Authenticity and empathy: Exploring the use of self in eating disorders treatment

Description: The therapeutic relationship plays a critical role in evidence-based eating disorder treatment. This workshop focuses on the use of self in standard front-line ED treatments, emphasizing how therapists’ cultural, gender, and lived experiences shape their work with clients. 

Participants will engage in reflective exercises, case discussions, and experiential activities to explore how their personal identities and experiences impact the therapeutic alliance, treatment planning, and outcomes.

Learning objectives: At the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concept of the "use of self" in therapeutic practice and its specific relevance in eating disorder treatment.
• Identify how cultural, gender, and lived experiences influence the therapist’s perceptions, interventions, and interactions with clients.
• Explore strategies to use authenticity and self-awareness to strengthen the therapeutic alliance while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Develop skills to address potential countertransference and biases that may arise in eating disorder treatment.
• Integrate culturally responsive approaches through consideration of clients’ diverse perspectives on body image, food and lived experiences into treatment planning

SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute offers training and education for professionals to advance mental health care – our goal is to improve client outcomes and building capacity, together. Find training to support your professional development at www.sickkidscmhlearning.ca and reserve your spot today! Don't forget to use code OPA20 to save 20% off your registration fees.