Information For Counsellors

Eating disorders are complex conditions and counsellors will recognise the need to be competent in their knowledge and skill in this area. This usually requires specialist training.  Sadly in is not uncommon for sufferers to have bad experiences in counselling because their counsellor knew little about their condition.

An eating disorders counsellor is required to adopt multiple roles.  Their work will often demand skills in: teaching, nutritional counselling, life skills coaching, art therapy as well as emotional and cognitive therapy.  Eating disorders counselling is often agreed to be one of the most challenging areas in which to practise but also very rewarding. 

EDA works with all kinds of professionals who directly support sufferers (predominantly individual counsellors, counselling organisations, school and college counsellors as well as health and teaching).  Our aim is to support them and bring them the most up to date research and information about eating disorders so that they can be the most effective in the support they give.  We can offer specialist training, support and expert advice. We also operate a searchable database of our members who are accredited counsellors with experience of treating eating disorders which is made available on our website and via our help lines. We produce a Guide for Counsellors for those working with or considering counselling those with eating disorders. Please see our publications page.

We offer training days and workshops for all interested professionals. Attendance at a proportion of these is required for those counsellors and support group leaders affiliating with EDA. For more information on training events for 2009 please contact us.