Donna Piper, MA

Donna Piper, MA Host of Dear Body, I’m Listening | Real talk for women with Lipedema, MCAS & chronic fatigue Because your symptoms aren’t just physical.

Donna Piper is a trauma-informed emotional support coach, podcast host, and movement therapist helping women with chronic illness heal the emotional weight they’ve been carrying for years—like shame, fear, and feeling invisible in their own bodies. She’s the creator and host of Dear Body, I’m Listening, a podcast for women navigating Lipedema, MCAS, ME/CFS, and invisible illnesses. Each episode is

a space to feel seen, unpack the trauma no one talks about, and reconnect with the body through real talk, nervous system healing, and soul-level validation. With over 20 years of experience in trauma recovery and somatic healing, Donna combines her background in Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Pilates, Yoga Nidra, and the Akashic Records to help clients feel emotionally safer, softer, and more in control of their healing journey. Donna’s clients say they feel understood for the first time—unburdened from old stories, grief, and guilt. Her work centers around nervous system support, emotional release, and reclaiming the relationship women have with their bodies after years of pain, misdiagnosis, and dismissal. And your healing won’t be either. 💛

If shame had a shape, a sound, a color—would you finally stop blaming yourself for what your body is holding?I carried e...
07/24/2025

If shame had a shape, a sound, a color—would you finally stop blaming yourself for what your body is holding?

I carried exhaustion, chronic symptoms, and silent shame for years.

I did everything “right” and still felt like I was failing. But the truth is—healing doesn’t always look how the world wants it to.

In this episode, I’m sharing my journey with shame, how it lives in the body, and how we can start meeting it with compassion instead of criticism.

What does shame feel like in your body?

Let me know in the comments—you’re not alone.

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RECAP:

This post explores how shame lives in the body and impacts women navigating chronic illness—especially those dealing with Lipedema, MCAS, hypermobility, EDS, and chronic fatigue. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still carrying pain, exhaustion, and blame—this is for you.

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📌 Tags

Chronic illness emotional support, Lipedema coaching, MCAS symptoms and support, hypermobility and nervous system, EDS and chronic fatigue tips, trauma healing for chronic illness, somatic healing tools, body trust and self-compassion, emotional trauma from misdiagnosis, shame and chronic illness, healing nervous system dysregulation, invisible illness recovery, spiritual healing and chronic illness, medical gaslighting awareness, nervous system support for women, holistic healing for chronic symptoms, embodied trauma healing, women with invisible illness, emotional pain and chronic fatigue, compassionate care for Lipedema

I used to think eating “clean” was enough—until I learned how carbs were quietly sabotaging my lymphatic system. 😳Swelli...
07/17/2025

I used to think eating “clean” was enough—until I learned how carbs were quietly sabotaging my lymphatic system. 😳

Swelling, brain fog, stubborn weight… it wasn’t a willpower issue. It was biology.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Leslyn Keith, OTD, CLT-LANA—a leading expert in lymphatic health and ketogenic nutrition. She completely shifted my view on keto, fat, and how food impacts our body’s drainage system.

✨Have you ever tried keto for inflammation or pain?

I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you!👇

keto for inflammation, lymphatic health tips, low carb for chronic illness, lipedema diet support, anti-inflammatory keto plan, chronic swelling relief, keto for pain management, brain fog and diet, stubborn weight and lymphatic drainage, nutrition for lymphatic system, Dr. Leslyn Keith podcast, chronic illness podcast, Donna Piper podcast, keto and lipedema, clean eating vs keto, food and inflammation connection

🎧 New episode of Dear Body, I’m Listening is out now!I drop a new one every Thursday—because chronic illness doesn’t wai...
07/10/2025

🎧 New episode of Dear Body, I’m Listening is out now!
I drop a new one every Thursday—because chronic illness doesn’t wait for the weekend.

This week’s episode is live, raw, and real—so whether you’re pacing through pain, driving to yet another appointment, or just curled up in bed… you’ve got a voice in your corner.

And psst… 👀
Next week, Dr. Leslyn Keith is joining me on the podcast to talk all things Lipedema, lymphatic health, and how a ketogenic lifestyle may support inflammation and pain.
You don’t want to miss this one.

👂 Hit follow, save this post, and subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you’re the first to hear when it drops!

💬 Already tuning in? Let me know what landed—or leave a 🎧 below so I know you’re listening.

