Body dissatisfaction is a common experience for people in our communities, and the incidence of eating disorders is high and increasing. These problems do not arise in a vacuum: they are consequences of our cultural preoccupation with thinness and the rejection of larger bodies. In order to meaningfully reduce body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders across all groups, a broader lens is needed.Health at Every Size (HAES®) is a paradigm shifting social justice movement which respects body diversity and inclusive healthcare. This webinar will provide health professionals with an understanding of the HAES® principles, particularly exploring the impact of weight stigma and diet culture on treatment.

Participants will learn the basics of weight inclusive, trauma informed care, moving beyond body image to a deeper understanding of factors which preclude accessible care and genuine healing. The webinar will conclude with practical tips for health professionals to overcome these barriers and pivot their practice to uphold HAES® principles.

Guest presenters from around Australia include:

Janet Lowndes (event moderator) - Janet Lowndes is a Psychologist with over 25 years experience providing therapy, training and consultation. She is Principal Psychologist and Director of Mind Body Well, a therapy practice in Melbourne assisting people with eating disorders and body image concerns, from a Health at Every Size (HAES® )perspective. Janet is a professionally trained supervisor supporting Psychologists and other health professionals. Janet has been involved in the HAES committee for a number of years, currently serving on the Membership Working Party, and she sits on the Board of Directors of Eating Disorders Victoria.

Fiona Willer - Dr Fiona Willer (AdvAPD, PhD, FHEA, MAICD) is an Australian dietitian, academic, educator and health advocate with a long career straddling both higher education and the private sector. Her academic research involves health consciousness, dietary quality and the integration of weight-neutral lifestyle approaches (including Health at Every Size®) into healthcare practice. Fiona has served on the boards of HAES® Australia, ASDAH and now Dietitians Australia and is the creator of the innovative Unpacking Weight Science professional development podcast.

Louise Adams (President HAES® Australia) - Louise Adams (MAPS, FCCLP) is the current President of HAES® Australia. She is a clinical psychologist, author, educator and podcast producer. Louise has over 20 years of clinical experience working with eating disorders, using evidence practice through a HAES® lens. Louise is the founder of UNTRAPPED, an online program and community for people looking to liberate from diet prison.

Fiona Sutherland - Fiona Sutherland is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Director of The Mindful Dietitian Fiona has been practising for over 20 years, specialising in eating disorders, body image, trauma-informed care and sports nutrition as a clinician, supervisor & educator. Fiona has been involved on the Steering Committee of HAES® Australia for many years.

You will also hear from Elissa from the HAES® Australia Lived Experience Advisory Board. Elissa juggles multiple passions. She's a performing artist and puppeteer with Larrikin Puppets, an online publisher of Sustainability Hackers, and also works as a campaigner for two Australian non-profit organisations. Elissa regularly tours for work and travels for pleasure with her puppeteer husband. She's a digital nomad who works remotely from home, libraries, motels, cafes and parks. Elissa has a couple of different degrees, her most recent being a Master of Arts (in Sociology).

WHEN: Wednesday September 8th 2021

TIME: 7PM - 8.30PM

WHERE: Online via Zoom

AUDIENCE: Health professionals (the presenters are very conscious of providing messaging appropriate to the audience, and for this reason the event is for health professionals only. Registrants will be asked to provide their occupation and organisation)

COST: Free (donation can be made to support the running of the event)

This event is proudly hosted by Eating Disorders Victoria, with the support of members of the Eating Disorders Alliance Australia (The Butterfly Foundation, Eating Disorders Queensland, Eating Disorders Families Australia).

Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week runs from September 6-12, 2021.

If you require any support or information prior to the event, please contact the EDV Hub on 9994 0354 or hub@eatingdisorders.org.au.