Tuesday, 2 June 2026

TRAINING & CERTIFICATE CBT DIDACTIC COURSES (Part 1) | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

*Training & Certificate CBT Didactic Courses are an additional fee. Please reach out to ICED@aedweb.org for more information.*

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR)

Presented by: Dr. Kendra R. Becker

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was recently added to the Feeding and Eating Disorders section of DSM-5 to describe children, adolescents, and adults who cannot meet their nutritional needs, typically due sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and/or apparent lack of interest in eating or food. Research on the efficacy of novel treatments is ongoing. One such novel treatment—cognitive-behavioral therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)—has shown evidence of preliminary efficacy in three open trials and is currently being investigated in a randomized controlled trial funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.  

This training (over two sessions of four hours each) will cover the assessment of ARFID and determining patient appropriateness of CBT-AR, as well as the implementation of all four stages of this flexible, modular treatment, for individuals with ARFID ages 10 and up. Material will be drawn from our book Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Children, Adolescents, and Adults (Cambridge University Press, 2019), cases we have seen in our clinical practice, and our ongoing research studies on the neurobiology, treatment, and longitudinal course of ARFID. Our interactive presentation will include a brief description of the rationale for and goals of CBT-AR; detailed case examples drawn from a heterogeneous group of patients who have benefitted from CBT-R; critical choice points for tailoring CBT-AR to the presenting patient; and multiple role-play demonstrations. We welcome audience members to come with questions about specific cases from their own clinical practice, and we will leave ample time for discussion at the workshop’s conclusion.  

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents and Adults (CBT-AN-20): Skills Needed to Implement a 20-session Protocol for Mild to Moderate Outpatient Cases

Presented by: Glenn Waller

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders is a NICE-recommended intervention for adults who can be treated as outpatients. However, at 40 sessions, it is very resource-intensive, slowing the capacity of clinicians to intervene promptly, particularly with recent-onset cases. Building on the example of CBT-T, which showed that brief therapies for non-underweight patients can be treated effectively in far less time, we have developed a 20-session protocol for treating such cases (BMI>15). This new protocol (CBT-AN-20) is supported by preliminary evidence as being equally effective and acceptable compared with longer CBT protocols for such cases. It is supported by skills videos and resources for clinicians to use.

This workshop will detail the CBT-AN-20 protocol (Waller, Eddy, Rose, Thomas & Turner, 2026), and will demonstrate key skills that are required to deliver it effectively. Those skills include meta-competences that apply across therapies and competences that are specific to CBT-AN-20. Compared to other protocols for anorexia nervosa, there is more focus on: exposure-based methods; early start to changes in eating; working with the ‘anorexic voice’ to enhance motivation; balancing exposure and behavioural experiments to teach the patient that weight gain is both achievable and controllable; addressing traits and emotional factors that underpin compulsivity, in the context of past experience; and a wide range of patient-specific methods to address body image. The workshop will also consider adaptations for adolescents, those with atypical anorexia nervosa, and others.

This training (over two sessions of four hours each) will briefly address the rationale and evidence for CBT-AN-20, and the meta-competences that support effective therapy. The remainder of the training sessions will detail the phases of CBT-AN-20, and how we adapt to the individual’s needs (e.g., neurodivergence; trauma-based emotional states). We stress the use of the wide range of CBT techniques, particularly as found in the wider range of anxiety-based disorders. Phases focus on core techniques such as exposure and nutritional stability, behavioural experiments, addressing emotionally-driven behaviours, body image work, and ending therapy appropriately. Case material and video role plays will be used throughout to illustrate how to deliver CBT-AN-20.

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

TRAINING & CERTIFICATE CBT DIDACTIC COURSES (Part 2) | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

*Training & Certificate CBT Didactic Courses are an additional fee. Please reach out to ICED@aedweb.org for more information.*

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR)

Presented by: Dr. Kendra R. Becker

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) was recently added to the Feeding and Eating Disorders section of DSM-5 to describe children, adolescents, and adults who cannot meet their nutritional needs, typically due sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and/or apparent lack of interest in eating or food. Research on the efficacy of novel treatments is ongoing. One such novel treatment—cognitive-behavioral therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR)—has shown evidence of preliminary efficacy in three open trials and is currently being investigated in a randomized controlled trial funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.  

