Body Acceptance Week - Eating Disorder Awareness Lunch & Learn

Please join us for the Eating Disorder Awareness Lunch & Learn as a part of this year’s Body Acceptance Week. Anyone is welcome! 

Professionals (dietitians, counselors, social workers, medical providers, etc) get 1.5 free CEUs for attending, sponsored by Treasure Valley Therapy. If you're a professional and want to get CEUs, please register here. Everyone else can RSVP to Campus Groups here to save a seat.

We ask that you bring your own lunch for this event, knowing that you’ll be in good company to learn about eating disorders, and beverages and cookies will be provided. Microwaves are conveniently located on the first floor of the Student Union Building to heat up anything you need.

The details:

• Student Union Building, Bishop Barwell Room 
• Friday, February 28th, 2025 
• 11am-1pm 
• Professionals - to get CEUs, please register here.
• Everyone else can RSVP to Campus Groups here to save a seat.

The goals of this event are to:

1. Learn about the latest eating disorder research.

This engaging discussion will be led by Boise State University’s Dr. Mary Pritchard. Dr. Pritchard is a Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University, and manager of the Body Image Lab. Her expertise is in experimental psychology, focusing on varying factors influencing body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors in students. 

2. Learn how to recognize signs & symptoms.

Presented by Caley Featherstone, MS, LCPC, and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, this presentation will provide participants with a basic understanding of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors through psychoeducation. Key signs and symptoms of eating disorders will be discussed through a biopsychosocial model to understand eating disorder etiology and maintenance factors. Additionally, participants will be introduced to several transdiagnostic treatments for eating disorders, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), equipping them with practical knowledge on how treatment for eating disorders work.
 

3. Learn how to have difficult conversations about eating disorders.

This presentation is led by Amy Roberts, LCSW, from Boise State Counseling Services. She will focus on how to have crucial conversations about eating and body image concerns. Key topics will be covered, such as preparing for the conversation, using the Oreo cookie method of communication to balance constructive feedback with positivity, and avoiding harmful or triggering language. Additionally, we’ll discuss strategies for addressing defensiveness, hostility, or strong emotions that may arise, and how to conclude the conversation on a positive and empowering note. The content draws on principles from The Body Positive, Health at Every Size, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the book Crucial Conversations.

4. Learn about new movements in eating disorder prevention & Boise State’s resources.

Laci Whipple, an MA Counseling Student-Intern and eating disorder professional, will be discussing eating disorder prevention efforts on the Boise State campus, such as body image course and workshop offerings, resources, Body Acceptance Week efforts, and new programs available to students.

We hope to see you at this informative session!
Sponsored by Coca-Cola & Treasure Valley Therapy

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