Kate Fisch, LCSW, CEDS & Tammy Beasley, MS, RDN, CEDS-C, LDN

Keynote Presentation Title:

“How Therapists and Dietitians Can Avoid Countertransference and Codependency Traps in Eating Disorder Treatment”

Presentation Overview:

It is well known that therapeutic work with clients struggling with eating disorders can feel complicated.  Conceptually speaking, eating disorders are often the physical manifestation of much more complicated internal forms of distress such as history of trauma or unresolved attachment wounds.  These types of precipitating issues lay the foundation for personality disorders or other types of maladaptive interpersonal functioning.  It is not surprising then to consider that working with eating disordered individuals increases the likelihood of experiences of countertransference between the client and both the therapist and dietitian.  Further, if not monitored and repaired, these experiences may open the door for a relationship between therapist or dietitian and client that even resembles co-dependency.  In this presentation, we will explore the concepts of countertransference and co-dependency in the therapeutic setting from the perspectives of both the therapist and dietitian. Using case vignettes, attendees will learn how to identify countertransference in their work and how to use it beneficially.  Attendees will also learn how to identify warning signs of co-dependency and strategies to constructively reset the therapeutic relationship.  Ultimately, attendees will return to their therapeutic work with an increased awareness of the complicated therapeutic relationship when working with eating disorder clients and feel increased confidence in their interventions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be able to broaden their understanding of countertransference and co-dependency in their work with eating disorder clients.
2. Attendees will learn to identify experiences of countertransference with their clients and recognize the warning signs of the presence of codependent features within the therapeutic relationship
3. Attendees will learn how to use experiences of countertransference to the benefit of their therapeutic work as well as specific strategies to repair any elements of co-dependency

Biography:

Kate brings over 17 years of clinical experience working in the field of eating disorders to the Odyssey Eating Disorder Network. Kate draws on her experience working in all levels of eating disorder treatment and care to inform her dedication for developing and delivering evidence based and best practice clinical services. Kate’s extensive knowledge of eating disorders and years of direct client care have also shaped her passion for clinical supervision, support, and development of other mental health clinicians treating individuals with eating disorders.

 

 

 

With over 35 years of experience, Tammy Beasley has dedicated her career to advancing eating disorder recovery through her clinical expertise and leadership. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams nationwide to design innovative nutrition programs. Tammy became the first RDN to be CEDS certified with iaedp and later served as Certification Director. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in achieving the landmark approval of the CEDS certification for RDNs, validating the essential role of nutrition in eating disorder treatment. She also co-authored the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Standards of Practice (SOP/SOPP) for eating disorder dietitians.