Course Professional Diploma in Eating Disorders, Body Image & Emotional Health

The Professional Diploma in Eating Disorders, Body Image & Emotional Health is designed for practitioners who wish to better understand the complex relationship between food, body image, emotions, and identity. The course provides a comprehensive overview of eating disorders and disordered eating, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive intake, and subclinical patterns that may still cause significant distress and impairment.

You will explore how biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors interact in the development and maintenance of eating difficulties. Particular attention is given to perfectionism, shame, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties in emotional regulation. The impact of family dynamics, peer relationships, media influences, and social pressures around appearance and performance is examined throughout, with sensitivity to gender, culture, and diversity.

A core focus of the programme is on developing a compassionate, non-judgemental and collaborative stance. You will learn how to recognise warning signs, ask safe and sensitive questions, and respond in ways that reduce stigma and promote trust. The course introduces key therapeutic approaches and best-practice guidelines in the support of individuals with eating difficulties, while clarifying the limits of your role and the importance of multidisciplinary working, medical monitoring, and specialist referral.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, case examples, reflective exercises, and skills practice. You will be supported to apply learning to your own context, whether that is counselling, psychotherapy, youth work, education, health, fitness and wellbeing, or community and voluntary services.

This diploma is particularly suited to professionals who frequently encounter concerns about food, weight, shape, or appearance in their work. By the end of the course, you will have greater confidence in understanding eating disorders and body image distress, in holding supportive and informed conversations, and in contributing to environments that promote emotional health, body respect, and recovery-oriented care.