Introduction to Body Image and Disordered Eating Workshop with Mel Ciavucco

Many individuals struggle with eating. They may feel they eat too much or too little, or they may struggle with chronic dieting, or have a fear of eating certain foods or eating in public, and so much more. Eating issues are broad and nuanced, and “disordered eating” can be a way of referring to this eating distress which impacts so many people’s lives.

Amidst rising rates of eating disorders, with strain on NHS services, those struggling with eating may not meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, leaving them to seek support independently. Therapists can therefore benefit from having some knowledge of disordered eating as they are highly likely to encounter this in their practice at some point.

In this workshop, we will cover:

• Understanding disordered eating – what it is and how it relates to eating disorders
• The links between body image, diet culture, and disordered eating
• Social and cultural influences, including weight stigma
• Assumptions and biases around weight and disordered eating
• Therapeutic approaches for working with disordered eating
• Identifying risks and knowing when to refer clients on for specialist care
• Recommendations for further learning

Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event

• Understand what disordered eating is, how this relates to eating disorders, and the impact on clients.
• Recognise the contributing factors and the impact of societal and cultural influences on disordered eating.
• Approaches used when working with disordered eating, potential risks, and knowing when to refer on.

Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?

• Counsellors, therapists, trainees and other professionals who would benefit from an understanding of disordered eating.

How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?

• Participants can expect to feel more confident in understanding disordered eating, the risks and how to work ethically and within their competency.