I've recently returned Long Beach, California, where I attended the 2009 Symposium: Reclaiming the Body: Attachment, Somatics, and Image, presented by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). There were more than 400 professionals from all over the world, though I was the only one there from Orlando.
For me, the conference highlights were the discussions about:
1. Brain chemistry. Dr. Joel Robertson, author of Peak Performance Living, delivered a "standing room only" presentation about the links between eating disorders, brain chemistry imbalances, disordered thinking and body image. He suggested several possible strategies, including supplements, medication, exercise and nutrition, as well as working to change your thoughts and behaviors. His bottom line was the interconnectedness of all of these elements, and that solutions can be and should be catered to the individual.
2. Guided imagery. Judith Rabinor, author of A Starving Madness, led an interactive presentation where we were actually able to participate in guided imagery exercises, which I found very moving. Guided imagery can add to the effectiveness of any type of talk therapy, bypassing the conscious mind to access a very deep place of self-awareness and self-healing. The presenters explained how we all tell a story about ourselves. When we can bypass the conscious mind we can get to a place where we can tell a new story.
3. Transitioning to life beyond an eating disorder. Jenni Schaefer is the author of Life Without Ed, a book which I recommend to anyone who struggles with anorexia or bulimia. By creating a persona named Ed, representing the eating disorder, the book helps separate the person from the problem. What a gift to be in Jenni's presence – she's like a guru in this field and has helped so many people. At this conference, Scaefer and co-presenter Michael Berrett, PhD, spoke about how finding reasons to change helps eating disorder clients to reclaim their lives. Jenni also spoke more about the life she is continuing to build now that she is free of her own eating disorder, including her new book coming out in September 2009, Goodbye Ed, Hello Me. |