AN INTRODUCTION TO WORKING WITH EATING DISORDERS
For Mental Health Professionals in 4 cities
This program content was written specifically for the many professionals that come into contact with someone who may have an eating disorder. We are also aware that the relationship with food and body is very complicated and the average patient may deny that they have any issues with this or significantly underreport the problem. How do you address this and make it safe for the client? It starts with refreshing what you know about eating disorders. To collude with weight loss strategies or to ignore the issue completely can be harmful to your client. For anyone who feels nervous about how complicated treatment can be, who may need a refresher course, this workshop is for you. Many changes have been made in the DSM over the years for diagnostic criteria for eating disorders. Learn what they are, how to assess for an ED, and hear some of the latest treatment strategies.
The 2nd day of the workshop we start the day off with learning about embodiment as a resource for recovery in your relationship to food and body. ED behaviors are often strategies for managing a dysregulated nervous system. Developing an understanding of our nervous system and building interoceptive awareness skills moves us to greater embodiment. Embodiment is a process of learning to inhabit ourselves from the inside out rather than reflecting on it from the outside. This process allows us to access the body as a resource in recovery.
From there we will discuss attuned eating in a weight stigmatized culture, where we will learn how to approach clients from a harm reduction approach and philosophy. Educating the client in nutrition from a non-diet approach and philosophy is imperative to recovery. How do you incorporate a positive nutrition education that includes intuitive eating, mindfulness, and Health at Every Size Principles? As their therapist, it’s important you understand this part of the work.
Finally, we close it all out examining weight bias. You can expect education on cultural, systemic, and personal weight bias and how it can interfere with therapeutic work with our clients. We will discuss the research that supports the shift towards weight neutral care, what that looks like and provide participants tools to use in their practices.
This program is on hold for the moment. If you are interested in scheduling this workshop for your community, please email Alison.