Laura J. Goodman, M.Ed., LMHC

"As a guest speaking of one of the eating disorder classes, Treatment Modalities of Eating Disorders, I am truly impressed with the information that is being presented. The presenters are seasoned clinicians, and the participants are more knowledgeable than I had anticipated! It is difficult to find specific training programs for eating disorder clinicians; there are no eating disorder tracks in graduate programs, and there are only a few conferences per year on the topic. This program addresses the needs of clinicians interested in working with eating disorders. It takes the participant through the course of treatment... from education to complex treatment issues, with hope and compassion. I hope that this program can serve as a model for other states interested in educating professionals in the treatment of eating disorders."

Eating Disorders Institute

About the program

The Eating Disorders Institute (EDI) is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with clients/students affected by eating disorders. Participants focus their programs on the development of educational and outreach opportunities for delivery in school systems or communities. Licensed health professionals will be able to specialize in eating disorders to counsel clients.

Educators, health care professionals, and mental health professionals such as counselors, social workers, nurses, and dieticians, who wish to specialize in eating disorders, may enroll in a 15-credit certificate program. This allows students to integrate the EDI with a self-designed Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Health Education or Counselor Education.

Plymouth State University offers one of the few graduate programs with a focus on Eating Disorders in the country, and is the only one of its kind in the Northeast.

The Eating Disorders Institute program provides:

• Advanced knowledge and skills in eating disorders counseling, education and outreach.
• An increased understanding of the changing face of eating disorders.
• Small classes in intensive weekend/institute format for working professionals.
• Experienced faculty who are current practitioners in the field of eating disorders.
• The ability to incorporate the EDI into a self-designed M.Ed.
• An approved site to offer a 12-credit eating disorder core curriculum which satisfies the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) requirement towards future certification.

Candidates for the master's programs must complete the education core courses which focus on diversity, philosophy and research. Candidates for the professional certification must possess a master's degree in order to apply for admission. Students completing the 15-credit EDI graduate certificate program or the M.Ed. with a focus on the EDI will receive a certificate of completion. Mental health professionals, dieticians, and other IAEDP approved professionals who demonstrate clinical expertise through education, experience and a rigorous examination may be eligible to seek a national certification after completing the Plymouth State EDI program. Candidates must fulfill educational competencies and accumulate hours in the area of eating disorders.

The EDI program can be completed in approximately one year by taking two courses during the fall and spring terms and completing a 120-hour clinical experience. The program may be completed in two years through enrollment in one course per term and completing the clinical experience.

Concentrations

• Eating Disorders Non-degree certificate program
• M.Ed. Self-Designed Health Education, with a focus in Eating Disorders
• M.Ed. Self-Designed Counselor Education with a focus in Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Conference

PSU Fourth Eating Disorders Conference
Untangling the Web of Disordered Eating and Weight Disorders: Knowledge, Tools, Strategies
Saturday, April 25, 2009
NOTE NEW LOCATION: Church Landing at Mill Falls, Meredith, New Hampshire

Pre-conference
The Role of Educators and School Professionals in Early Recognition
Friday, April 24, 2009

Earn graduate credit for attending conference!

Space is limited. Register early!

Eating Disorders Silent Auction Benefit "Eating disorders are real illnesses - not choices".
Bid on gift certificates for the Inn and Spa at Mill Falls, the Inn on Newfound Lake, golf, massage therapy, dining and much more.

For questions about the conference or graduate credit, contact: Dr. Mardie Burckes-Miller, conference coordinator, at (603) 535-2515 or margaret@plymouth.edu.

Related Programs and Facilities

• Counselor Education M.Ed. Program
• Health Education M.Ed. Program
• Health & Human Performance undergraduate department

Contact Information

Dr. Mardie Burckes-Miller - e-mail the coordinator
Eating Disorders Institute at
The College of Graduate Studies
Plymouth State University
MSC 11
Plymouth, NH 03264
(603) 535-2515