How to find a training for eating disorder clinicians

Training for eating disorders professional typically involves several key components to ensure professionals are knowledgeable and equipped to support individuals facing these challenges. Here’s an overview of what a certified eating disorder training may include:

1. Understanding Eating Disorders:

   - Learn about different types of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder). Assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning of eating disorders.

   - Recognize signs, symptoms, and associated health risks of eating disorders.

2. Psychological Aspects of Eating Disorders:

   - Gain insights into the psychological factors that contribute to eating disorders.

   - Study body image issues, societal pressures, and underlying mental health conditions.

3. Nutrition Education of Eating Disorders:

   - Understand basic nutrition and how to guide clients out of diet culture and through recovery to intuitive eating, when possible .

   - Learn about the role and long term value of nutrition therapy in eating disorder treatment.

4. Behavioral Interventions for Eating Disorders:

   - Explore strategies for modifying disordered eating behaviors.

   - Implement cognitive-behavioral techniques, ACT, DBT, etc. to support eating disorder recovery.

5. Listening and Communication Skills:

   - Develop effective communication techniques to empathize, support, and motivate individuals.

   - Practice active listening and create a safe space for discussion.

6. Team Collaboration in Eating Disorder Treatment:

   - Understand the importance of working as part of a multidisciplinary eating disorder team, including psychologists, physicians, and other healthcare providers.

   - Learn about referral processes and when to seek additional help in the treatment of eating disorders.

7. Cultural Sensitivity in Eating Disorder Treatment:

   - Recognize cultural influences on eating behaviors and body image.

   - Address diversity in experiences and backgrounds in our clients.

8. Risk Assessment in Eating Disorder Treatment:

   - Learn to identify high-risk individuals and appropriate interventions.

   - Be prepared to handle emergencies related to eating disorders.

9. Professional Ethics in Eating Disorder Treatment:

   - Understand ethical considerations in dealing with eating disorders.

   - Have trauma-informed eating disorder training, as trauma is very common in this (and all) populations.

Postgraduate training in eating disorder treatment can take place through online eating disorder trainings workshops, seminars, online courses, or the rare formal eating disorder education programs. Continuing education in eating disorders is essential for staying updated on the latest research and treatment methods.

Unfortunately there are very few resources for clinicians who want a credential in eating disorder specialization. There is a comprehensive eating disorder training, updated and evidence-based, and it grants the IEDS credential as an Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist. There is a 20 year old training from IAEDP, called the Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, though it has been criticized for being inaccessible and ineffective.

Here are some organizations that offer training and resources for professionals working with eating disorders. Only 3. Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist, and 4. IAEDP offer actual credentials that designate a certification and specialization in eating disorder treatment.

1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA):

•    - Provides resources, training programs, and webinars for professionals and family supports.

•    - Offers information on various aspects of eating disorders and treatment approaches.

2. Academy for Eating Disorders (AED):

•    - Focuses on advancing research and education related to eating disorders.

•    - Provides conferences, training workshops, and other resources for eating disorder professionals.

3. Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS):

• This comprehensive eating disorder training provides a robust education for new and seasoned clinicians. It includes 44.5 hours of eating disorder continuing education for dietitians and therapists.

• The IEDS credential designation indicates to clients that the clinician is not only well educated on eating disorder treatment, but also inclusive and safe (ethical, trauma-informed, culturally aware).

4. International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP):

•    - Offers eating disorder certification programs and training for dietitians, therapists, and other professionals in eating disorder treatment.

• Has been criticized for being inaccessible as well as ineffective. Clinician quality has been inconsistent according to some familiar with those who hold the designation.

5. The Renfrew Center:

   - Provides education, conferences, and training programs for eating disorder professionals, focusing on integrated treatment and clinical training related to eating disorders.

6. Body Image Training--The Body Positive Institute:

   - The Body Positive Institute offers workshops and training programs aimed at promoting positive body image and understanding the complexities of eating disorders. Other organizations, such as Inclusive Eating Disorder Education, offer online body image trainings for professionals to learn about body image and its relationship to eating disorders. This topic is difficult for even seasoned professionals and it can be challenging to find a comprehensive body image training and certification credential.

These organizations provide a variety of resources, including workshops, webinars, and eating disorder certification courses that can help deepen understanding and improve skills in eating disorder treatment.