Eating Disorder Diploma
About the Diploma
Eating disorders affect millions of individuals worldwide. It is estimated that 3.4 million people in the UK live with an eating disorder, and millions more are at risk of developing an eating disorder or relapsing back into one.
Our Diploma in Eating Disorders is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a significant impact in this critical area of mental health.
This comprehensive program covers everything from understanding the full spectrum of eating disorders to ethical treatment practices and specialised care for neurodiverse clients. Join us to deepen your expertise and become a vital part of the solution for those struggling with eating disorders.
Key Information
The current diploma started on the 14th September 2024.
We intend to run the course again, but we do not have a start date at present.
To make our diploma as accessible as possible, we’re delivering it in a blended format.
There will be three in-person days, one at the start and two at the end of the diploma. The days will be held in Bridgwater, Somerset.
The modules will be delivered as prerecorded presentations with handouts. The presentations will vary in length, depending on the size and complexity of the module. The prerecorded presentations can be watched at a time that suits you.
There will be fortnightly reflection groups held on Zoom. These groups are where you can ask any questions about the module content, and we will discuss and explore the content with the use of case studies and group activities.
The diploma has a total of 16 modules that cover everything needed to work competently, safely, and ethically with clients experiencing eating disorders. Topics include:
Understanding all types of eating disorders, their symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment pathways.
Working from a transdiagnostic perspective.
Working with a client’s unique mix of behaviours, thoughts, and emotions safely.
Working ethically with clients with eating disorders.
Improving body image, including body dysmorphia.
Adapting treatment for neurodiverse clients.
Our Diploma is designed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who wish to deepen their understanding of eating disorders. Whether you are looking to specialise, enhance your current practice, or support your supervisees, this program offers a comprehensive knowledge base.
The only prerequisite is that you are a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist. Please note, this diploma does not qualify you to practice as a counsellor or psychotherapist.
Expect to commit up to 10 hours per month. Here’s a breakdown:
Three in-person days in Bridgwater, Somerset (one at the start and two at the end of the Diploma).
Monthly online modules consisting of prerecorded presentations and downloadable resources, taking 1-2 hours each month.
Fortnightly online reflection groups on Zoom, lasting about 2 hours.
Suggested reading and research, around 1-2 hours monthly.
No dates are available yet. We will update this section when the course state date has been planned.
The diploma is taught by Sarah and Richard.
Sarah Palmer, BSc, Adv. Dip, has years of experience working with and teaching about eating disorders.
Richard, PGDip, PQ Dip Eating Disorder, PGDip Supervison, Adv. Dip. Counselling and Psychotherapy, is the founder of The Eating Disorder Recovery Clinic and has thousands of hours of clinical and supervision experience in the eating disorder field.
The cost for the 2025 cohort has not been finalised.
We are not currently taking bookings for the diploma. Information about booking will be published on our LinkedIn page.
Why Study With Us?
Choosing to study with us means you’ll be learning from a deeply passionate team dedicated to understanding and treating eating disorders. As a treatment provider, we bring thousands of hours of hands-on experience working directly with clients. This practical expertise ensures that the knowledge and skills we share are grounded in real-world practice, not just theory. Our commitment to helping individuals with eating disorders goes beyond the classroom. We truly understand the complexities and challenges of these conditions because we work with them daily. By joining our diploma, you’ll benefit from our extensive clinical experience, gaining insights that only come from years of dedicated work in the field.
Our course is designed to go beyond textbook learning, offering a holistic view of eating disorder treatment that integrates various therapeutic methods and perspectives. Our team’s diverse experiences enrich our curriculum, providing you with a well-rounded and in-depth education. By choosing us, you’re not just enrolling in a course—you’re joining a community of passionate professionals dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by eating disorders.