In this episode of "Trust Your Voice," hosts Sylvie Legere and Melinda Oakes take a deep look at the connections between food, body image, and mental health, and how technology might help create positive change. They’re joined by Dr. Sera Lavalle, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Bea, an AI chatbot that offers timely support for people struggling with food-related challenges.

Throughout the conversation, it becomes clear that while social media and cultural pressures often make body image issues worse, technology can also be used to build stronger support systems. The discussion touches on how disordered eating affects more than 60% of people and explores how innovations like AI chatbots can fill important gaps in traditional mental health care.

Dr. Lavalle explains how Bia fits into a wider digital ecosystem, guided by strong ethical principles and a focus on prevention. As mindful eating gains more attention, this episode gives listeners practical ways to use technology responsibly to build healthier habits and greater self-awareness—key elements in the broader conversation around mental health and wellness.

💡 About Dr. Sera Lavalle

Dr. Sera Lavelle stumbled into hypnosis in 2007 “for fun” after a meditative detour in Southeast Asia post-volunteering in Cambodia. Hooked on the mind’s mysteries, she snagged a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, blending science with a touch of zen.

Founder of NY Health Hypnosis and Soho Integrative EMDR, trained Bea, an AI-powered app designed to help you foster a healthier relationship with food. Using proven psychological techniques, Bea offers step-by-step guidance to shift your mindset around eating. Unlike other apps that promote restrictive diets, Bea delivers supportive, science-backed advice to encourage mindful, positive eating habits that lead to lasting change.

🔍 Resources and Links

Bea Better Eating: Learn more about the AI tool discussed in the episode