Cristina Castagnini, PhD, CEDS

Cristina Castagnini, PhD, CEDS Dr.Castagnini is a licensed psychologist in CA. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders as well as general mental health issues.

She hosts tge weekly podcast, Behind the Bite, which is part of the The Los Angeles Tribune podcast network. As I licensed psychologist, I specialize in giving you the tools to navigate life's bumpy roads. We all struggle with roadblocks and I'm completely focused on you finding a solution. My style is focused, practical and results-driven. I have particular success with clients struggling with eating disorders and insomnia. If you're ready for help, I'm available. My office is centrally located in San Ramon, Ca.

NEW PODCAST!⁠ 🎤 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠THE KIND OF HEALING THAT MAKES ROOM FOR REAL LIFE WITH JOHANNA SCOGLIO ⁠In this poignant and eye-o...
03/24/2026

NEW PODCAST!⁠ 🎤 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

THE KIND OF HEALING THAT MAKES ROOM FOR REAL LIFE WITH JOHANNA SCOGLIO

In this poignant and eye-opening episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with author and mental health advocate Johanna Scoglio to discuss the often-overlooked realities of living with and healing from a long-term eating disorder.

Johanna bravely shares how profound grief and family transitions at age 15 triggered her decades-long struggle with food restriction and compulsive exercise, a compulsion that was masked by her identity as a dedicated collegiate athlete.

Together, they explore the devastating gaps in the medical system that leave patients discharged without referrals, the shame associated with non-linear recovery, and the life-changing power of a harm-reduction approach.

If you’ve ever felt unseen by the system, trapped by the rigid "rules" of recovery, or struggled to separate joyful movement from punishment, Johanna’s story offers a deeply compassionate and empowering new perspective on what it means to truly heal.

To listen click: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/the-kind-of-healing-that-makes-room-for-real-life-with-johanna-scoglio-ep-278/

03/22/2026

This week´s podcast guest Johanna Scoglio is an author, mental health advocate, and founder of the nonprofit A Dragonfly’s Dream.

Johanna specializes in promoting a harm-reduction and compassionate, mind-body-spirit approach to long-term eating disorder recovery. Currently leading peer-led, community-based support groups for individuals navigating the complexities of non-linear healing.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

* How sudden life transitions and grief can act as the underlying catalyst for an eating disorder.

* The hidden dangers of athletic culture and how compulsive exercise is frequently praised as "dedication."

* Why traditional medical encounters, such as ER visits, frequently fail to recognize or refer patients for eating disorder treatment.

* The profound difference between exercising to punish the body and engaging in joyful, mindful movement.

* How applying the principles of "harm reduction" to eating disorders can relieve the shame of perfectionism and make recovery more accessible.

Listen Here: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/the-kind-of-healing-that-makes-room-for-real-life-with-johanna-scoglio-ep-278/

This week's podcast guest is Alana Van Der Sluys, a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and the author of Freedom with ...
03/18/2026

This week's podcast guest is Alana Van Der Sluys, a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and the author of Freedom with Food and Fitness: How Intuitive Eating is the Key to Becoming Your Happiest, Healthiest Self.

She is also a TEDx speaker and ED-recovered from undiagnosed atypical anorexia, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

- The reality of living with undiagnosed eating disorders like orthorexia and atypical anorexia.

- How the "clean eating" weekday vs. weekend binge cycle traps many individuals.

- Why the "not sick enough" narrative keeps people from seeking necessary treatment.

- The hidden dangers of diet culture messages disguised as wellness and health.

- Alana’s unique path to recovery and why professional support is vital.

Listen Here: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/if-its-not-in-the-dsm-is-it-still-an-eating-disorder-yes-with-alana-van-der-sluys-ep-277/

NEW PODCAST!⁠ 🎤 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠IF IT’S NOT IN THE DSM, IS IT STILL AN EATING DISORDER? (YES.) WITH ALANA VAN DER SLUYS ⁠In this e...
03/17/2026

NEW PODCAST!⁠ 🎤 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

IF IT’S NOT IN THE DSM, IS IT STILL AN EATING DISORDER? (YES.) WITH ALANA VAN DER SLUYS

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Alana Van Der Sluys to discuss the often-overlooked struggle of undiagnosed eating disorders.

Alana shares her personal battle with orthorexia, binge eating disorder, and atypical anorexia, conditions that were exacerbated by the "not sick enough" narrative and societal weight stigma.

Together, they explore the dangerous cycle of weekday restriction and weekend bingeing, the flawed logic of the eating disorder brain, and the crucial importance of validating one’s struggle even without a formal diagnosis.

This conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone feeling trapped in food rules or questioning if their suffering is valid enough to seek professional help..

To listen click: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/if-its-not-in-the-dsm-is-it-still-an-eating-disorder-yes-with-alana-van-der-sluys-ep-277/

Address

2010 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 100
San Ramon, CA
94583

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As I licensed psychologist, I specialize in giving you the tools to navigate life's bumpy roads. We all struggle with roadblocks and I'm completely focused on you finding a solution.

My style is focused, practical and results-driven. I have particular success with clients struggling with eating disorders and insomnia.

If you're ready for help, I'm available. My office is centrally located in San Ramon, Ca. Please visit my website: https://www.freedomtowellness.com