources. Resources mentioned: > Reach out to Jessica for questions regarding treatment for family support via email at [email protected] or by phone at 334-436-1531 > National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) > Life Without Ed > How to Nurse Your Child Through an Eating Disorder Become a VIP Podcast Insider HERE to access BONUS resources only available to our VIP list. Enroll in The Joy-Filled Eater course! >>> Join me and a community of crazy incredible women inside The Joy-Filled Food Freedom Society! Join our FREE community in the Food Freedom & Body Image Support for Christian Women Facebook group to ask your questions about cultivating a joy-filled relationship with food, your body, & Jesus. Got a burning question about food freedom, body image, faith, or nutrition? Leave me a SpeakPipe voice note here for a chance to have your question answered on an episode of The Joy-Filled Eater Podcast! If you love the show and are finding it valuable, be sure to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Listen to your podcasts somewhere else? No worries!  You can leave your podcast review here instead 😉. Connect with Brittany on Instagram *Reminder - Podcast content is not meant to be taken as professional nutrition or medical advice or to replace counseling with a licensed therapist. Please consult with your own treatment team.