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Development and Implementation of an Integrated Treatment Approach for PTSD and Eating Disorders in a Residential Treatment Center

Course Description:

Epidemiological studies confirm higher rates of trauma and PTSD among individuals with EDs, yet this comorbidity is frequently overlooked and undertreated in higher levels of care. This workshop addresses the critical issues involved in recognizing and treating individuals with EDPTSD and describes the development and implementation of an integrated treatment program using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Pilot results are presented demonstrating the need and effectiveness of such an approach in a residential care program.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the rationale and necessity for integrating evidencebased trauma treatment protocols into existing treatment approaches for eating disorders (EDs)
  2. Explain the basic tenets of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and how it can be adapted to traumatized ED patients
  3. Describe three key psychoeducation teaching points to help patients understand the link between their eating disorder and trauma reactions
  4. Describe new results indicating that both PTSD symptoms and ED symptoms may be successfully treated together in a residential treatment program.

Melissa M. Coffin, Ph.D., CEDS

Dr. Melissa McLain Coffin is a licensed psychologist and a certified eating disorder specialist with extensive experience in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and compulsive overexercise. She began her career as a Clinical Director at OliverPyatt Centers in Miami and now is the Senior Director of East Coast Clinical Programming for Monte Nido & Affiliates, overseeing adult & adolescent residential, partial and intensive outpatient programming. She also presents nationally on eating disorders at conferences like the National Eating Disorder Association, the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and the Multiservice Eating Disorder Association. In addition to her work with Monte Nido she also has a private practice in Greenwich, CT through McLain Coffin Counseling, LLC. Her daily work is dedicated to supporting the successful treatment of people working towards a full recovery.

Timothy Brewerton, MD, DFAPA, FAED, DFAACAP, HCEDS

Bio coming soon.