What are the issues with IAEDP?
For those that are unaware, I feel like I should provide some background information. IAEDP is the International Association of Eating Disorders. Over the past year, several chapters, some even within our own DC metro area, have decided to dissolve their membership with IAEDP.
Within a quick google search, one can find many complaints towards the national board of IAEDP. There are a number of complaints against Bonnie Harken, the Managing Director of the IAEDP Foundation and its chapters. There is a petition online to remove her from her post as well as complaints around her biases to develop the organization. There is also an antitrust lawsuit against the National Organization of IAEDP, regarding its monopoly and rules around eating disorder certification, which is known as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist or CEDS. In addition there are some questions around taxes and money in the lawsuit, which I won’t focus on as much.
I will admit that I have not spoken to Ms. Harken myself, but have heard many complaints from friends, colleagues, and others within the eating disorder profession, who have felt very discouraged after conversations with Ms. Harken. I’m an eating disorder specialist by trade and training and my teaching has not come from IAEDP. I do not have my CEDS and until the CEDS certification changes, I most likely will not apply or study for this specific certification. Why, you may ask? Specifically, because I don’t think this certification would bring me anything that I currently do not possess. I know what I know today from my internship, thousands of hours of supervision and consultation, as well as my dedication to continued learning.
When the IAEDP association was established in 1985, the eating disorder field was very different than it is today, and really, the profession was only at its beginning. The certification process and studying process tends to be biased against minority groups with eating disorders. Several feel that it is more “stereotypical” and does not provide the current appropriate training to be an eating disorder clinician and specialist. Many have complained that certification needs to be less biased and contain training on weight stigma, HAES, anti-diet, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, as well as disabled communities that experience eating disorders. Many have felt dismissed bringing this up to the national board/foundation of IAEDP.
Knowing this, I have not been willing to engage in this certification and have instead chosen training that causes me to acknowledge my own biases as a clinician and continue to bring evidence-based treatment to my clients. For instance, it felt better for me to invest in EMDR training or continuing education that explores neurodivergent individuals and eating disorders, trans-affirming training, and other areas within the intersection of eating disorders that will provide more in depth training. All of which, unfortunately current CEDS certification does not.
My Values
Now, I want to recognize my own privilege. I am a white, cis, straight female, midsize clinician. I have a lot of privileges that others that experience eating disorders do not. I am disabled and have frequently been marginalized as part of that community. However, I struggle to just leave an organization that I think should be growing and changing with the needs of the eating disorder community and its clients.
Personally, I want to use my privilege to fight for change and try and fight back with the DC metro chapter that I am a part of and currently serve as marketing chair. I would like to raise the voices of others that are unlike myself and make room for others at the table.
Many marginalized communities have said to me that the silence of their supposed “allies” has always been the most deafening.
I may be wrong, but I feel like leaving an organization without a fight would be a silence to me.
This is not to say that my colleagues were wrong in dissolving their chapters either. I think there are several ways to try to grow, but this is the way I feel best about currently. I strongly believe in the original mission and ethics statement of the organization:
IAEDP DMISSION STATEMENT
“To promote a high level of professionalism among practitioners who treat those suffering from 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.”
IAEDP ETHICS STATEMENT
“IAEDP Foundation, Inc., is committed to excellence in the ethical practice of those professionals who treat eating disorders. Given the psychological, behavioral, social, cultural, medical, biological, familial, and legal complexities of eating disorders, IAEDP strives to ensure all members have the appropriate training and competencies to function with the highest level of integrity in all interactions with clients, families, colleagues, ancillary professionals, and the general community. IAEDP expects that members will act in accordance with their respective disciplines and/or the APA code of ethics. Ethical concerns brought to the attention of IAEDP are reviewed by the Ethics Committee whose recommendations are submitted to the Board of Directors for resolution.”
When I read these, I agree with the statements. I believe the DC Metro Chapter is adhering to these statements. However 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. Professionals that hold biases and 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.
Moving Forward
In my first few meetings with our new DC Metro Board, I was hesitant, but quickly felt encouraged to be a part of this DC Metro Chapter Board. We are passionate professionals who truly are dedicated to bringing together eating disorder treatment providers – across all disciplines – to collaborate and inspire one another. We hope to provide local peer support, resources, and continuing education.
Our chapter and our current executive board hope to create a space to teach our community about eating disorders, raise marginalized voices at our events, and inspire our membership/event attendees to have vulnerable and authentic conversations. I know the professionals on this board have already been willing to hear all voices on the board. We are also all passionate and dedicated to providing the best care to our clients struggling with eating disorders. Our chapter recognizes IAEDP National’s issues and biases against weight inclusivity and their continued ignorance of marginalized voices within the intersection of eating disorders.
Our chapter has a lot to do and areas to grow, but we are aware of that and welcome community voices and concerns. I also think we want to make membership for our chapter more accessible and beneficial to our community. We can be doing more for our members, just like the national board could be doing more for its members.
I know that I personally may be hopeful that the national board is going through growing pains for the better. If not, I will gladly admit that I am wrong and look forward to new opportunities within the field. However, I am hopeful that the passion, understanding, and willingness to fight that I felt within our board can be felt by our community, and I hope for change.
Our clients deserve the best.
I hope that the eating disorder profession as a whole, continues to do better.
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