Topic(s): 
Counselling
Mental Health and Addictions
Professional Practice
Webinar event date: 
oct 26, 2021 11:00 am EDT
Webinar series: 
Eating Disorders: Series with National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED)
Webinar link

Connectez-vous pour accèder à l'hyperlien du webinaire.

Webinar Presenters: 

Ary Maharaj

Ary Maharaj is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and the Outreach & Education Coordinator at the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). In his community education work, Ary strives to reconcile our commonalities with what makes us unique, acknowledging how each person’s experience intersects with systemic, social factors and can impact our health. His lived experience and clinical work keeps him grounded so that he never forgets the stories of the communities he’s advocating for when trying to take a preventative, proactive approach to help people with their relationship with eating and their body.

Erin Huston (she/her), MA

Erin Huston is a community educator and the Training & Education Coordinator with Body Brave. In her work Erin uses her education and lived experience to engage both professionals and public communities in conversation about eating disorders and diet culture using a feminist and anti-oppressive lens. Erin Huston has a Masters in Social Justice and Community Engagement at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Kaitlyn Axelrod (she/her), MSW, RSW

Kaitlyn Axelrod is a registered social worker and the Program and Outreach Coordinator at Sheena’s Place, where she facilitates support groups and leads community outreach initiatives. Through her work, Kaitlyn aims to destigmatize eating disorders and increase the accessibility of support. Kaitlyn believes that group-based mental health support is critical in reducing suffering and improving individual and community well-being.

Description

An estimated 2.7 million people in Canada meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder and many more experience symptoms, all of which can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being. Recent studies and community reports show a significant increase in individuals and families reaching out for eating disorder support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters will debunk common myths about eating disorders and explore how these complex challenges are linked to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and body size. Attendees will also learn how to recognize symptoms of disordered eating in clients and strategies for supporting those affected.

Webinar Objectives

  • To share basic information about eating disorders including recognition, risk factors, and commonly co-occurring mental health challenges;
  • To explore how eating disorders are connected to aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and body shape/size;
  • To share strategies for assessment and providing support.