This training (over two sessions of four hours each) will cover the assessment of ARFID and determining patient appropriateness of CBT-AR, as well as the implementation of all four stages of this flexible, modular treatment, for individuals with ARFID ages 10 and up. Material will be drawn from our book Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Children, Adolescents, and Adults (Cambridge University Press, 2019), cases we have seen in our clinical practice, and our ongoing research studies on the neurobiology, treatment, and longitudinal course of ARFID. Our interactive presentation will include a brief description of the rationale for and goals of CBT-AR; detailed case examples drawn from a heterogeneous group of patients who have benefitted from CBT-R; critical choice points for tailoring CBT-AR to the presenting patient; and multiple role-play demonstrations. We welcome audience members to come with questions about specific cases from their own clinical practice, and we will leave ample time for discussion at the workshop’s conclusion.  

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents and Adults (CBT-AN-20): Skills Needed to Implement a 20-session Protocol for Mild to Moderate Outpatient Cases

Presented by: Glenn Waller

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders is a NICE-recommended intervention for adults who can be treated as outpatients. However, at 40 sessions, it is very resource-intensive, slowing the capacity of clinicians to intervene promptly, particularly with recent-onset cases. Building on the example of CBT-T, which showed that brief therapies for non-underweight patients can be treated effectively in far less time, we have developed a 20-session protocol for treating such cases (BMI>15). This new protocol (CBT-AN-20) is supported by preliminary evidence as being equally effective and acceptable compared with longer CBT protocols for such cases. It is supported by skills videos and resources for clinicians to use.

This workshop will detail the CBT-AN-20 protocol (Waller, Eddy, Rose, Thomas & Turner, 2026), and will demonstrate key skills that are required to deliver it effectively. Those skills include meta-competences that apply across therapies and competences that are specific to CBT-AN-20. Compared to other protocols for anorexia nervosa, there is more focus on: exposure-based methods; early start to changes in eating; working with the ‘anorexic voice’ to enhance motivation; balancing exposure and behavioural experiments to teach the patient that weight gain is both achievable and controllable; addressing traits and emotional factors that underpin compulsivity, in the context of past experience; and a wide range of patient-specific methods to address body image. The workshop will also consider adaptations for adolescents, those with atypical anorexia nervosa, and others.

This training (over two sessions of four hours each) will briefly address the rationale and evidence for CBT-AN-20, and the meta-competences that support effective therapy. The remainder of the training sessions will detail the phases of CBT-AN-20, and how we adapt to the individual’s needs (e.g., neurodivergence; trauma-based emotional states). We stress the use of the wide range of CBT techniques, particularly as found in the wider range of anxiety-based disorders. Phases focus on core techniques such as exposure and nutritional stability, behavioural experiments, addressing emotionally-driven behaviours, body image work, and ending therapy appropriately. Case material and video role plays will be used throughout to illustrate how to deliver CBT-AN-20.

CLINICAL TEACHING DAY SESSIONS | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

*Clinical Teaching Day Sessions are an additional fee. Please reach out to ICED@aedweb.org for more information.*

Holding Hope Across Cultures: Person-Centred and Ethical Pathways for Longstanding Eating Disorders

Presented by: Shannon Calvert & Amy Woods

This workshop aims to enhance trauma-informed, person-centred care for individuals with longstanding eating disorders through the Holding Hope Guide and its complementary workbooks, developed in partnership with the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC, Australia). Across health systems and cultural contexts, individuals living with longstanding eating disorders often experience fragmented care, moral distress, and few pathways that uphold both dignity and autonomy. The Holding Hope Guide provides a practical framework to support care when traditional, recovery-focused models no longer align with an individual’s goals or wellbeing. The session brings together clinicians, researchers, lived-experience and carer professionals, and service leaders in a shared learning space to explore how compassionate, values-based approaches can be implemented across disciplines and cultures. The workshop models collaboration between clinical and lived-experience expertise, demonstrating how shared knowledge can strengthen teams and reduce moral distress in complex care situations. Participants will engage with real-world vignettes, planning tools, and ethical frameworks that strengthen collaboration and safety during complex care transitions. Building on the foundational Holding Hope Discussion Paper, the Guide introduces structured tools for advance care planning, collective decision-making, and reflective practice that centre quality of life and personal meaning. Through didactic teaching, small-group reflection, and cross-disciplinary dialogue, participants will examine the realities of providing care when recovery takes many forms, leaving with adaptable frameworks and materials to embed Holding Hope principles within their own practice or service, supporting equitable, compassionate, and person-led pathways for individuals, families and carers, and teams worldwide.

