CEU Webinar | Wednesday, April 29 | 12-1pm | Virtual via Zoom
1 CEU Hour Available
Eating disorders are among the most psychologically and medically complex conditions clinicians encounter, yet many therapists report receiving little formal training in how to assess, diagnose, and treat them. This gap in preparation often leads to uncertainty, avoidance, and the common “hot potato effect,” where clinicians feel compelled to refer out immediately rather than engage confidently in early intervention.
This training is designed to empower both new and experienced clinicians with practical, actionable guidance for identifying eating disorders and subclinical disordered eating patterns, including concerns related to body image, restriction, bingeing, and compensatory behaviors. Participants will learn how to conduct appropriate diagnostic assessment, understand levels of care, and determine when outpatient treatment is appropriate versus when referral to higher levels of care is necessary.
The course will also address the essential role of multidisciplinary collaboration, with specific guidance on working effectively alongside dietitians, medical providers, and specialized treatment teams. In addition, participants will be introduced to the Growth and Resiliency Model (GARM)© as a framework for increasing clinician self-awareness, reducing avoidance, and strengthening therapeutic effectiveness when working with eating disorder presentations.
By the end of the training, clinicians will feel more confident in their ability to recognize eating disorders early, initiate appropriate clinical interventions, and provide thoughtful, informed care that supports client recovery while strengthening their own clinical competence.
Objectives for Participants:
- Identify diagnostic criteria and early warning signs of eating disorders and subclinical disordered eating (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive indicators).
- Describe and apply effective collaboration strategies with registered dietitians, including how to reinforce nutrition-related goals within therapist scope and support treatment alignment without practicing outside competency.
- Differentiate levels of care in eating disorder treatment and determine when outpatient therapy is appropriate versus when referral to higher levels of care is clinically indicated, while managing their own clinical reactions and uncertainty.
Details:
- When: Wednesday, April 29 | 12-1pm
- Where: Virtual via Zoom
- Credits: 1 CEU Hour
The Speakers
Audrey Grunst, LCSW
Founder of Simply Bee, Author of 5 Ways To Grow A Resilient Mind & GARM©
Audrey Grunst is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and CEO recognized for her expertise in resilience, mental health, and self-awareness. As founder of Simply Bee and CEO of Be Collaborative Care, she leads multidisciplinary teams dedicated to transforming how individuals and families experience care. Audrey created the Growth & Resiliency Model© (GARM) and wrote 5 Steps to Grow a Resilient Mind, blending evidence-based practices with practical tools for thriving in high-pressure environments. Her work highlights the essential role of self-awareness in building resilience, unlocking potential, and redefining what success looks like in business, athletics, and everyday life.
Meredith Starr, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian and the Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness
Meredith Starr is a Registered Dietitian and the Director of Nutrition Services at Allow Wellness. She is deeply passionate about the treatment of eating disorders and has over ten years of experience in the eating disorders field. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago Coordinated Nutrition Program, Meredith began her nutrition career at UI Health general inpatient services. Meredith then transitioned to specialize in eating disorders care at residential, partial, and intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care as a counseling-based dietitian and tube feeding specialist. She continues to treat clients in need of enteral/tube feeding nutrition support in the outpatient setting.
Her personal nutrition philosophy centers on building a healthy relationship with food and is inclusive of mental, emotional, physical and social health. Meredith aligns herself with weight-inclusive and non-diet nutrition approaches. She is passionate about empowering others in their relationship with food and their bodies. Meredith is also a part-time dancer, instructor and choreographer in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
