Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

This presentation will guide participants to clearly understand the similarities and differences between ED and SUD. Identifies and reviews screening, assessment and treatment strategies found to effectively treat both ED and SUD. Dives into one practice modality to target the shame cycle common among these commonly co-occurring disorders and concludes with two case studies to examine the treatment and outcome from practice.

Dr. Rebekah Freese holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) as well as a Doctorate degree in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of the State of Missouri. Since 1997, Rebekah has worked as a clinician and consultant in behavioral health. She specializes in eating disorders, borderline personality disorders, substance use and trauma. She has extensive experience working with individuals who experience suicidal thoughts, intentions, and attempts. She has proficiency in clinical program development, management, and growth as well as quality assurance and program evaluation.

Rebekah has a strong commitment to work with those who experience high severity of life-threatening behaviors especially youth and young adults. She has extensive training in evidenced based practice Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Based Treatment (FBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Prolonged Exposure (PE) as well as the combination of DBT-PE. She is enthusiastic about her work and strives to assist her clients in developing balance and compassion in their lives.

She is actively involved in her community to advocate for education, social justice and awareness for mental health especially eating disorder treatment care and accessibility. She serves as one of the expert practitioners for the Show-Me Disordered Eating and Eating Disorder ECHO. The ECHO connects interdisciplinary teams of experts with primary care providers to develop advanced skills and best practices. She was a member of the Missouri Eating Disorders Association (MOEDA) from 2021-2023 and served as board President in 2022. She is a member of the MO Eating Disorder Council. In her personal life, she enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, and spending time with family.

Objectives:

• Identify the similarities and differences between substance use disorders and eating disorders.
• Identify and differentiate the differences between screening and assessment for co-occurring eating disorder and substance use presentations.
• Compare two evidenced based treatment modalities used to effectively treat eating disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously.
• Discuss two strategies used to effectively treat the co-occurring disorders.
• Examine treatment considerations, assessment and outcomes for two case studies. (if time)

Agenda:

I. Introduction to the topic

II. Review Similarities & Differences

III. Review screening and assessment tools

IV. Review two strategies in detail to help participates effectively apply skill with clients

V. Review 2 case studies