Trauma, Attachment and Eating Disorders

The session will begin with an overview of eating disorders and attachment theory, followed by a discussion on how trauma is related to the development of eating disorders with an emphasis on the role attachment trauma plays in the epidemiology of eating disorders. The last section will illustrate the steps necessary to prepare a client who suffers from trauma, attachment ruptures, and eating disorder symptomology for treatment. This section will include techniques for self-regulation, safety and stabilization, and psychoeducation. The session will conclude with an overview of potential next steps and treatment prioritization.