Inside Eating Disorders

In this specialised 3-hour in-person workshop MIECAT alumnus, Danni McDougal will faciliate and deepen your understanding of eating disorders beyond conventional clinical frameworks.  This workshop will be supported by the "Eating Disorder and Other Shadowy Companions" card deck created by Danni.

Through sharing her personal lived experience, Danni McDougall provides valuable insights into the reality of living with an eating disorder. 

Danni will offer unique perspectives into what it truly feels like to live with this illness and invite participants to explore eating disorders with empathy, creativity, and compassion. 

This professional development opportunity is designed for therapists, mental health professionals and clinicians who are:

• Seeking a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with an eating disorder
• Wanting to incorporate creativity into their therapeutic approach
• Looking to use the "Eating Disorder and Other Shadowy Companions" card deck as a therapeutic tool

What to Expect

• An immersive visual journey that reveals the inner world of eating disorders through creative expression 
• Practical introduction to the "Eating Disorder and Other Shadowy Companions" cards and their clinical applications 
• Guided art-making activities that enhance professional reflection
• Exploration of creative methodologies that enable clients to articulate complex experiences
• Facilitated discussion on creating more inclusive and compassionate treatment approaches and how we can contribute to an inclusive and not judgemental society. 

Learning Outcomes

In this workshop participants will:

• Increase their understanding of eating disorders and the benefits of using creative tools to support recovery
• Learn how to confidently introduce the cards and open up conversations about mental health / an eating disorder
• Practice using the Eating Disorder and Other Shadowy Companion Cards in a safe environment
• Learn how to manage situations where unexpected or triggering content emerges
• Create their own card to experience the process and learn how to support clients with this activity

About the Facilitator

Danni McDougall holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Masters of Art Therapy with over 20 years of practice experience, including 10+ years in specialised mental health services. Her personal recovery journey informed the creation of the "Eating Disorders and Other Shadowy Companions" cards, which began as visual expressions of her own experience when words alone weren't enough.

Professional Considerations

Please note that while this workshop values experiential learning and lived experience, it functions as professional development rather than therapy. MIECAT and the facilitator will not be providing therapeutic support to participants during the session.  Please check in with your own capacity and supports while engaging in this workshop

Accessibility
This workshop is located in Studio 1, upstairs. Upstairs is accessed via 2 flights of stairs (14 stairs, each flight has 7 stairs).
There are ammenities located on both ground level and level 1. Ground floor has a wheelchair accessible toilet.