Friday, March 27th | 1:00 - 4: 15 PM EST
Zoom | 3 CEs
Program Description:
Given our world’s current hyper-fixation with weight and size, body image work in therapy can be challenging for both clients and providers. This presentation will review historical contexts for anti-fat attitudes, exploring how societal norms founded in racism and white supremacy have influenced how we judge “good bodies” versus “bad bodies.” We will explore how these views have transformed over the past century, highlighting the rise of healthism (the preoccupation with individual health and responsibility) as a dominant influence on body judgment. These judgements often perpetuate a relentless cycle of self-blame, body image distress, and disordered eating behaviors. With a comprehensive understanding of these historical contexts, the presentation will then shift focus to modern approaches to body image work. Drawing on the latest research and body liberation activism, attendees will gain practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting clients. By the end, participants will feel better equipped to foster a more inclusive and affirming environment that recognizes the diverse experiences of individuals grappling with body image concerns.
Level of Instruction:
Intermediate
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss how anti-fat attitudes are founded in racism and white supremacy
2. Critique how healthism can lead to an over-focus on personal responsibility and ignores body diversity
3. Explain the body image/behavior/shame cycle
4. List three inclusive body image interventions for use with clients including those with diverse backgrounds and body sizes
5. Apply your understanding of body image interventions in the therapeutic relationship
About the Presenter:
Dr. Sara Schwatken is a licensed psychologist practicing in her private practice in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Sara is pleased to have completed her board certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) with the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), specializing in binge eating disorder and atypical anorexia. Sara has served on the board of the Eating Disorder Coalition of Iowa since 2020 and is proud to have spearheaded the Healthcare Training Initiative to reduce weight stigma and encourage a weight-neutral approach to healthcare for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. As part of this work, Sara has presented to a variety of provider types including psychologists, mental health counselors, school counselors, family physicians and medical students. Sara also provides therapeutic services to clients at Within Health, a remote higher level of care (HLOC) eating disorder treatment program for clients with more severe eating disorder presentations and co-occurring disorders. In her free time, Dr. Schwatken enjoys experimenting with new recipes and experiencing the rollercoaster of emotions in being an Iowa State athletics fan.
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NHPA prices workshops by CE credit hour:
$25.00 per CE for members; $35.00 per CE for non-members
Group Rates Available:
3 - 5 people = $15 off workshop cost per individual (member/non-member)
6 - 8 people = $20 off workshop cost per individual (member/non-member)
8 + people = $25 off workshop cost per individual (member/non-member)
Please contact ce@nhpsychology.org for more information. Please include first name, last name and email address for each participant in the group, along with a contact person for the invoice.
Paying with a check:
Checks must be received within one week of the event. If payment has not been received, registrant will still have option to pay online with a credit card up until the day before the program. If an invoice remains open on the day of the event, the registrant will not be allowed to attend.
Cancellation policy:
Refunds, minus a 10% cancellation fee, will be issued for all cancellations received two weeks prior to the start of the course. No refunds or vouchers will be made thereafter. No-shows are not refunded.
Attendance policy:
Full attendance is required to obtain CEs per NHPA policy. No partial credit will be given. Those who attend the workshop and complete the evaluation form will receive 3 continuing education credits. Please note that APA CE rules require that we only give credit to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving after the scheduled start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.
Registrations are Transferable:
Registrants can transfer an event confirmation to another individual. The NHPA office must be notified of the transfer at least 24 hours prior to the event.
This program is sponsored by the New Hampshire Psychological Association. NHPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NHPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
