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Certificate in Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are becoming more prevalent and the underlying factors are complex. With more and more people facing difficulties in the area of eating disorders, the need to have a multidimensional approach to understanding and treatment is vital.

If those in the caring professions or families have information on eating disorders, understand the issues and its impact, have the resources & knowledge of practical helping skills, they will be more able to offer constructive support.

The course in eating disorders addresses:

The course will be presented in jargon-free form, making it easily accessible to all people who have an interest in the issues of eating disorders, or who have direct or indirect experience of working with, or living with eating disorders.

The course is open to anybody who will find it of interest or value. It is intended to provide a resource of information and ideas for understanding eating disorders, rather than just being an accumulation of facts.

The cost of the course is E495, payable at course commencement. This cost covers administration, all reading/study material (there will be no need to buy any additional books) and a Certificate in Eating Disorders on successful completion of the course.

Course Outline

Types of eating disorders

• Definitions and concepts of eating disorders
• Information and facts of eating disorders
• Obesity

• Anorexia nervosa; Bulimia; Compulsive eating; Body dysmorphic disorder; Pica; Anorexia athletica; Cyclic vomiting

Theories of eating disorders

• Predisposing Factors – Genetics, Personality, Biological factors, Biochemistry, Family links, Eating Disorders as an Addiction, The Social Context

• Precipitating Factors – Stressors, Abuse, Growing up, Sexuality, Response to Crisis

• Perpetuating Factors – Family Relationships, Psychological factors, Cognitive factors

Treatments of eating disorders

• Medical intervention; Prevention; Relapse; Recovery
• The 12-step model
• Counselling & Therapy
• Self-esteem, Emotional needs, Control

Impact and influence of society

• Approaches to food
• Body image, Dieting
• Media messages & culture
• Gender & eating disorders

Eating disorders within the family

• Relationships and food
• Family systems, Family dynamics
• The difficulties of growing up, Transitions, Stress
• Dependency and co-dependency

Working with eating disorders – Skills and Attitudes

• Counselling & helping skills & strategies
• Helper qualities & attitudes
• Caring for the carers