Continuing Education

Eating Disorders

Challenging Myths and Embracing Realities 

Social Work Education

About The Course

Course Title: Eating Disorders: Challenging Myths and Embracing Realities

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1 credit (general)

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 10 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again. 

Certificate of CompletionIn order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

Enhancing Professional Competence: Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require specialized knowledge and skills to treat effectively. Continuing education ensures social workers stay informed about the latest evidence-based practices and treatment models, enhancing their competence in providing high-quality care to those struggling with these conditions.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Social workers must be prepared to address the unique challenges and needs of diverse populations affected by eating disorders, including men, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. This education supports the development of culturally sensitive approaches that are inclusive and tailored to the specific experiences of these groups, promoting equitable care and better outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Impact: The treatment of eating disorders often involves a team of healthcare professionals. Continuing education facilitates a deeper understanding of how social workers can effectively collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, contributing to comprehensive care plans, continuity of care, and the overall enhancement of client well-being during and after treatment.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Analyze Treatment Approaches
    Critically analyze diverse treatment methodologies for eating disorders, including traditional and innovative approaches, to understand their applicability in various client scenarios.

  2. Address Misconceptions and Diversity
    Identify and develop strategies to address misconceptions about eating disorders and to enhance their cultural competence in working with diverse populations including men, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.

  3. Evaluate Outcomes and Collaborative Practices
    Learn to employ both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the success of eating disorder treatment programs and understand the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimizing client outcomes.

Target Audience: 

Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Meagan Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group instruction for over 5 years.

Meagan is currently a Child and Adolescent Therapist with The Sibley Group in Washington, DC. She is working towards her Play Therapy credential. Meagan is also the founder of Agents of Change Social Work Test Prep – a learning platform and community designed for social workers preparing for their licensing exams.

She loves combining her passion for learning and sharing her knowledge with the social work community. Meagan has a strong interest in tech & and innovation, specifically exploring the intersection of technology with social work practices. She is also passionate about multicultural supervision & and ethics; ensuring diverse voices are heard, understood, and supported in supervision and consultation.

Lastly, Meagan is currently a DSW student at SUNY Buffalo.

Kira Denney

Kira is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Pearl Wellness Practice. She is a licensed clinical supervisor and therapist serving individuals with disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, and general mental health concerns in DC, MD, and FL. In addition to providing direct care, Kira serves as chair-elect for the Washington DC International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals, provides individual and group supervision and consultations for other mental health professionals and practice, facilitates psycho-education groups, and contributes her eating disorder, leadership, and management expertise to blogs and podcasts.

Taking a person-centered and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach, she guides others to identify their core beliefs and behaviors and helps them develop and implement skills and techniques that best fit their lifestyle, needs, and wants for personal growth.

In Kira’s spare time, you can find her volunteering as the philanthropy chair for her alumni, mentoring psychology students, watching or playing sports, and hanging out with family.

Course Outline:

Introduction

  • Introduction to the course facilitators: Meagan Mitchell and Kira Denney
  • Overview of course objectives: Challenging common myths and understanding the realities of eating disorders

Module 1: Understanding Eating Disorders

  • Definitions and types of eating disorders
  • Prevalence of eating disorders in different demographics

Module 2: Myths and Misconceptions

  • Common myths surrounding eating disorders
  • Addressing and debunking these myths

Module 3: Integrating Technology in Social Work

  • Meagan Mitchell’s approach to utilizing technology and innovation in social work practice
  • The role of technology in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders
  • Module 4: Play and Expressive Arts Therapy
  • The use of play and expressive arts in treating eating disorders, particularly in children and adolescents

Module 5: Multicultural Supervision and Ethics

  • Multicultural and intersectional considerations in the supervision of eating disorder treatments
  • Ethical considerations in the treatment of diverse populations

Module 6: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Approach

  • Kira Denney’s person-centered and CBT approach to treating eating disorders
  • Identifying core beliefs and behaviors associated with eating disorders

Module 7: Professional Development

  • Kira Denney’s role with the Washington DC International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals
  • Continuing education and community involvement for professionals

Conclusion

  • Recap of the key points discussed in the course
  • How to apply the knowledge and skills learned to clinical practice

Additional Resources

  • Recommendations for further reading and research
  • Information on professional associations and continuing education opportunities

Course Creation Date: 11/8/23 

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

ACE Approval Statement: 

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.

System Requirements:

  • The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
  • Javascript enabled
  • PDF plugin
  • Graphic and audio output capability
  • Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
  • TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser

Refund PolicyIn general, refunds will not be provided. However, if you do have any concerns or grievances, please contact us at the email address below. Registrants who do not complete their course(s) will not receive a refund. Registrants who purchased the course but did not achieve a passing grade will not receive a refund. The Agents of Change Grievance Policy can be viewed here.

Cancellation Policy: If an Agents of Change Continuing Education course is canceled, a full refund will be provided to all participants.

Please email [email protected] with any questions about the course.

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