Hybrid event ·

2026, 23 October, Irving TX: The Story Within: Narrative Approaches That Deepen Insight and Structure Recovery Work

with Mary Elizabeth Akinaka LPC-S, CEDS-C, Katherine Jordan, RD, LD, CEDS-C, Keesha Amezcua LMFT, CED-C, CDWF

This presentation introduces a narrative-based approach to treatment planning and progress monitoring in eating disorder care. Drawing on Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and narrative theory, this model uses story, metaphor, and imagery to help clients make sense of their experiences, externalize the eating disorder, and engage more meaningfully in recovery. By
Hybrid event
Texas Tech DFW

Meet the speakers

Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Akinaka LPC-S, CEDS-C
Mary Elizabeth Akinaka LPC-S, CEDS-C
Vice President of Clinical Services

VP of Clinical Services, Alsana Mary Elizabeth Akinaka, LPC-S, CEDS-C, currently serves as Vice President of Clinical Services at Alsana Eating Disorder Recovery Community in Birmingham, Alabama. With over a decade of experience in the eating disorder field, Mary Elizabeth has dedicated her career to supporting compassionate, individualized, and effective care for clients in recovery. She is especially passionate about leading multidisciplinary teams that create brave spaces where clients can engage deeply in their healing journeys.

Mary Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, along with a Certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

An advocate for weight-inclusive, client-centered care, Mary Elizabeth regularly presents on topics related to eating disorder treatment and health equity. She has also been featured on several podcasts where she shares insights into weight-inclusive approaches, compassionate leadership, and the evolving landscape of eating disorder recovery.

Mary Elizabeth is energized by authentic connection and believes that growth often comes through engaging with stories that differ from our own. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two sons.

Portrait of Katherine Jordan, RD, LD, CEDS-C
Katherine Jordan, RD, LD, CEDS-C
Director of Nutrition

Director of Nutrition Services, Alsana Katherine currently serves as the Director of Nutrition Services at Alsana Eating Recovery Community. She began her career with Alsana as an intern in 2014 and joined full-time as a dietitian in 2016. She has since served as Lead Dietitian and the Director of Clinical Services at the Birmingham residential program. Passionate about the field of eating disorders, Katherine is honored to walk alongside clients in their recovery journeys and is inspired daily by their courage. She values the opportunity to witness transformation—in relationships with food, body, movement, and self—that allows clients to experience true freedom in mind, body, and soul. A registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist, Katherine is also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor and a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, boxing, and traveling.

Portrait of Keesha Amezcua LMFT, CED-C, CDWF
Keesha Amezcua LMFT, CED-C, CDWF

Keesha Amezcua serves as Alsana’s Chief Clinical Officer, bringing twenty years of experience in the eating disorder treatment field. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist Consultant. Keesha brings a wealth of expertise and a track record of clinical excellence to the organization. Previously Keesha held clinical leadership roles over all levels of care for both adolescents and adults as Vice President of Clinical Programming for Monte Nido & Affiliates. Keesha also brings international program development experience contributing to Wandi Nerida, Australia’s first residential eating disorder treatment center. Apart from her clinical work, Keesha has authored numerous publications on eating disorder recovery and regularly speaks at national conferences. She holds certifications as a Daring Way Facilitator and in specialized therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), enhancing her ability to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Under Keesha’s leadership, Alsana is poised to excel in providing outstanding care, fostering a nurturing environment for professionals, and shaping the future of the eating disorder treatment industry.

By the end of this session, you'll be able to

1

Describe how narrative structure, metaphor, and imagery enhance motivation, engagement, and self-compassion in individuals receiving eating disorder treatment.

2

Apply narrative and metaphor-based techniques to conceptualize treatment goals and monitor progress in a developmentally attuned, person-centered way.

3

Integrate narrative-informed documentation practices that link story elements and metaphors to measurable clinical outcomes, supporting clear communication among clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Session agenda

11am - Networking 11:30am - lunch and announcements 12:00-1pm - CE Presentation The Story Within: Narrative Approaches That Deepen Insight and Structure Recovery Work

CE Info

1
CE credit hours

Hybrid event · 2 hours

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