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Greater Cincinnati Eating Disorder Professionals 2026 Symposium - Beyond the Surface: Multifaceted Approaches to Eating Disorder Recovery

The OT Lens: Supporting Recovery in Eating Disorders

Maddie Duzyk, OTR/L, OTD
Kelly Farrell, MS, OTR/L
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Information

Date & Time

Location

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe at least two unique contributions of occupational therapy within multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment teams.

  • Identify three occupation-based and interoceptive approaches that address the complex interplay between eating disorders and co-occurring conditions.

  • Apply two principles of routine reconstruction and participation-focused interventions to enhance recovery outcomes.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to increase understanding of the unique role occupational therapy plays within multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment and equip clinicians with occupation-based strategies that support functional recovery, routine reconstruction, and meaningful participation in everyday life.

Description

Adolescents experiencing eating disorders often present with layered psychosocial challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. These complexities require integrated, multidisciplinary care that extends beyond traditional medical or behavioral approaches. Occupational therapy (OT), with its focus on daily routines, identity, and meaningful participation, plays a unique role in bridging medical stabilization with functional, values-driven recovery. This presentation explores how occupational therapists collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to enhance eating disorder treatment through a function-based, strengths-oriented lens. Speakers will review evidence-informed interventions targeting interoception, emotional regulation, adaptive coping, meal preparation, body-based mindfulness, and graded exposure to everyday occupations. Case examples will demonstrate how OT interventions promote self-efficacy, restore routines, and improve participation in meaningful life roles, particularly for individuals with co-occurring mental health or substance use concerns.

Target Audience

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

Presenters

Maddie Duzyk, OTR/L, OTD
Maddie Duzyk, OTR/L, OTD, is an occupational therapist with eight years of experience in pediatric care and the founder of Positive OT LLC. She is recognized as a leader in advancing the role of occupational therapy within eating disorder treatment, helping bridge functional skill development with compassionate, client-centered support. Through clinical practice, research, and nationwide advocacy, Maddie continues to elevate OT’s presence in this specialty and empower individuals and families to build meaningful, sustainable routines that support long-term well-being.
Kelly Farrell, MS, OTR/L
Kelly Farrell, MS, OTR/L is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, specializing in qualitative methods. She is an occupational therapist with over four years of experience and serves as an adjunct professor of behavioral health courses at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Kelly is currently a PhD student in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, with research interests in eating disorders, interoception, and qualitative methods.

Financially Sponsored By

  • The Emily Program