Are you a dietitian committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of clients struggling with recurrent overeating episodes?

Supporting individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) requires more than just nutrition education—it demands a compassionate, non-diet, weight-inclusive approach that fosters healing and trust.

Our introductory online course is designed to give you the practical tools and foundational knowledge to integrate this approach into your practice. You’ll learn how to support clients without reinforcing restrictive diet culture, helping them build a harmonious relationship with food and their bodies.

This course is designed for clinicians who are:

Uncertain about how to identify BED versus other eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors.

Concerned about unintentionally reinforcing diet culture and weight stigma in treatment approaches.

Unsure how to provide affirming care for individuals concerned about their weight and eating patterns.

Looking for evidence-based, non-diet approaches that prioritize patient well-being over weight loss.

Seeking practical tools to help patients develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

Module 1: Establishing a Supportive Environment

Our first week focuses on self-assessment and reflection. You'll explore your own reactions and biases when clients discuss struggles like overeating [or eating past fullness]. We will delve into the origins of anti-fat bias and emphasize the importance of creating a non-judgmental environment. This includes careful consideration of the language used and validating clients' experiences without judgment. We also stress the value of diverse learning and provide resources to enhance your understanding.

Module 2: Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

The second week lays the foundational knowledge of BED, including its diagnostic criteria and relevant statistics. You'll learn about the role of neurotransmitters, the spectrum of eating disorders, and the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Additionally, we'll cover the psychological aspects associated with BED and discuss medications. This week ensures you're well-equipped to screen for BED and recognize co-occurring conditions.

Module 3: Nutritional Counseling Strategies

During this week, we split our focus into two parts. The first session reinforces the importance of supportive relationships and addresses how to reduce shame in clients. We explore the motivations behind clients' desires to change and introduce values assessment and fostering self-compassion. The second video session will guide you through managing food preoccupation, breaking binge eating cycles, detecting and respecting hunger, and setting realistic expectations for progress.

Module 4: Addressing Barriers to Adequate Intake

This week, we delve into the various barriers that can hinder proper nutritional intake in clients with BED. We'll address the emotional aspects, such as the feelings of shame and the entrenched beliefs of not deserving to eat. Our discussions will also cover the impacts of diet culture, which often normalizes restricted eating, and we'll challenge common misconceptions like the fear of carbohydrates and the misinterpretation of willpower. Additionally, we explore both physical and mental restrictions, intermittent fasting in the context of BED, executive dysfunction, and factors like food scarcity and insecurity.

Module 5: Practical Application and Case Studies

In our final week, we focus on applying the knowledge gained through real-life case studies. This will help consolidate your learning and prepare you for practical application. The week concludes with wrap-up discussions, providing an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways and discuss how to integrate these strategies into your practice.