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Programs and Trainings for Eating Disorder Professionals
Eating disorder professionals who support individuals, families, and loved ones in the recovery process are fundamental for healing.
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects about eating disorder professionals is the collaboration across disciplines that is essential for optimizing treatment approaches.
This might include but is not limited to: Physicians (General Practitioners), Psychotherapists, Registered Dietitians, Case Managers/Social Workers, Psychiatrists, Nurses, and additional therapists as required, such as yoga therapists, art therapists, etc.
Maintaining a Collaborative Treatment Approach
Because eating disorders are complex psychiatric illnesses by nature, there are several factors involved in both the development of the disorder and in the recovery process.
Biological, interpersonal, psychological, and cultural factors are all involved in an eating disorder, highlighting the need to approach these diseases with multidisciplinary and comprehensive treatment [1].
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment approach, further emphasizing the need for eating disorder professionals to collaborate with one another for optimal care [2].
However, with many eating disorder professionals in various stages of their careers across the disciplines, resources for training and collaboration are foundational to ongoing training and support.
Additionally, eating disorder professionals often work in different settings, from outpatient care in private practice to inpatient treatment and everything in between. Eating disorder professionals are also a unique group in that each professional benefits from understanding what other professions handle within the realm of eating disorder treatment.
Professional trainings can also be helpful in learning from other practitioners, as well as discovering the important role of each discipline throughout the recovery journey.
Because treatment approaches are both collaborative, complex, and continually evolving, many professionals heavily rely on training, specialized programs, supervision, and more to support the progression of the eating disorder community.
Available Training Programs for Eating Disorder Professionals
There is a variety of training programs available for the eating disorder professional, and understanding areas of desired speciality can help in determining the best options for one’s career.
To begin, it may be helpful to establish a membership with a professional eating disorder organization, such as the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED) or the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).
Once connected to a professional organization, it is much easier to establish community, support, accountability, and stay connected to ongoing events, programs, and specialized training opportunities.
Within these main organizations are sub-groups for specialized trainings, which can help a practitioner expand knowledge and resources as a professional in the eating disorder community.
Both the AED and iaedp organizations offer an annual conference, webinars on a variety of topics pertaining to training and professional development, forums, committees and more, many of which offer continuing education credits, depending on the profession.
In addition, iaedp offers a certification opportunity for eating disorder professionals who demonstrate clinical expertise through education, experience, and rigorous examination [2].
Eating disorder professionals who may be eligible for certification include therapists and physicians (CEDS), registered nurses (CEDRN), registered dietitians (CEDRD), and creative arts therapists (CEDCAT).
Connecting to Specialized Resources
As the eating disorder field continues to evolve and expand, new resources are being made available to the eating disorder professional. If you are an eating disorder professional hoping to expand your knowledge base and experience, begin by identifying the areas in which you hope to become more specialized in.
Some professional programs give a broad overview of many different topics, while other programs are focused on one particular facet, such as a specific therapy approach or treatment modality.
For example, intensive training is offered for psychotherapists in family based therapy (FBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and more. For dietitians, having advanced training on motivational interviewing or therapy skills, like CBT, can be especially helpful when working with eating disorder clients.
Working with a supervisor can also be an invaluable part of your career, serving as a way to establish support and accountability for yourself. Regularly communicating with someone in your field who has several years of experience can be helpful for guidance and feedback, especially in the area of personal development.
Your supervisor may also be more versed and familiar with professional programs available to support your ongoing growth. Lastly, your supervisor can help you understand areas that could use improvement and for which professional programs/trainings may be helpful.
No matter where you may find yourself on the spectrum of eating disorder professionals, know that there is a variety of resources available to support the important work you do.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: Academy For Eating Disorders, “Fast Facts on Eating Disorders”, http://www.aedweb.org/index.[2]: Peterson, C. B., Becker, C. B., Treasure, J., Shafran, R., & Bryant-Waugh, R. (2016). The three-legged stool of evidence-based practice in eating disorder treatment: research, clinical, and patient perspectives. BMC medicine, 14(1), 69
[3]: International association of eating disorder professionals (iaedp), “Certification Overview”, http://www.iaedp.com/overview%
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on April 27, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 26, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
Baxter Ekern is the President of Eating Disorder Hope. He is responsible for the management and operations of Eating Disorder Hope. Baxter has been lending his services to Eating Disorder Hope for several years but came on board as the full-time president in November 2016.