From Recognition to Action: Addressing Weight Stigma in Family-Based Treatment

Presented by: Maria Nicula, Gina Dimitropoulos, Rebecka Peebles, & Kristen Anderson

Weight stigma remains pervasive in healthcare, including within evidence-based eating disorder (ED) treatments such as Family-Based Treatment (FBT). Despite growing awareness of weight stigma as a barrier to equitable care, clinicians often lack structured opportunities and tools to recognize, reflect on, and address their own biases or effectively support families who experience weight stigma. In many cases, including atypical anorexia nervosa, these biases appear as overlooked weight suppression, skipped critical steps in Phase 1 of FBT, or inappropriate weight targets—all of which compromise treatment effectiveness. This Clinical Teaching Day aims to strengthen clinicians’ ability to recognize and respond to weight stigma in FBT. The 4-hour session will combine didactic content, guided reflection, and experiential learning to build self-awareness and equip participants with actionable strategies in a safe, non-shaming space. The session will begin by situating weight stigma and fatphobia as systemic forms of discrimination that shape health, treatment, and recovery, and that remain normalized in 2026. Participants will then engage in a reflective exercise (e.g., guided writing, implicit bias measures) to explore their own weight-related beliefs and experiences. Building upon participants’ existing knowledge of FBT, we will identify key decision points where weight stigma can surface, such as setting weight restoration targets, implementing Phase 1 and 2 interventions, and communicating with youth and families. Through case vignettes, role-play, and group discussion, attendees will reflect on practice patterns, consider alternative approaches, and rehearse anti-stigma strategies (e.g., responding to parents’ fears about higher weight or resistance to full weight restoration) by redirecting weight-focused fears towards recovery goals and highlighting the harms of restriction, undernutrition, and weight suppression. The session will conclude with practical resources, frameworks for ongoing reflection, and opportunities to contribute to a collaborative white paper on weight stigma in ED treatment. Although focused on FBT, the principles discussed will be broadly applicable across modalities. By integrating didactic and experiential methods, this session will provide clinicians with knowledge, self-awareness, and actionable strategies to reduce the impact of weight stigma and deliver equitable, weight-inclusive, and effective care to all patients with EDs.

RESEARCH TRAINING DAY SESSIONS | 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

*Research Teaching Day Sessions are an additional fee. Please reach out to ICED@aedweb.org for more information.*

Bridging the Gap: Building Research Capacity in Eating Disorder Clinical Practice

Presented by: Hannah Wolfe, Caitlin Shepherd, & Renee Rienecke

Despite progress in developing efficacious interventions for eating disorders (EDs), a significant research-practice gap persists, limiting the translation of evidence-based treatments into routine care. Narrowing this gap requires analysis of data routinely collected in clinical practice settings to offer a deeper understanding of the needs of treatment-seeking populations and effectiveness of care in the real world, rather than under controlled conditions. However, studies of this nature remain scarce, in part due to clinicians’ often limited exposure to and uncertainty with how to initiate and carry out such efforts. Thus, this research training workshop aims to build participants’ capacity to conduct feasible research studies and other scholarly activities in their clinical settings by providing a practical, step-by-step overview for producing and disseminating such projects using existing or accessible assets. The session will begin with a definition of the research-practice gap and a summary of the value of real-world evidence for providers, programs, and the broader ED field. Participants will explore perceived barriers and concerns that may deter clinicians from engaging in research, with attention to differences across cultural contexts, treatment settings, and levels of care. Building on this foundation, participants will brainstorm and categorize potential data types and sources and then receive instruction on matching to appropriate research questions, designs, and analytic strategies. Next, logistical and practical hurdles will be addressed, encompassing ethical and administrative considerations, tools and strategies for completing studies, and opportunities to disseminate resulting products. Specific attention will be paid to the concerns and barriers shared earlier, with an emphasis on low-resource approaches along with recognition that needs, options, ethics, and legal frameworks may differ across countries, cultures, and clinical contexts. Participants will apply what they’ve learned through independent work and small group consultation to begin designing an actionable research project tailored to their own practice setting, such as preparing a proposal suitable for submission to ICED 2027. The session will conclude with a Q&A period. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how to launch or enhance research efforts in their clinical practice and a concrete plan for taking the next step.

