Eating disorders involve complex psychological processes linked to self-worth that may challenge many mental health and allied practitioners, no matter how experienced. It is a topic little taught in clinical practice, and much of the information on the subject can seem contradictory or even inaccurate. Yet it is vital when working with such a client to have a solid understanding of what helps people improve their relationship with food and feel good about their bodies and themselves.
Based on extensive clinical experience and the latest evidence base, this new work from noted eating disorder specialist Dr Vivienne Lewis supports mental health practitioners who may be unsure how best to handle the issue in their daily practice. Throughout the book, clients' voices shine through in numerous brief real-life stories, illustrating the personal and practical impacts of eating disorders and successful recovery. It is relevant for psychologists, counsellors, nurses, youth workers, psychiatrists, doctors, dieticians and trainees and includes sections on:
- Understanding complex client presentations.
- Challenging common myths about eating disorders.
- Structuring therapeutic sessions.
- Motivating clients to change.
- The importance of supervision.
Clinical psychologist Dr Vivienne Lewis has spent more than 20 years in private practice and academia, specialising in treating people with eating disorders and training other health professionals. Her knowledge, skills and compassion have helped children, young people, and adults face and defeat the destructive mental and physical effects of eating disorders and improve body image. Vivienne knows the professional challenges of working with these clients well but also understands the reward for practitioners is seeing someone who is very unwell go on to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Lewis, Vivienne: - About the AuthorDr Vivienne Lewis is a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Canberra specialising in the areas of body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders. Her research focuses on the influence of appearance perceptions on wellbeing and mental health in males and females. Dr Lewis also has a private practice where she sees clients of all ages dealing with body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, stress, depression and anxiety. She is part of the University of Canberra experts guide and regularly features in the media. (https: //researchprofiles.canberra.edu.au/ en/persons/vivienne-lewis) Dr Lewis is a member of the professional body, the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists. She is a Board Approved Supervisor and supervises clinical students, registrars and fully qualified psychologists. She also offers workshops and supervision to a range of professionals working with people with disordered eating and body image issues and is a strong advocate for body respect and celebrating body diversity. She has previously written a self-help book for people battling body image issues called Positive Bodies: Loving The Skin You're In and one for adults including parents and teachers, helping children and young people with body image issues, eating disorders and mental health called No Body's Perfect: A helper's guide to promoting positive body image in children and young people.