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invisible illness podcast, lipedema awareness, lymphatic health tips, chronic pain support, MCAS symptoms, Ehlers-Danlos education, women’s health podcast, trauma-informed wellness, keto for lipedema, chronic fatigue help, Dear Body I’m Listening podcast, Leslyn Keith interview

There was a time I didn’t recognize my body.I was gaining weight, in pain, constantly tired—and no one could tell me why...
07/10/2025

There was a time I didn’t recognize my body.

I was gaining weight, in pain, constantly tired—and no one could tell me why.

I kept hearing things like “That’s just aging” or “It probably will just resolve itself on its own.”

But deep down, I knew something was off.

I wasn’t lazy. I wasn’t doing it wrong.
I was grieving a body I didn’t understand.

Because no one ever told me about Lipedema, MCAS, or Hypermobility.
No one told me that invisible conditions can completely shift how your body moves, feels, and functions.

If that’s you too—if you’re mourning the body you once had or trying to make peace with one that feels unpredictable—you’re not alone.

🎧 I talk more about this journey on Dear Body, I’m Listening. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s the conversation I wish I had years ago.

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lipedema awareness, chronic illness support, MCAS symptoms, hypermobility help, women’s health stories, medical dismissal, chronic pain education, invisible illness recovery, trauma-informed wellness, body grief healing, Dear Body I’m Listening podcast

Real talk—do you feel confident in your compression gear? Or does it feel more like a chore?For me... it’s hard to find ...
07/05/2025

Real talk—do you feel confident in your compression gear?

Or does it feel more like a chore?

For me... it’s hard to find clothes in general that fit my body well. Let alone add compression garments.

So I don’t not feel confident… yet, but I still do it and I’m a figuring out a “style”.

Clothing options, especially as the seasons change, are a work in progress for me. [Summer is the most difficult for me, but it always has been. I haven’t worn shorts in 30 years].

I do know that my wearing my compression garments helps reduce swelling, give my lymphatic system a boost and helps with PAIN MANAGEMENT.

So wearing my compression garments aren’t just medical—they’re part of my self-care and eventually my personal style (why fight it).🙌

Let’s start a convo:

What’s your biggest challenge (or success!) with compression wear?

Drop it in the comments 👇

And check out this week’s episode- link in my bio and available where you listen to your podcasts.

Podcast: Dear Body, I’m Listening

 # lipedemaawareness

When I was dancing or demonstrating Pilates for my clients… I was called graceful, strong, flexible…But no one saw the ...
06/30/2025

When I was dancing or demonstrating Pilates for my clients… I was called graceful, strong, flexible…

But no one saw the effort it took to hold myself together—literally [ not even me]!

I lived with undiagnosed EDS for my whole. I never thought my being hypermobile came with symptoms.

I knew I had hypermobile joints but I didn’t think it had anything that all
pain and discomfort, holding my body in weird positions and all the other symptoms I experienced my whole life.

In essence my joints move too much, and my muscles have to work overtime to compensate.

In this episode, I open up about:

🔹 Some symptoms of hyper-mobile humans have
🔹 How it’s connected to POTS, MCAS, and lipedema
🔹 And the simple breathwork practice that helps

💬 Are you hypermobile—or living with an invisible illness?

Comment below and share your experience.

Let’s break the silence together. 🫶

For years, I had no idea why I was sooooo tired. I felt like I needed push through, do more of something, even meditate ...
06/30/2025

For years, I had no idea why I was sooooo tired.

I felt like I needed push through, do more of something, even meditate more. 🧘‍♀️

But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. But I never thought in a million years I had chronic fatigue… once he told me I had it, I wasn’t even really sure what it was.

Turns out, I was living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)—a serious neurological condition that was shutting down my energy systems and silently wrecking my health. 🧠⚡

In this episode, I discuss the turning point: the moment a specialist discovered that my lymph flow was literally moving in the wrong direction.

🔄 I share the test that revealed my nervous system was stuck in overdrive 🚨, and the simple things that are finally helping me heal. 🌿💛🎧

💬 Have you ever been told that you were “good”, when it was something more?

Drop a 🫶 or share your story below. You’re not alone. 💬

Ask yourself:What is the real reason I don’t want to make time to date? LMK in the comments. I wold love to witness your...
05/13/2024

Ask yourself:

What is the real reason I don’t want to make time to date?

