Working with Eating Disorders

New for 2026! We’re delighted to introduce this specialist two-day workshop to our CPD programme, designed to help counsellors and psychotherapists work more confidently and effectively with clients experiencing disordered eating and eating disorders.

Course Overview:

This intensive two-day workshop is designed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists seeking to deepen their understanding of eating disorders and develop confidence in their clinical approach. Drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, the training explores the complex interplay between body, mind and relationship in the development and maintenance of disordered eating.

Participants will examine the underlying psychological meanings of eating disorder behaviours, including issues of control, shame, identity, and autonomy. The workshop integrates theory with practical application, supporting practitioners to assess risk, work safely, and respond effectively to a range of presentations including anorexia, binge eating, and other related conditions. To support the training, a selection of pre-reading will be shared with participants in advance.

Through case discussion, experiential exercises, and reflective practice, participants will enhance their capacity to work with both the individual and relational dynamics present in eating disorders, including transference, countertransference and family systems. The training emphasises developing a thoughtful, attuned therapeutic stance when working with the complexities of disordered eating.

What will I learn?

Day One (Sat 10 Oct 2026):

Morning: Our Relationship with Food

• Defining “Normal”: Exploring food, hunger, appetite, and how patterns of eating develop over time.
• Hunger Mechanics: Examining the concept of hunger in both physiological and psychological terms.
• The Minnesota Starvation Experiment: Using this landmark study to explore the effects of starvation on the brain and its wider physical and psychological consequences.
• Clinical Application: Group discussion on how these findings deepen our understanding of eating disorders in practice.

Afternoon: Identity, Culture, and Frameworks

• Self-Worth and Body Image: Tracing the continuum from ordered eating through to clinical eating disorders.
• Social Influences: Group work exploring cultural expectations and social influences on our relationship with food.
• The Diagnostic Process: Examining who diagnoses eating disorders, how decisions are made, and the use of DSM and ICD frameworks.
• Clinical Complexities: Discussing the implications and complexities of diagnostic criteria in professional practice.

Day Two (Sun 11 Oct 2026): 

Morning: Understanding Presentations

• The Spectrum of Eating Disorders: Exploring the history, prevalence, and effects of anorexia, bulimia, diabulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive eating, obesity, and muscle dysmorphia.
• Multi-Layered Understanding: Examining the physical, physiological, and psychological impacts of these conditions.
• The Psychodynamic Lens: Considering these presentations through both a practical and psychodynamic lens to understand how they are developed and maintained.

Afternoon: Theoretical Approaches and Professional Practice

• Treatment Models: Exploring inpatient and outpatient options, including an overview of the Maudsley Method.
• Clinical Management: Key aspects of practice including contracting, assessment, and working safely.
• Ethical Practice and Safeguarding: A central focus on working ethically and confidently within professional boundaries.
• Systemic Support: Supporting parents and carers with the “us against the eating disorder” collaborative approach.
• Cultural Competency: Practical guidance for challenges around mealtimes and significant occasions, such as Christmas and Ramadan.

Who is my Tutor?

Angelique da Silva MBACP (Accred)

Angelique is a psychodynamic therapist with extensive specialist expertise in the field of disordered eating. Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Eating Disorders and a Diploma in Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia, she has spent over a decade supporting clients to navigate the complex relationship between the body, the mind, and early relational experiences.

Her clinical work focuses on how the unconscious mind and early developmental stages shape our emotional lives. She supports clients in uncovering the origins of their relationship with food and their bodies to foster healthier connections and lasting change.

In addition to her specialist work in eating disorders, Angelique has a wealth of experience across the charitable and private sectors, working with trauma, self-injury, and displacement. She is the founder of a successful group practice in Bristol, where she leads a team of over 35 counsellors. Her diverse professional background also includes specialist training in infertility, group analysis, and ex-boarder psychotherapy.

Dates

Day One: Saturday 10th October 2026
Day Two: Sunday 11th October 2026

Time: 9.30am to 5pm

Location: Basingstoke Counselling Service, Goldings, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AN

Cost

£225 early bird rate if booked by 31st August 2026
£250 thereafter

There are a limited number of places available on this course and early application is therefore advised.

BCS Staff & Counsellors:

There is a 50% discount available on the full price (not the early bird price) for BCS Staff & Counsellors. This is limited to a maximum of two people, and they must be working with the organisation for the duration of the course.

Requirements for our Working with Eating Disorders course:

• You must hold a formal, recognised qualification in counselling or psychotherapy at diploma level or above.
• You must be a full member of a professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, etc.) and work within their ethical framework.

We will issue you with a Certificate of Attendance on completion of the course. 

Why choose Basingstoke Counselling Service?

Our CPD is designed to be both thorough and practical. This course provides the clinical insight to understand eating disorder behaviours alongside the “how-to” skills for safe, confident practice. You will learn in a supportive environment dedicated to professional excellence and high standards of care.

Terms and Conditions:

Please note that in order to receive the BCS discounted rate, you must remain a BCS staff member or counsellor for the entire duration of the course. Full course fees will be payable if you leave the organisation during the course.

In the unlikely event that unforeseen circumstances arise and BCS has to cancel the CPD course, you will receive a full refund. In the event of cancellation by you, the participant, BCS reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee as indicated by the table below. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing, with changes becoming effective on the date written confirmation is received.

Please ensure you meet the entry requirements prior to booking your place. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be unable to attend the course, and your withdrawal will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the above cancellation policy.

Contact

If you have any questions about the course then please email events@basingstokecounselling.org.uk or call us on 01256 843125.

CPD for counsellors

We run various CPD courses for counsellors throughout the year. Take a look at all our upcoming courses or join our mailing list to be the first to hear about our CPD opportunities.