The spring is always full of informative and educational conferences for health professionals working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and related issues. This March, Timberline Knolls participated in a few top industry conferences across the country that highlighted key research and the latest news in the treatment of eating disorders. Here’s how we connected with professionals:
iaedp Symposium, “Journey through the Looking Glass: Complex Issues/Creative Solutions” Charleston, South Carolina, March 21-25, 2012
The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) hosts an annual symposium and this year it was held in Charleston, South Carolina. Since 1985, iaedp has provided first-quality education and high level training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of healthcare treatment providers as well as helping professions who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems.
Our medical director addressed attendees at the symposium this year on the topic of “Food and Addiction Disorders.” The presentation examined the demographics of both eating disorders and substance abuse disorders as well as their co-occurring demographics. Topics discussed included the brain reward system, research and treatment for both these disorders within a recovery model.
During the iaedp conference, our medical director was also part of a special panel after the TK-sponsored showing of the rock musical titled NORMAL. The 60-minute rock musical is based on a true story of a family struggling with anorexia. Many people are inspired to come forward after the musical to talk about an array of issues in addition to eating disorders.
Juliet Zuercher, RD, nutrition coordinator at TK spoke to iaedp attendees about “Orthorexia Nervosa: Good Health Gone Bad.” Her presentation covered the growing problem of our country’s obsession with perfect health and wellness. (Learn more about orthorexia on our website.)
Lisaura Lozada, dance movement therapist and Livia Budrys, clinical specialist and a yoga expressive therapist, together talked about the benefits of dance movement and yoga in treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and other eating disorders with their presentation titled, “Safely Embodied: An Experiential Collaboration in the Treatment of Eating Disorders.”
CAPS 2012 International Conference, Washington DC
Dr. Margaret Nagib, spirituality clinical coordinator at TK, spoke at the annual Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) in Washington DC in March. The three-day conference offered fresh conversations about the relationship amongst the behavioral sciences, counseling practices and Christian faith. Dr. Nagib’s presentation, titled, “Strengthening the Spirit & Restoring the Soul: Identifying, Understanding & Healing the Blocks with the Father, Son & the Holy Spirit,” covered the benefits of spirituality in psychological care.
In March, TK’s team of experts were able to experience many important opportunities to learn dialogue with colleagues and make significant and meaningful friendships. Continuing education is crucial for all of TK’s staff and we’ll continue to participate in national, regional and local conferences and events across the country throughout the year.
