Occupational Therapy Approaches for Longstanding Eating Disorders: Transitioning from symptom reduction to functional recovery

INTRODUCTION

This workshop is part of CPD Empower, the must-attend event designed to inspire, connect, and equip you with cutting-edge tools for success.    

CPD Empower offers a series of 2-day and 1-day workshops led by expert presenters, intimate group sizes for meaningful interaction, and stunning venues that foster collaboration, these events are set to reshape your practice. Networking breaks and an evening event provide time to recharge, connect, and share stories with fellow OTs.  

Don’t miss your chance to build new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and connect with a vibrant OT community.   

For more information about CPD Empower, click here  
 

SESSION OVERVIEW

This one-day workshop offers mental health occupational therapists essential insights into effectively working with individuals who have longstanding eating disorders. Emphasising client-centred approaches, neurobiological factors, and evidence informed therapeutic strategies, the workshop will provide practical tools to improve engagement, navigate complex treatment challenges, and support long-term recovery.  

The unique offerings that occupational therapists bring to the eating disorder field will be explored, growing your understanding of how the OT role fits within a multidisciplinary team approach.  

This workshop features three key sections:  

1. The neurobiology of eating disorders and its impact on occupation 

• Introduction to the neurobiological underpinnings of eating disorders, focusing on brain regions involved in reward, decision making, anxiety and interoception.  

2. The impact of longstanding eating disorders on daily functioning and occupational performance: assessment and goal setting 

• Exploring how eating disorders impact daily life and occupational performance, particularly in longstanding cases.  

• Understanding assessment approaches that are comprehensive, individualised, and sensitive to the needs of clients with longstanding eating disorders will be explored. 

• Developing an occupational therapy treatment focus and direction for people with longstanding eating disorders and how this compliments the treatment plan developed with interprofessional teams. 

3. Occupational therapy interventions for longstanding eating disorders: transitioning from symptom reduction to functional recovery 

• Evidence informed practical intervention strategies and therapeutic techniques that are focused on recovery beyond symptom management—helping people regain meaningful roles and life satisfaction. 

By attending this workshop, you will be able to: 

• Gain understanding of the neurobiology and impact of longstanding eating disorders on daily functioning, mental health, and overall quality of life 

• Implement effective occupational therapy strategies for addressing the specific needs of people with longstanding eating disorders, in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team 

• Enhance therapeutic engagement through individualised, trauma-informed, and client-centred care 

• Develop a clear approach to supporting recovery and maintaining a quality of life focus for people with longstanding eating disorders 

THIS SESSION IS SUITABLE FOR

Occupational therapists in mental health who are interested in specialising in eating disorders and have some experience working with individuals and their supports impacted by them. 

This workshop is best suited to occupational therapists who have some understanding and/or experience in eating disorders, as no introductory content will be included.  

PRESENTERS

 Professor Genevieve Pepin 

Professor Genevieve Pepin is a passionate mental health occupational therapist and the Higher Degree Research Director at Deakin University. Genevieve joined Deakin 17 years ago after having worked across diverse mental health services and taught at Laval University, Sherbrooke University, and McGill University in Canada.  

She is an established MOHO scholar. Her research focuses on understanding the impact of mental illness on engagement in meaningful occupations and advancing occupational therapy practice, education, and research in mental health. She is particularly interested in understanding the impact of eating disorders on function and the daily occupations of those with an eating disorder and their family, and the development of innovative interventions promoting best health outcomes.  

Genevieve is a strong advocate for occupational therapy in mental health and for the unique role occupational therapists can play in the recovery of people with an eating disorder. Genevieve is the research lead of the Lived Experience and Co-Production stream of the Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Centre. She is also the Chair of the Research Committee of Eating Disorders Families Australia.  

She has exciting national and international partnerships, was granted over $15 million in research funding, has several publications, and presents her work around the world. Genevieve is a strong believer in multidisciplinary approaches, best practice, and emerging knowledge that support occupation-based and client-centred interventions in the eating disorders and broader mental health sector. 

 Jasmin Watson 

Jasmin is an accomplished mental health occupational therapist and eating disorder specialist, bringing extensive experience and leadership in both public and private sectors. She is the team leader at the Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders (CEED) and is the founder of Embody Space, her private practice. Here, she integrates innovative sensory, somatic, and embodied-based therapies alongside evidence-based eating disorder treatment.  

As the first accredited trainer for Temperament Based Therapy with Support (TBT-S) in Australasia, Jasmin has been instrumental in pioneering and implementing TBT-S across Victoria's healthcare landscape. She is the principal investigator on Australia’s first research study on TBT-S.  

Driven by an unwavering commitment to enhancing treatment and outcomes for individuals with eating disorders in Australia, Jasmin's contributions to the field are both significant and influential.  

 Rachel Knight 

Rachel is an occupational therapist with significant expertise as a clinician, researcher, project manager and leader. She has built an impressive career across the public mental health sectors in both Australia and the United Kingdom, where she has led strategic initiatives and driven impactful changes. 

Throughout her career, Rachel has combined her clinical expertise with strategic leadership to drive the translation and implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches into everyday clinical practice, particularly in the area of eating disorders, where she has developed specialist expertise. 

Currently, Rachel holds an academic position at Deakin University and is a PhD researcher. She is a systems thinker, passionate about optimising the structure of health services to ensure that individuals receive timely and appropriate treatment. Her research is centred on designing effective service systems, strengthening the mental health workforce, and improving access to high-quality care. 

WORKSHOP DETAILS

DATE

Friday 28th February 2025 (1 day) 

TIME

9:00 am – 5:00 pm  

Registration commences at 8:30 am

CPD HOURS

A certificate of attendance will be issued on the completion of the course for 6 hours. 

Please note: Your certificate will be available in your CPD Tracker within 48 hours after course completion.

INCLUSIONS

The following are included in your registration: 

• Tea & Coffee on arrival 

• Daily Catering - Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (please note any dietary requirements at time of registration) 

• Thursday evening networking event from 5:30pm – 6:30pm, includes drinks & canapes  

(Note: As this workshop is part of the 2 day CPD Empower, you are invited to attend Thursday (27th February) evening networking with participants from other CPD Empower workshops) 

• Workshop materials 

REGISTRATION FEES 

OTA Member

Earlybird - $555  - Register on or before 15 January 2025

Standard - $610 - Register on after 16 January 2025

Non-Member

Standard - $790 – Register before 12 February 2025

Note: Earlybird pricing is not available for non-members

All pricing is inclusive of GST

Registrations close on 12 February 2025 at 11:55pm 

Members must be logged in with username and password to register at the member rate. 

VENUE 

The Langham Melbourne, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006 

DISCLAIMER 

All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.  

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.  

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here  

CONTACT US 

Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878