PRE-CONFERENCE ATTENDEE LUNCH  | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

*Available to those registered for pre-conference CTD/RTD Workshops and T&C Courses only!

SIG MEETINGS | 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM

• Substance Related and Addictive Disorders SIG + Trauma and Eating Disorders SIG
• Family Based Treatment SIG
• Child & Adolescent SIG
• Professionals & Recovery SIG
• Nutrition SIG
• Sports & Exercise SIG
• Medical Care SIG
• Black & Brown Professionals in Eating Disorders SIG

WELCOME & KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Connecting Global Cultures Through The Friendship Bench | 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Presented by: Dr. Dixon Chibanda

The Friendship Bench has been running for close to 20 years with over 1 million people accessing the services delivered by trained grandmothers in Zimbabwe. In his talk, Dixon will share how the cultural underpinnings of the Friendship Bench have brought a sense of purpose, intergenerational connectedness and healing across different cultures from Zimbabwe, USA, UK, Vietnam and El Salvador. At a time when we are increasingly relying on professional services for our mental health care, The Friendship Bench shows us that healing can begin in communities with non-professionals reaching out for those in need. The talk will also explore how this community-based, culturally grounded model has important applications for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, particularly in expanding access and reducing stigma.

NETWORKING BREAK | 2:00 - 2:30 PM

PLENARY #1 | TREATMENT PLENARY | Measurement-Focused Care in Eating Disorders: Promises and Pitfalls | 2:30 - 4:20 PM

We will open this session with a review of the AED Global Survey Results, presented by Dr. Kristin von Ranson, Ph.D., R.Psych

Presented by: Dr. Kim de Jong, Dr. Sarah Maguire, Dr. Christine M. Peat, and Dr. Mel Simone

• Talk 1: Research on MBC outside of eating disorders
  • Presented by: Kim de Jong
• Talk 2: Research and experiences with MBC and routine outcome monitoring in the field of eating disorders
  • Presented by: Sarah Maguire
• Talk 3: A lived experience perspective on the potential and challenges of MBC
  • Presented by: Mel Simone
• Discussant
  • Presented by: Christine Peat

EDUCATIONAL SESSION 1 | 4:30 - 6:00 PM

WELCOME RECEPTION & POSTER SESSION A | 6:15 - 7:45 PM

• Anorexia Nervosa
• ARFID
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Body Image
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Diagnosis, Classification, and Assessment
• Eating Disorders and Culture/Social Determinants

Thursday, 4 June 2026

PLENARY #2 | BIOLOGY PLENARY | Psychedelics in Eating-disorder Treatment: Scientific Promise, Ethical Questions, and Research Priorities | 8:00 - 9:30 AM

• Talk 1: Mechanism of action of psychedelic-assisted therapies
  •  Presented by: Dr. David Nutt
• Talk 2: Ethical considerations for the use of psychedelics in research and treatment settings
  •  Presented by: Dr. Robert A. Schoevers
•  Talk 3: Psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders
  • Presented by: Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck
•  Discussant
  • Presented by: Philip S. Mehler

NETWORKING BREAK | 9:30 - 10:00 AM

PAPER SESSION 1 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM

• Movement, Nature, & Athletes
• GLP1/Diabetes/Psilocibin
• Binge Eating/LOC 1
• Health Services Research
• Men
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Cultural Influences
• ARFID Assessment
• Emotion
• Prevention 1
• Tech Interventions
• Psychiatric Comorbidities

NETWORKING LUNCH & POSTER SESSION B | 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

