Adult & Higher Education

Introduction to Addiction and Eating Disorders: A Holistic Therapeutic Approach is an immersive CPD course designed for mental health professionals who want to develop specialised skills in addressing addiction and eating disorders. This weekend course aims to provide an introduction, to the core therapeutic approaches—Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, and Transactional Analysis (TA)—to help practitioners effectively support clients struggling with these complex issues. It is ideal for both practitioners new to this area and experienced clinicians seeking to enhance their toolkit with integrative, evidence-based interventions.

This course offers an opportunity to learn practical, client-centred techniques that emphasize compassionate, holistic care. With a blend of lectures, interactive discussions, and case-based exercises, participants will gain a well-rounded understanding of how to foster healing and resilience in clients affected by addiction and eating disorders.

Participants will explore the unique psychological, emotional, and relational dynamics of addiction and eating disorders, with a focus on practical applications of Gestalt, Person-Centred, and TA therapeutic approaches. By understanding the nuances of these therapies, practitioners will learn to support clients in addressing underlying emotional pain, rebuilding self-worth, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Key areas of study include:

• Understanding Addiction and Eating Disorders: An overview of the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction and eating disorders, along with common symptoms and behavioural patterns. Participants will also learn how these disorders can co-occur and intersect, requiring nuanced, personalized treatment approaches.
• Gestalt Therapy for Emotional Awareness and Self-Connection: Using experiential exercises, such as the “empty chair” technique, participants will learn to help clients confront self-destructive behaviours, increase body awareness, and process difficult emotions in the present moment.
• Person-Centred Therapy for Building Trust and Self-Acceptance: Participants will explore the principles of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. This module will provide strategies for creating a non-judgmental, client-centred environment that empowers clients to work toward self-acceptance and personal growth.
• Transactional Analysis (TA) for Uncovering Self-Defeating Patterns: Participants will gain insights into TA concepts like ego states (Parent, Adult, Child) and life scripts, which are especially helpful for clients with addiction and eating disorders. By recognizing and addressing critical inner voices, clients can develop healthier self-narratives and replace self-sabotaging behaviors with constructive choices.
• Compassionate Relapse Prevention and Recovery Support: An introduction to compassion-focused strategies that reduce stigma and build resilience. Participants will gain practical tools for supporting clients through relapse prevention and maintaining motivation on their journey to recovery.

By the end of the course, participants will have a foundational framework to address addiction and eating disorders, integrating Gestalt, Person-Centred, and TA techniques into a cohesive, flexible approach that can be tailored to individual client needs.

This course is open to registered mental health practitioners and allied professionals (such as social workers, counsellors, and psychologists) interested in developing expertise in addiction and eating disorder treatment. No previous experience in addiction or eating disorder therapy is required, though a background in basic therapeutic techniques is recommended.

All course materials will be provided, including handouts, worksheets, and resources on each therapeutic approach. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen for personal reflections and notes.

Upon completion, participants will receive a CPD certificate of attendance, recognizing their new skills in therapeutic interventions for addiction and eating disorders. This course serves as a strong foundation for further specialized training, including advanced certifications in Gestalt Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, or TA. Participants may also consider pursuing qualifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), addiction counselling, or eating disorder treatment to further enhance their career and broaden their clinical expertise.