Advance your practice as an Australian psychologist with this in-depth course on binge eating.
For Australian psychologists and counsellors who work with disordered eating, this course explains binge eating from a clinical and psychoanalytic point of view. It begins with the diagnostic features set out in DSM-5-TR and the emotional experiences that come with them, then examines binge eating as a way of coping with difficult feelings. Developmental history, attachment patterns, relational dynamics and the symbolic meaning of food are discussed, along with shame, body image and the influence of family and culture. Clinical content focuses on managing shame and resistance, holding boundaries and tailoring interventions to the individual and their developmental level.
This talk provides a clinically grounded overview of binge eating, including its definition, diagnostic criteria, and psychological underpinnings. It explores binge eating as a coping mechanism linked to emotional regulation difficulties, early developmental experiences, and relational dynamics. Attention is given to themes such as shame, body image, attachment, and the symbolic meaning of food, alongside the impact of family systems and broader sociocultural influences. The session also addresses therapeutic challenges, including working with resistance, boundary issues, and adapting interventions to the patient’s developmental level.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
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