McHenry County Mental Health Board

Network Training

Eating Disorders & Self Injury: Increasing Competence, Confidence and Compassion as treatment providers. 

Presented by Dr. Michelle A. Bidwell, Psy. D.

 Friday, February 2, 2018 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm  

Free: Up to 3 CEU's for attending this training (IAODAPCA Pending)

Target Audience: Psychiatrist (MD), Psychiatric Nurse (RN), Psychologist (Ph.D) Social Worker (MSW), Mental Health Counselor, Mental Health Therapist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) and other professionals 

This presentation will address the clinical areas of eating disorders and self-injury. Current diagnostic and assessment needs related to these issues will be reviewed as well as how to determine when a referral to a higher level of care is warranted. 

It is geared toward helping clinicians feel comfortable and competent with these clinical issues, as well as being able to understand what it is like for the client living with these symptoms. 

An empathic understanding of the client will assist in communicating with friends/family and can create a smooth transition to higher levels of care if needed.  In addition, we will address the ways that these symptoms impact the body physiologically and medically.  

Objectives:

• Identify  biological and emotional reasons for self-injury.
• List communication strategies around eating disorders and self-injury that are helpful for the client's friends and family.
• Identify when a referral to a higher level of care is warranted for eating disorders and self-injury.
• List some medical complications related to Eating Disorders.
• Identify changes in diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV to DSM-V.  

Presenter: Dr. Michelle A. Bidwell, Psy. D.

Dr. Michelle Bidwell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Michelle currently works as a full-time clinician at Meridian Behavioral Health in Woodstock, IL.  She served as the Social Media Chair for the Heartland Chapter of the International Eating Disorder Association from 2011-2015. 

She is currently serving on their advisory committee.  Michelle enjoys working with the community she serves.  She has hosted the documentary, Finding Kind, in conjunction with the St. Charles school district, and has given presentations for parents on issues such as social media, depression in teenagers, and parenting the gifted child.  Michelle is currently a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and the Academy of Eating Disorders.