LMK in the comments. I wold love to witness your journey 💛


Understanding that relationship trauma can affect anyone regardless of attachment style is crucial. Recognizing and addr...
05/06/2024

Understanding that relationship trauma can affect anyone regardless of attachment style is crucial.

Recognizing and addressing these patterns is the first step toward healing and forming deeper, more fulfilling connections.

If you find yourself struggling with past relationship traumas, remember that support and guidance are available to help you navigate these challenges and reclaim a sense of trust and intimacy in your relationships.

Let me know in the comments 1) what your dreams are 2) if they are coming true for you.I would love to cheer you on in...
05/05/2024

Let me know in the comments

1) what your dreams are
2) if they are coming true for you.

I would love to cheer you on in your journey as you fulfill your dreams.

And if you are single and attracting your dream relationship seems out of reach. Join me May 13, 2024 @ 12 pm pst.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/882380352387?aff=oddtdtcreator

Attachment Styles:In the realm of dating and relationships, understanding attachment styles can be incredibly insightful...
05/04/2024

Attachment Styles:

In the realm of dating and relationships, understanding attachment styles can be incredibly insightful.Attachment styles describe how individuals relate to others in the context of intimate relationships, influenced by early interactions with caregivers.

Secure Attachment: Individuals with a secure attachment style tend to have a positive view of themselves and their partners. They feel comfortable with intimacy and are usually warm and loving. In relationships, they are reliable, responsive, and emotionally available.

Anxious Attachment: Those with an anxious attachment style often fear abandonment and may feel overly dependent on their partners. They seek high levels of intimacy and approval but may become overly clingy or demanding. Their intense fear of losing their partner might lead to behaviors that can push their partners away.

Avoidant Attachment: Individuals who are avoidant attached value their independence and often feel that closeness in a relationship can lead to a loss of personal freedom. They tend to pull away when things get too intimate and might come off as emotionally distant.

Fearful-Avoidant Attachment: People with a fearful-avoidant attachment style desire close relationships but are often afraid to trust others fully. They might have conflicting feelings about intimacy and can be unpredictable in their reactions to partners, swinging between closeness and distance.
But this is one aspect of your love story.

Relationship trauma can profoundly affect anyone, regardless of their attachment style, impacting their ability to forge and maintain healthy relationships.

What do you think your style is? Comment ⤵️

Hey there! Ever catch yourself imagining the thrill of meeting someone who just gets you? 🌟 It’s pretty exciting to thin...
04/13/2024

Hey there! Ever catch yourself imagining the thrill of meeting someone who just gets you?

🌟 It’s pretty exciting to think about, right?

Jumping back into the dating pool can be a big step, especially if it’s been a while.

But why is it so daunting to start dating again?

Let’s chat about that:

1. Out of Practice
First off, feeling like you’re out of practice is totally normal. Maybe it’s been years since you last had a first date, and the thought alone sends butterflies racing through your stomach. That’s okay! Like riding a bike, it comes back with a little bit of practice.

2. High Stakes
Then, there’s the pressure we put on ourselves. We often think every date needs to lead to something major. But what if dating were just about meeting new people and finding joy in those connections, no pressure?

3. Fear of Rejection
And yes, there’s that pesky fear of rejection. It can be tough putting yourself out there when you’ve got a track record of experiences dragging behind you. But every new person you meet is a fresh start, and not a reflection of your past.

Beyond Finding a Partner
But here’s a thought: what if dating is more than just the hunt for a partner?

What if it’s about discovering new parts of yourself too?

Maybe it’s uncovering your love for salsa dancing, or realizing you actually do like horror movies, or meeting someone who makes you laugh so hard your belly hurts.

That’s what our “”Step Back into Dating: 5 Ways to Build Confidence and Have Fun Workshop”” is all about!

We’re going to dive into all the amazing things that dating can offer, beyond just finding “”the one.””

It’s about reveling in the joy of shared moments and learning more about what makes you, well, you!

👉 Ready to uncover the joys of dating together?

Let’s make those first steps into the dating world ones filled with laughter, discovery, and maybe a little romance.

Join us! ⬇️

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/882199862537?aff=oddtdtcreator

Address

Los Angeles, CA

Website

https://www.donnapiper.com/podcasts/dear-body-i-m-listening/

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