Dietitians and Mental Health Professionals: Earn 3 Hours of CE!
Unpack why body image change is so challenging
Expand your framework for conceptualizing body image distress
Add to your toolbox of body image interventions
Registration Costs:
General Admission (includes 3 hours of CE): $100
Professional Members (includes 3 hours of CE): $80
Community Members (no CE included): $30
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Given our world’s current hyper-fixation with weight and size, body image work in therapy can be challenging for both clients and providers. This presentation will review historical contexts for anti-fat attitudes, exploring how societal norms founded in racism and white supremacy have influenced how we judge “good bodies” versus “bad bodies.” We will explore how these views have transformed over the past century, highlighting the rise of healthism (the preoccupation with individual health and responsibility) as a dominant influence on body judgment. These judgements often perpetuate a relentless cycle of self-blame, body image distress, and disordered eating behaviors. With an understanding of these historical contexts, the presentation will then shift focus to modern approaches to body image work. Drawing on the latest research, social theories and body liberation activism, attendees will gain practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting clients. By the end, participants will feel better equipped to foster a more inclusive and affirming environment that recognizes the diverse experiences of individuals grappling with body image concerns.
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Discuss how anti-fat attitudes are founded in racism and white supremacy
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Critique how healthism can lead to an over-focus on personal responsibility and ignores body diversity
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Apply Social Identity Theory to understanding why body image change is difficult for clients
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Explain the body image/behavior/shame cycle
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List three inclusive body image interventions for use with clients including those with diverse backgrounds and body sizes
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Apply your understanding of body image interventions in the therapeutic relationship
OBJECTIVES
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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
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MEET THE SPEAKER
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SARA SCHWATKEN, PH.D., CEDS
Dr. Schwatken is a licensed psychologist practicing in her private practice in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Sara is pleased to have completed her board certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) with the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), specializing in binge eating disorder and atypical anorexia. Sara has served on the board of the Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa since 2020 and is proud to have spearheaded the Healthcare Training Initiative to reduce weight stigma and encourage a weight-neutral approach to healthcare for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. As part of this work, Sara has presented to a variety of provider types including psychologists, mental health counselors, school counselors, family physicians and medical students. Sara also provides therapeutic services to clients at Within Health, a remote higher level of care (HLOC) eating disorder treatment program for clients with more severe eating disorder presentations and co-occurring disorders. In her free time, Dr. Schwatken enjoys experimenting with new recipes and experiencing the rollercoaster of emotions in being an Iowa State athletics fan.
PSYCHOLOGIST, SPEAKER, ADVOCATE
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Dietitians: Pending approval by the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
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Social Workers/Counselors: Pending approval by the NASW Iowa Chapter. Other professionals who believe that this programming meets the requirements of their professional licensure board may also purchase a CEU certificate.
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Psychologists: EDCI is providing this certificate of attendance for 3.0 CE hours for participants attending the full workshop.
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Professionals Not Listed: May be eligible for continuing education. Consult your governing rules to determine if appropriate subject matter criteria will apply to credit hours.