Diet culture sells us a problem we can’t fix. Operating in stealth mode, it draws us in and keeps us stuck by offering solutions that fail 95% of the time. Often masquerading as “wellness tips,” diet culture and weight stigma trick people into thinking they’re healthy only to find themselves in an endless cycle of food and weight ruling their lives. But, how do you know when you have a bona fide problem? How do you know when you or your child have crossed the line into disordered eating if not a full-blown a eating disorder? Participants will learn 6 easy screening questions to answer those questions. After having the opportunity to understand some of their own biases, participants will walk away with a basic understanding of Intuitive Eating, Health At Every Size and new insights and language to support genuine health and wellness.
Monika Ostroff, LICSW, CEDS-S is the Executive Director of the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc (MEDA). Prior to leading MEDA, she directed several residential, partial hospital and intensive outpatient eating disorder programs in addition to having owned a thriving private practice. Monika is the co-author of Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery and a contributing author to Self-Harm Behavior and Eating Disorders. With more than 25 years of experience in the field of eating disorders, Monika has presented at many national conferences, taught at the university level, and appeared on many media broadcasts, publications & podcasts. Practicing from a trauma informed, social justice and staunchly HAES® aligned lens, Monika is a dedicated ally and strong advocate working to ensure access to equitable, compassionate, and affirming care for all. Her passion for treating eating disorders and mentoring other professionals was borne out of her own struggle with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and life experiences.