• Eating Disorders and Culture/Social Determinants
• Epidemiology
• Health Promotion
• Health Services Research
• Innovative Use of Technology and Social Media
• Medical Complications, and Medical Comorbidities
• Muscle Dysmorphia
• Neurobiology and Genetics
• Neuroimaging
• Nutrition
• Open Science
• Prevention
• Psychiatric Comorbidities
• Public Health
• Risk and Maintenance

SIG MEETINGS | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

• Gender, Sex, & Sexuality SIG
• Weight Stigma & Social Justice SIG
• Genes & Environment SIG
• ARFID SIG
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy & Suicide SIG

PCAC Global Lunch | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Eating disorders present with highly heterogeneous clinical outcomes. In some cases, individuals require multiple rounds of treatment, and physical or psychiatric comorbidities can be present. Approaches to care vary across specialized programs, shaped by resources, philosophies, and unique challenges such as limited infrastructure and cultural context. These challenges also create opportunities to learn, adapt, and innovate.

This year’s PCAC Global Lunch will feature international perspectives on managing complex eating-disorder cases, particularly those that are long-standing or involve multiple comorbidities. Following two case presentations, a discussion takes place and the audience is invited to share their insights. Audience participation is encouraged, offering opportunities to learn from global viewpoints and explore diverse approaches to care.

Note: Participation is not limited to PCAC members; all ICED attendees are welcome

EDUCATIONAL SESSION 2 | 1:30 - 3:00 PM

NETWORKING BREAK | 3:00 - 3:30 PM

GLOBAL THINK TANK | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

PAPER SESSION 2 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

• Stigma
• Binge Eating/LOC 2
• Home TX & Early Intervention
• Technology, AI, & Machine Learning
• ARFID General
• Treatment of ED in Adults
• Weight & Perception
• Epidemiology
• LGBTQ
• Body Image 1
• GI/Medical
• Prevention 2

PLENARY #3 | WILDCARD PLENARY | From Individuals to Ecosystems: Eating Disorders in the Context of a Shared Planet | 5:15 - 6:45 PM

• Talk 1: Integrating Socio-Ecological Factors in Global Mental Health
  • Presented by: Dr. Sirry Alang
• Talk 2: Food Systems, Scarcity, and Stigma: A Systems-Level View of Eating Disorders
  • Presented by: Dr. Kendrin Sonneville
• Talk 3: Back to Our Roots: Eco-Psychological Approaches to Eating Disorders Care
  • Presented by: Dr. Lise Jepsen Trangsrud
• Discussant
  • Presented by: Dr. Carolyn Becker

MENTOR/MENTEE GATHERING | 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Friday, 5 June 2026

BUSINESS MEETING & AWARD CEREMONY | 8:00 - 9:30 AM

NETWORKING BREAK | 9:30 - 10:00 AM

PAPER SESSION 3 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM

• Neurobiology and Genetics
• Body Image 2
• Eating & Nutrition Behaviors
• Assessment Advances
• Recovery
• Neurodiversity
• Social Media
• Caregiver/Family & Treatment
• FBT
• PTSD
• Social Contexts
• Risk and Maintenance Factors

NETWORKING LUNCH & POSTER SESSION C | 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

• Risk and Maintenance Factors
• Stigma
• Treatment of ED in Adults
• Treatment of ED in Children and Adolescents

EDUCATIONAL SESSION 3 | 1:30 - 3:00 PM

NETWORKING BREAK | 3:00 - 3:30 PM

PLENARY #4 | SOCIOCULTURAL PLENARY | Unmasking Overlap: Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders Informed Care | 3:30 - 5:00 PM

• Talk 1: Contributing Factors to Eating Disorder Risk in Neurodivergent Individuals
  • Presented by: Dr. Fiona Duffy
• Talk 2: Integrating Neurodivergence into Eating Disorder Frameworks
  • Presented by: Laurence Cobbaert
• Talk 3: The Potential "both...and" Nature of Autism and ARFID
  • Presented by: Dr. Rachel Bryant-Waugh
• Discussant
  • Presented by: Dr. Kate Tchanturia

CLOSING RECEPTION | 6:00 - 9:00 PM | Offsite

Celebrate the close of the conference with an unforgettable evening at De Waterreus—a beachfront restaurant overlooking the sea. Enjoy great food, drinks, and lively conversation, and toast to a successful conference in a relaxed, seaside setting. 🌊✨