Background on IAEDP and Chapter Dissolutions

For those who may be unaware, I want to provide some background information. Over the past year, several chapters, including some within the DC metro area, have decided to dissolve their membership from the National Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). The Baltimore Chapter is one such example. A quick Google search reveals numerous complaints against the national board of IAEDP, particularly targeting Bonnie Harken, the Managing Director of the IAEDP Foundation and its chapters.

There is an online petition calling for her removal, as well as allegations concerning her biases in shaping the organization. Additionally, an antitrust lawsuit has been filed against IAEDP, addressing its monopoly on eating disorder certification, known as the Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) designation. Financial concerns, including tax-related questions, have also been raised in the lawsuit, though I won’t focus on those aspects here.

My Perspective on IAEDP Certification

I will admit that I have not personally spoken with Ms. Harken but have heard numerous complaints from colleagues and others in the eating disorder profession who felt discouraged after their interactions with her. Even though I am an eating disorder specialist by training and practice, my education has not come from IAEDP. I do not hold the CEDS certification, and unless significant changes occur, I do not plan to pursue it.

Why? Simply put, I do not believe this certification would provide me with any knowledge or skills that I have not already gained through my internship, thousands of hours of supervision and consultation, and my ongoing dedication to learning.

When IAEDP was founded in 1985, the eating disorder field was in its infancy. Today, the profession has evolved significantly, yet the certification process remains outdated and often biased. Many professionals feel that it reinforces outdated stereotypes and lacks essential training on topics such as weight stigma, Health at Every Size (HAES), anti-diet approaches, and the needs of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals with eating disorders. Those who have raised these concerns with the national board have often felt dismissed.

Recognizing these shortcomings, I have chosen alternative training that challenges my biases and enhances my ability to provide evidence-based care. I have prioritized training in EMDR, neurodivergence and eating disorders, and trans-affirming care—areas that the CEDS certification fails to adequately address.

Using My Privilege to Advocate for Change

te for change within the IAEDP, eating disorder, Monarch Wellness DC, MD, VA — Source- Canva.com

I acknowledge my own privilege as a white, cisgender, straight, midsize clinician. While I do identify as disabled and have experienced marginalization in that regard, I also recognize that many others facing eating disorders do not share my privileges.

Rather than leaving an organization that I believe should be evolving to meet the needs of the eating disorder community, I have chosen to stay and fight for change within the DC Metro Chapter, where I serve as the marketing chair. My goal is to amplify the voices of those who have historically been excluded and help create space for them at the table. Many marginalized individuals have expressed that the silence of supposed allies is the most painful response. To me, walking away without a fight would be just that—silence.

This is not to say that my colleagues who dissolved their chapters were wrong. There are multiple ways to push for growth, and this is the approach that feels right for me at this time.

Commitment to IAEDP’s Mission and Ethics

I strongly believe in the original mission and ethics statement of the organization:

Mission Statement

“Promote a high level of professionalism among practitioners who treat those presenting with eating disorders by promoting ethical and professional standards, offering education and training in the field, certifying those who have met prescribed requirements, promoting public and professional awareness of eating disorders and assisting in prevention efforts.”

Ethics Statement

“The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Foundation (the iaedpTM Foundation or the Foundation) is an educational, and professional organization whose members work in a variety of settings and serve in multiple capacities. Eating disorder professionals facilitate relationships that empower diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, and wellness goals. Professional values are an important way of living out an ethical commitment.”

When I read these, I agree with the statements. I believe the DC Metro Chapter is adhering to these statements even if the national foundation has been turning a blind eye on their members who want more and are advocating for their clients. Clients, who need more in their recovery process from their professionals.

Too often clients are met with biases from professionals that do not understand eating disorders let alone do not understand the intersection of marginalized communities and eating disorders. The organization needs to do better and needs to change for the betterment of the profession, its professionals, and its clients.

The Role of the DC Metro Chapter

When I first joined the DC Metro Chapter Board, I was hesitant. However, I quickly found encouragement among a group of professionals who are passionate about fostering collaboration, providing local peer support, and offering meaningful continuing education.

Source- iaedpfoundation.com

Our chapter aims to:

Educate our community about eating disorders
Amplify marginalized voices at our events
Encourage open and authentic conversations among members
Acknowledge and address IAEDP National’s shortcomings, including its lack of weight inclusivity and ongoing dismissal of marginalized voices

We recognize that our chapter still has work to do, and we welcome feedback from the community. Our goal is to make membership more accessible and beneficial while continuing to push for necessary changes within the broader organization.

Looking Toward the Future

I remain hopeful that IAEDP National is undergoing necessary growing pains and will ultimately evolve to better serve its members and the individuals affected by eating disorders. If I am wrong, I will gladly admit it and seek new opportunities within the field. However, for now, I choose to stay and advocate for change.

The eating disorder profession must continue to evolve. Our clients deserve the best care possible, and I will continue to fight for a system that prioritizes their needs.

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Why I Chose to Remain a Member of The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals- and Serve on The DC Metro Board