For Nutritionists and Registered Dieticians

The Unique Use of the Nutritionist’s Self in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

 

Eating disordered individuals seeking to learn effective weight loss techniques typically call the nutritionist first, quite unaware of the potential existence of pathology. Treatment success hinges on the professional's capacity to diagnose an ED and refer and treat the case in conjunction with a therapist and medical doctor. It becomes a delicate issue to suggest a potential diagnosis of an ED when the nutritionist is not sufficiently knowledgeable about ED, and when the patient seeks help to enhance her "wellness." The work of the nutritionist potentially evokes awareness of emotional issues that are attached to eating behaviors, an aspect of care that most nutritionists are not prepared or in some cases, even willing to face.
Food and eating, offered as part of a specific plan, can be perceived as a "way in," revealing undisclosed fears and pathology, unearthing anxieties long camouflaged by the ED; in so doing, they put the patient in closer touch with her Self, mind, and body, and put the unsuspecting dietician in a position of great sensitivity. The eating disorder nutrition is as much about self-awareness, self-determination, self-regulation and self-care as it is about weight management.

Workshop objectives

  • Understanding what eating disorders are and their full implications for individual and family.

  • Assuming diagnostic responsibility; recognizing an elusive diagnosis

  • The nutritionist's unique use of self in the face of unique and complex disorders

  • The nutritionist's role as member of the out -patient treatment team

  • Including parents as recovery advocates for child patients

  • The Nuts and Bolts of eating disorder treatment; The Nutritionist' Tool Box

     

Hear Abbie's Empowering
Message to Parents

 

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