Working with Eating Disorders Track

Food, like air and water, gives us life. People who deny themselves food deny themselves the nourishment of life. People who take in too much food are striving to take in life – but in a distorted form that damages the body and spirit.

Eating disorders result from a complicated interaction of biological, psychological and social factors and a relationship with food that is out of balance. People with eating disorders are intensely preoccupied with food, weight and appearance, jeopardizing their health and adversely affecting their relationships. The use of psychodrama and other action methods is especially helpful with the treatment of the classic eating disorders – anorexia, bulimia and compulsive binge eating – as well as dieting struggles and a range of difficulties with body image. The psychodramatic group is another plus, since people with eating disorders are often isolated from others and tend to use or misuse food to avoid relationships with people.

With Action Methods the person with the eating disorder is able to experience his or her relationship with the disorder and learn more about its role in his or her life. Experientially, people are able to move out of their heads and into a fuller experience of self, at which time they can view their problems with clarity and compassion. As clients participate in role play, art, movement, choice-making and imagery they expand their sense of self and replace compulsive activities with internal safety and creativity.

Excerpt from the preface to , “Healing Eating Disorders with Psychodrama and Other Action Methods: Beyond the Silence and the Fury,” By Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP, and Linda Ciotola, M.Ed., TEP

Upcoming Professional Trainings

January 22-26, 2026
Winter Psychodrama Intensive
with Rebecca Walters, MS, LMHC, LCAT, TEP,
Jennifer Salimbene, LCSW-R, CASAC, TEP
and Deb Shaddy, MS, LMHP, LCPC, TEP
Highland, NY

Learn and practice experiential methods for working with individuals and groups.