Learn with IAEDP & Kate Fisch, LCSW, CEDS

Event Overview:
This event offers 3.5 CEUs and will provide in-depth insights into eating disorder treatment, focusing on both therapeutic challenges and medications like Ozempic.

But My Client Is Special: Avoiding Codependency and Countertransference Traps in Eating Disorder Treatment (2.5 CEUs)

Presentation Abstract:

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 therapist and client.

Further, if not monitored and repaired, these experiences may open the door for a relationship between therapist and client that even resembles co-dependency. In this presentation, we will explore the concepts of countertransference and co-dependency in the therapeutic setting. 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.

Presentation Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will 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 understand 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 strategies to repair any elements of co-dependency.

Ozempic and Company: What Therapists Need to Know about The Use and Misuse of These Medications (1 CEU)

Presentation Abstract:

As the national volume of new GLP1-RA medications such as Ozempic continues to grow louder, so has our attention to these drugs’ potential to negatively impact eating disorder prevalence and symptomatology. These medications work to increase satiety and decrease appetite with the intention of weight loss through caloric restriction. As we well know, dietary restriction can be a significant precipitating factor in the development of an eating disorder. And, for those who already exhibit disordered eating, ongoing dietary restriction keeps those individuals locked in a cycle of restrict, binge, and purge. Additionally, once use of these medications is discontinued, individuals find themselves struggling with rebound weight gain and increased potential for metabolic malfunctions. Those with an underlying eating disorder or a predisposition for the development of an eating disorder, may turn to eating disorder behaviors to counteract their increase in body weight. This presentation is intended to educate eating disorder clinicians about these medications, their use, and misuse. We will also focus on how to identify the misuse of these medications in our client population as well as identify therapeutic interventions to help support our client’s eating disorder recovery without the misuse of GLP1-RA medications.
Presentation Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about the different GLP1-RA medications on the market, how they work, and why they are prescribed.

2. Participants will gain the skills to assess misuse of these medications by clients struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating.

3. Participants will gain confidence in using therapeutic interventions to support client’s recovery from an eating disorder related to or exacerbated by the misuse of GLP1-RA medications.

Diversity Statement: The presentation will have a focus on population diversity and culture as it relates to body standards.

Speaker Bio: 

Kate Fisch is a licensed clinical social worker, CEDS, and the Associate Vice President of Clinical Operations for Odyssey Eating Disorder Network. Kate holds a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University Bloomington. Kate brings over 19 years of clinical experience working in the field of eating disorders to her leadership role at Odyssey. 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. 

Kate is the founder and podcast host of Eating Recovery Academy, an online education tool for mental health professionals specializing in the treatment eating disorders. In addition, Kate founded Northside Mental Health, a private group practice in Indianapolis focusing on mental health counseling services for adolescents and adults, with specialties in eating disorders, addictions, anxiety, and depression. Kate has served as President of the Eating Disorder Task Force of Indiana and worked as a therapist at various treatment centers specializing in eating disorders, chemical dependency, and recovery maintenance.

Info: Therapeutic work with clients struggling with eating disorders can be complex, as these disorders often stem from deeper issues like trauma or unresolved attachment wounds. These underlying issues may contribute to personality disorders or maladaptive interpersonal functioning. Working with eating disordered individuals also increases the likelihood of countertransference between therapist and client. If not addressed, this may lead to co-dependent dynamics. This presentation will explore countertransference and co-dependency in therapy, using case vignettes to help attendees identify and manage these dynamics. Attendees will learn strategies to reset the therapeutic relationship, leading to greater awareness and confidence in their interventions with eating disorder clients.

Info: As the use of GLP1-RA medications like Ozempic rises, so does concern over their potential impact on eating disorder prevalence and symptoms. These drugs increase satiety and decrease appetite to promote weight loss, often through caloric restriction. However, dietary restriction can trigger or worsen eating disorders, leading to cycles of restriction, bingeing, and purging. When the medications are discontinued, individuals may experience rebound weight gain and metabolic issues, which could trigger disordered eating behaviors. This presentation aims to educate clinicians on the use and misuse of these medications, focusing on identifying their misuse in clients and offering therapeutic interventions to support eating disorder recovery while addressing the challenges posed by GLP1-RA medications.

Event Venue

5607 Glenridge Dr ste 100, 5607 Glenridge Drive, Atlanta, United States