0694 - Exploring the Connection Between Eating Disorders and Attachment: Creating a Secure Attachment as the Foundation for Recovery

Course Description

Hours: 12

Eating disorders rarely develop in isolation. They often emerge within the context of disrupted attachment experiences, difficulties with emotional regulation, unmet relational needs and challenges with self-worth and connection. Research consistently demonstrates a strong association between eating disorders and insecure attachment categories, highlighting the importance of understanding attachment as a central component of assessment, formulation and treatment.

This two-day training explores the powerful relationship between attachment and eating disorders, providing clinicians with a deeper understanding of how early attachment experiences shape emotional regulation, view of self, coping strategies, interpersonal functioning, relational expectations and vulnerability to disordered eating and eating disorders. Participants will examine how eating disorder symptoms can be understood through an attachment lens and how attachment insecurity can contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorder presentations.

Participants will develop a greater understanding of the relational roots of eating disorders and how the development of secure attachment serves as the primary pathway toward recovery. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding why the development of secure attachment – within the therapeutic relationship and beyond – is fundamental to recovery, resilience and lasting change. Clinicians will also explore how attachment-informed therapeutic strategies can be used to strengthen the therapeutic relationship, foster emotional regulation address attachment-related vulnerabilities and support movement toward greater security and recovery.

"Explore how attachment categories shape the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Gain a deeper understanding of the attachment roots underlying disordered eating and why the development of secure attachment is essential for meaningful and sustainable recovery. Discover how attachment theory can deepen clinical understanding, strengthen case conceptualization, guide treatment planning, and inform therapeutic interventions that support lasting change. Learn how the creation of secure attachment can serve as a powerful catalyst for healing, resilience, and recovery." — Devra Igra, MSW, RSW

Learning Outcomes

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of attachment theory and attachment categories.
• Explore the relationship between insecure attachment categories and the development and maintenance of eating disorders.
• Understand how eating disorder symptoms may serve attachment-related functions and adaptive coping strategies.
• Examine the impact of trauma on attachment, emotional regulation and eating disorder presentations.
• Understand why the development of secure attachment is a central treatment goal and a foundational component of eating disorder recovery and long-term well-being.
• Enhance the ability to conceptualize eating disorders through an attachment-informed lens.
• Explore attachment-focused therapeutic approaches that support the development of secure attachment and recovery from eating disorders.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how attachment patterns influence the onset, maintenance and recovery of eating disorders in adults. They will learn to recognize attachment-related themes within eating disorder presentations and deepen their understanding of the relational and emotional factors and beliefs that contribute to symptom development.

By viewing eating disorders through an attachment lens, clinicians will gain a richer framework for understanding their clients' struggles, eating disorder symptoms and attachment activations. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how the development of secure attachment serves as the foundation of recovery, supporting emotional regulation, healthier relationships, greater resilience and a more balanced and compassionate view of self. They will also gain practical insight into how attachment-informed therapeutic strategies can be integrated into treatment to facilitate earned secure attachment, strengthen emotional and relational security, and support lasting recovery.

Notes

Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd