Denver Metro iaedp Chapter Newsletter | Spring 2016

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Catherine S. Tilford, MA, NCC, LPC

2016 has brought many changes to the iaedp Denver Metro

chapter! As the new chapter president, I want to express my
gratitude for everyones support during this transition and to
all of our chapter volunteers and sponsors! Our 2015 annual
gala featuring Dr. Anita Johnston inspired many of you to get
involved so we started out the year with a volunteer drive at
our first Nourish and Connect networking event. It was inspiring
to see so many new faces and to hear about your passion and
ideas for working with this population and community. With
more volunteers than ever, Im excited to see what our chapters
fourth year will bring!

FEEDING RELATIONSHIPS IN
EATING DISORDER TREATMENT

Dr. Ileana Calinoiu,

Eating Recovery Center in Washington

Typically, as an
eating disorder
grows stronger
within a person,
relationships
with family
members and
loved ones can
become strained and gradually diminish. In addition
to the disordered eating behavior patterns that
characterize an eating disorder, anorexia and
bulimia nervosa also often carry with them a
burden of shame and isolation.
Hiding an eating disorder requires a great deal of
secrecy. This can create social barriers between the
person with the disorder and loved ones.
An increasing number of physicians realize that it
is not enough to simply help patients regain the
weight they have lost. We have to help our patients
recognize and cope with the psychological and
relationship stressors that are common with an
eating disorder.

One of our goals this year is to expand the scope of the

educational topics we offer in order to provide relevant and
high quality trainings to all of the professionals that work in the
eating disorder community. Whether youre a therapist, dietitian,
psychiatrist, nurse, or doctor, were hoping to provide meaningful
and engaging learning opportunities for you. Our upcoming
events include three educational trainings (4/1, 6/17, 9/16), two
networking events (5/2, 8/22), and our annual gala (TBA). Also, if
you have ideas for what youd like to see offered in 2017, feel free
to contact us at iaedpmembership@gmail.com. Wed love to hear
your ideas and hope to see you soon!

types of eating disorders both before and after

they participated in an intensive hospital-based
treatment program.

your loved ones life can make a significant difference.

If you are at a loss for words or unsure of how to

talk to a loved one with an eating disorder, choose
The researchers recruited a total of 208 participants to love and be committed to the person and NOT
diagnosed with restrictive anorexia nervosa, bulimia the disease. This love and commitment can be the
nervosa or anorexia nervosa of the binge/purgingencouragement they need to fight for their life.
subtype. Participants were examined for eating
The process of repairing relationships during eating
pathology, symptom severity and interpersonal
disorder treatment can be a healing journey and is
patterns, both before and after treatment.
one of the most meaningful aspects of recovery.
The results of the study showed there was a pattern
exhibited among patients with eating disorders
when it came to interpersonal relationships:
P atients tended to display a nonassertive,
submissive interpersonal style
T hose diagnosed with anorexia of the binge/
purging-subtype exhibited more difficulties with
social inhibition and nonaffiliation
T he patterns changed over the course of the
treatment
These findings highlight the importance of
understanding interpersonal challenges and the
importance of treating the whole person, not just
the eating disorder symptoms.
If we can help patients to be successful in
relationships during treatment, this may aid them
in their recovery and help to reduce relapse rates.

Treat the whole person, not just a symptom

Maintain your love and commitment

A unique study by Drs Ulrike Schmidt and

Janet Treasure recently examined the range of
interpersonal problems in patients with various

There is always hope for recovery for those you

care for. Even though you may feel displaced in the
relationship you once had, your continued presence in

Sponsors of the Denver Metro iaedp Chapter

Officeholders and Executive Team

President
Catherine Tilford, MA,
NCC, LPC

Research
Beth Letourneau, MA,
RYT

Vice President
Sara English, RDN

Social Media
Kate Daigle, MA, NCC,
LPC
Megan Lewis, MS,
LMFT
Corrie Van Horne, RDN

Treasurer
Ellen Broxmeyer, LCSW
Secretary
Ida Bjork, MS, RDN
Marketing
Grace Filiss
Education
Bonnie Brennan, MA,
LPC, NCC, CEDS
Hospitality
Dana Mestek
Melissa Preston, MA,
NCC, LPC, RDN

Certification
Dorie McCubbry, MSED,
PhD, LPC, CEDS
Membership
Tonya McFarland, PsyD,
CEDS
Medical Liaison
Margherita Mascolo,
MD
Student Liaison
Angela Andersen, LPC