Understanding the Spectrum of Eating Disordered Behavior and Body Image
$375 | 15 CEUs | Virtual
$375 | 15 CEUs | Virtual
This certificate series focuses on the many aspects of clinical work with the eating disorder population.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
Delivery: Synchronous Virtual Classroom via Zoom
Dates: Thursdays, October 16 - November 20, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. - Noon ET
Program Cost: $375* (see below for discount)
CEUs: 15 (includes 8 Act 48 credits)
Schedule
- October 16 - Eating Disorders and OCD Part 1
- October 23 - Eating Disorders and OCD Part 2
- October 30 - Orthorexia
- November 6 - Intuitive Eating
- November 13 - Intergenerational Food Trauma
- November 20 - Body Image
Sessions one and two: Eating disorders and OCD are two extremely complicated illnesses and their symptoms often overlap. This two-part, lecture based training will contain a comprehensive understanding of the overlap, and serve as mandatory introductory workshop for the certificate series. Participants will learn a broader understanding of the complexities in treating OCT co-occurring with eating disorders. Participants will also have a greater understanding of how to treat eating disorder symptoms, and identify important elements in a comprehensive treatment plan. Exposure therapy and desensitization will be discussed. Breakout discussion groups, interactive exercises, role playing, and case materials will be used to further increase learning.
Session three: Orthorexia was defined in 1988, and means an obsession with proper or "healthful" eating. While it is not a DSM-5 diagnosed illness, in the last five years, the symptoms of orthorexia have surged and can have dangerous side effects. Using lecture, case examples, video clips, role play and small group discussions we will take a close look at the differences between Orthorexia and other eating disorders and discuss treatment strategies for this a complex disorder.
Session Four: Recently there has been an abundance of information on Intuitive Eating and mindful eating. The two are different and the learning process is challenging. Intuitive eating is a multi-layered practice that can only be successful if a detailed inquiry of an individual's "food story" is understood by the practitioner. In this session we will examine the food story process and learn how to conduct a detailed food history with clients. Using lecture, interactive exercises on mindful eating, video clips and discussion, we will explore the reasons why the development of intuitive eating is so challenging.
Session Five: Understanding Intergenerational Food Trauma is an important component of eating disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Taking the time to understand the depth of historical traumas that have involved significant food and eating issues in the clients' family provides critical information for the treatment of eating disorders. In this session, we look at conducting a detailed food inquiry and exploration of the food story through generations critically impacts treatment goals. We will address sensitive topics such as genocide and long-term cultural/religious/family food behaviors resulting from surviving these traumatic events. In this session we will learn how to gather all the food history, important cultural information, and prepare realistic treatment goals.
Session Six: Body Image issues are prevalent in our culture and impact all people. Body image issues occur on a spectrum and to successfully engage someone in treatment with clinician must be aware of this continuum as well as many other influential factors that impact body image. This workshop will explore the body image spectrum and offer treatment strategies and modalities. Body image exercises, case material, role play and lecture will be utilized.
By the end of this series, participants will be able to:
- Articulate a broader understanding of the overlap of eating disorder behaviors and obsessive compulsive disorders.
- Explain the important elements of a comprehensive eating disorder treatment plan .
- Identify the 3 essential steps to conducting a detailed food inquiry.
- Describe how to use CBT, exposure therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and mindfulness in treatment.
- Explain how to develop a realistic recovery goal with a client.
This series is appropriate for all level clinicians working with both and adult and adolescent populations.
Instructor
Suzanne Rubinetti, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Summit, New Jersey. For over 30 years, Ms. Rubinetti has specialized in the treatment of eating disorders and body image. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Ms. Rubinetti is a frequent lecturer and educator and regular presents on eating disorders and body image at conferences, mental health programs, middle and high schools, universities and other community organizations. In addition, Ms Rubinetti is a Dove Beauty Facilitator and a Body Positive trained leader. Since the beginning of her career, Ms. Rubinetti has felt drawn to working with those struggling with eating disorders and disorted body image and is passionate about spreading self love and body positivity.
Cost | CEUs
Program Cost: $375 (*Discount available for alum, groups, students: $300)
CEUs: 15 (includes 8 Act 48 credits)
Attendance in the full series is required to receive a certificate.