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The Victory Program Conference: Beyond the Game: Understanding Eating Disorders in Athletes

Dances of Disconnection: Eating Disorders at the Intersection of Artistry & Athleticism in Dancers

Stephanie Weatherstone, LCSW, CEDS-C
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Date & Time

Description

As both artists and athletes, dancers possess a unique, intersecting vulnerability to eating disorders driven by the physical, aesthetic, and cultural demands of their discipline. This workshop explores the complex dance ecosystem, specifically examining how a pervasive culture of perfectionism frequently conflates healthy striving with pathology. Attendees will learn to navigate the distinct interplay of dancers' sensitivity, proprioceptive awareness, and systemic pressures surrounding thinness and performance.

By cultivating deep insight into these systemic pressures, participants will gain actionable tools to advocate for patients across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Clinicians will be empowered to implement effective, insight-oriented, and harm-reduction-focused treatment that respects the dancer, honors their art, and prioritizes physical well-being. Through fostering healthy boundaries and promoting individuation, clinicians will leave equipped to safely facilitate the dancer’s return to dance in recovery.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Define 'aesthetic sports' and identify at least three physiological and socio-cultural factors that contribute to eating disorder vulnerability in dancers.

  • Utilize the 'artist vs. athlete' dual matrix framework to formulate at least three clinical treatment elements tailored to these performing artists.

  • Implement at least four harm-reduction advocacy strategies for dancer clients across micro, mezzo, and macro systemic levels.

  • Identify at least three clinical implications of dancers' heightened proprioceptive awareness and perfectionism in treatment planning.

  • Formulate at least three systemic interventions to address the culture of thinness and body tailoring within the dance ecosystem."

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to equip clinicians to identify the unique eating disorder vulnerabilities of dancers at the intersection of artistry and athleticism, and to implement systemic, harm-reduction clinical interventions that facilitate safe recovery.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Dietitian
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Nutritionist
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Stephanie Weatherstone, LCSW, CEDS-C
Stephanie Weatherstone, LCSW, CEDS-C, is an internationally certified Eating Disorders Specialist and consultant with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Weatherstone Collaborative, an outpatient practice focused on complex eating disorders, with specialized expertise in supporting performing artists, competitive athletes, and families navigating developmental and other challenges. Stephanie believes that assembling a strong multidisciplinary team is imperative for effective eating disorder treatment and having worked within the full breadth of all levels of care, brings extensive skill and experience in coordinating such teams. As a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work, Stephanie is further dedicated to training the next generation of clinicians, having notably launched the university's first course on the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. Her clinical and academic work is defined by a compassionate, insight driven and narrative-focused approach that empowers both clients and clinicians toward lasting healing and authentic engagement.

Financially Sponsored By

  • McCallum Place