Understanding and Working with Disordered Eating in Psychotherapy

Understanding and Working with Disordered Eating in Psychotherapy – A Clinical Guide for Counsellors and Psychotherapists offers a rigorous, intermediate‑level exploration of the complex presentation of disordered eating within a CBT framework. Over six CPD hours, participants will be guided through four interlinked modules that together build a comprehensive skill set for safe, evidence‑informed practice in both private and NHS settings. The first module, Foundations and Clinical Conceptualisation, invites learners to map the full spectrum of disordered eating, from sub‑clinical concerns to formally diagnosed eating disorders. By examining current NICE diagnostic criteria and the latest revisions of the DSM‑5, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of how cognitive distortions, affect regulation difficulties, and interpersonal maintenance factors intertwine to sustain maladaptive eating patterns. Practical case formulation exercises will enable clinicians to integrate formulation with assessment tools such as the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, ensuring that each client’s unique psychological landscape is accurately captured. Risk Assessment and Ethical Practice, the second module, equips practitioners with a systematic protocol for evaluating both physical and psychological risk. Learners will acquire competence in interpreting medical indicators, recognising signs of electrolyte imbalance, and applying tiered safety planning that aligns with NHS safeguarding standards and private practice ethical guidelines. The module also addresses consent, confidentiality, and the delicate balance of autonomy and protection when working with clients whose insight may be compromised. In Evidence‑Based Therapeutic Interventions, participants will master core CBT‑ED techniques, including regular eating, exposure to feared foods, and cognitive restructuring of weight‑ and shape‑related thoughts. Complementary Compassion‑Focused Therapy (CFT) strategies are introduced to foster self‑compassion, reduce shame, and counteract the harsh self‑criticism that often fuels relapse. Role‑play and video‑demonstrations provide hands‑on experience in pacing interventions, monitoring progress with validated outcome measures, and adapting protocols for comorbid mood or anxiety disorders. The final module, The Therapeutic Relationship and Multi‑Disciplinary Working, explores relational dynamics that can either impede or enhance recovery. Learners will examine transference, counter‑transference, and the therapeutic alliance within the context of eating disorder work, and will develop collaborative skills for engaging dietitians, physicians, and community services. By the end of the course, participants will leave with a robust, ethically grounded toolkit that enables them to deliver compassionate, effective psychotherapy for disordered eating, confident in their ability to assess risk, formulate cases, implement CBT‑ED and CFT interventions, and work seamlessly within a broader clinical network.

Speak the language: by the end you will use OSFED · CBT-ED · CFT · Formulation · Countertransference · Escalation Protocol · Autonomy · Safeguarding · Threat System · Soothing System and more, precisely.