About this course
Eating disorders and trauma often co-occur, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation, body image distress, and interpersonal challenges. While trauma-informed care has traditionally focused on distress tolerance, less attention has been given to the role of interpersonal effectiveness in eating disorder recovery. This workshop will explore how relational trauma impacts self-concept, boundary-setting, and communication patterns, often reinforcing disordered eating behaviors. Drawing from Healing the Mind-Body Connection: A Workbook for Eating Disorder and Trauma Recovery (currently in press with Johns Hopkins University Press), participants will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for helping clients build assertiveness, repair relational ruptures, and develop healthier communication patterns. Through case examples and experiential exercises, attendees will gain tools to help clients navigate relationships with greater confidence and self-trust. This session will highlight the importance of interpersonal effectiveness in healing and explore specific techniques, such as DBT's DEAR MAN, to build assertiveness, set healthy boundaries, and enhance emotional regulation. Participants will learn how relational trauma affects individuals' ability to communicate and set boundaries, which can directly impact eating disorder recovery and overall well-being. Designed for therapists and individuals in recovery, this workshop offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to address the intersection of trauma, eating disorders, and interpersonal effectiveness. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships, both in therapy and in their personal lives. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with tools to empower clients to break free from disordered eating patterns and navigate relational challenges with confidence and self-compassion.
