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Live Webinar

The Weight of Words: The Impact of Language on Eating Disorder Recovery

Claire St John
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe how body image impacts patients of all sizes and diagnoses

  • Identify words or phrases that can be problematic in eating disorder recovery and discuss why these terms or phrases are problematic

  • List and utilize supportive, weight-neutral words or phrases in treatment

Educational Goal

Participants will increase knowledge regarding how words can impact eating disorder recovery and specifically which terminology to avoid when working with eating disorder clients.

Description

Body image issues are often at the inception of an eating disorder and can linger long into recovery. As clinicians, how we talk about bodies and body image issues can impact patients’ recovery. This presentation will review the impact words can have on eating disorder recovery, specifically exploring the impact of cultural pressures and fatphobia on terminology used. Additionally, this presentation will review supportive, weight-neutral terminology that can be used, how to best discuss differential diagnoses, and how to increase awareness with other clinicians regarding the impact of our words.

Target Audience

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

Presenters

Claire St John
Claire St John MPH RDN CEDS-C, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and certified eating disorder specialist and consultant whose career has been dedicated to working with patients and clients with eating disorders at all levels of care. She now serves as Director of Operations for Reasons Eating Disorder Center, overseeing the inpatient, residential, PHP and IOP programs while maintaining a private practice. Claire is passionate about providing eating disorder care for traditionally underserved populations and identifying and addressing socioeconomic and cultural barriers to recovery.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Reasons Eating Disorder Center