IN-PERSON-Treating Eating Disorders: Integrating Psychotherapy and Nutrition
IN-PERSON-Friday, February 7, 2025, 9:00AM-4:00 PM-$219 including CEUs
Treating Eating Disorders: Integrating Psychotherapy and Nutrition
Karen Chinca, LICSW & Sandra Klemmer
Eating disorders (EDs) are collection of psychological diagnoses, characterized by eating behaviors and psychological disturbances, that can negatively impact health, quality of life, and psycho-social function and development. Moreover, research suggests that both prevalence and severity have spiked in recent years, so it is increasingly likely that professionals with a role in human welfare will encounter individuals affected by an eating disorder.
The aim of this training is to educate on eating disorder treatment, as well as to share practical skills that facilitate embodiment, reduce body shame, and promote health across the care of all individuals. Participants will learn about eating disorder etiology, the various diagnoses, assessment/screening, complications, interventions, the many co-occurring issues that can accompany eating disorders, and intersectional topics around body image and social justice. Different modalities of treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness will be addressed. Additionally, participants will learn about the role of a Registered Dietitian in the nutritional therapy of an ED from assessment and common behaviors to meal planning and goals. You will gain an appreciation for the complexity and uniqueness of each individual’s ED experience, and thus the benefit of a multidisciplinary team.
Following this training the participants will:
- Increase knowledge of ED assessment and diagnosis
- Better understand therapeutic and nutritional treatment of EDs
- Learn practical tools to support those struggling with body image
- Walk away with new non-shaming, health-promoting perspective and language to integrate into your work
Karen Chinca is a psychotherapist and owner of a group counseling practice, Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness, LLC. Karen earned her MSW from Boston College School of Social Work in 2004, and has worked in schools, outpatient mental health, and has been in private practice for 15 years.
Karen has extensive experience treating anxiety disorders, eating disorders, OCD, and trauma. Karen is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist-Supervisor (CEDS-S) through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP), a graduate of the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), and a Certified Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.
Sandra Klemmer, Sandy (pronouns she/her) is a licensed Registered Dietitian (RD) and holds a Masters degree in Nutrition. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Dietetic Association, and is a member of both the MEDA Provider Network and the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). After 10 years of clinical nutrition experience at Massachusetts General Hospital Sandy recognized the value of redirecting her skills to support individuals with healing their relationship to food & their body. Based in Boston, MA, Sandy’s private nutrition practice is specialized in eating disorders, body image, and intuitive eating, and her approach promotes a paradigm shift from the dispirited model of dieting and health materialism to an empowering model premised on reclaiming body wisdom and self-compassion. She also teaches yoga philosophy and vinyasa yoga classes and is personally devoted to exploring consciousness.