#44: What is dad's role in body-positive parenting?
with Kyle T. Ganson, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
In this episode we discuss…
kyle’s work as a therapist in private practice and in residential treatment for eating disorders
how kyle noticed fathers and male caregivers were often left out of or did not engage in treatment for loved ones struggling with eating disorders
kyle’s group for men caring for someone experiencing an eating disorder
Kyle’s article on clinicians’ experiences working with male caregivers
gender role socialization and how it impacts men
men’s lack of knowledge, awareness, language, and experience talking about body image and relationships with food
how men are socialized to be concrete and solution-focused rather than emotional
how treatment providers can unintentionally exclude male caregivers
normalizing male engagement in conversations with their kids about food and bodies
thinking about prevention and how to involve male caregivers in nurturing intuitive eating and healthy body image
how men have relationships with food and their bodies, just as women do
fostering the space for young boys to have and experience deep emotions
how fathers can talk to their sons about cultural expectations of the male body
using sports as an opportunity to begin these conversations
how to engage male partners in addressing body image and disordered eating
nonjudgmental education and giving permission to ask questions/not know the answers
the need for men to explore their relationships to food and to their bodies
kyle’s answer to the million dollar question
Clinical social worker and PhD candidate Kyle Ganson joined us to discuss the role that fathers and other male caregivers can play in nurturing intuitive eating and positive body image in their kids. We cover what might prevent dads from being part of these conversations, and suggestions for how they can get engaged.
Kyle T. Ganson, MSW, LCSW, LICSW is a clinical social worker in private practice and PhD candidate at the School of Social Work at Simmons University. In his private practice, Kyle works with adolescents and young adults experiencing mental health challenges, with a specialization in the treatment of eating disorders, particularly among male clients. Kyle regularly works with parents and family members who are caring for someone experiencing an eating disorder. This includes running a group for male caregivers. Kyle's research focuses on the etiology, prevention, and intervention of eating disorders and muscle-enhancing behaviors among adolescent boys and young adult men. Additionally, he is interested in the intersection of research and public policy to address eating disorders as a public health problem.
Connect with Kyle on his website and Twitter.
Resources mentioned:
Kyle’s article on clinicians’ experiences working with male caregivers
the Full Bloom Podcast episode #36 with Michael Reichert
the Full Bloom Podcast episode #39 with S. Bryn Austin
the Full Bloom Podcast episode #16 with Lauren Muhlheim (on creating a united front)