Course Description: Understanding Eating Disorders Through a Trauma-Informed Lens is a FREE workshop facilitated by the Eating Disorder Centre that will guide attendees through a discussion of what disordered eating is, the variety of factors that contribute to eating disorders, eating disorders in a university context, and healing from eating disorders. Our presentation will take a trauma-informed lens to discuss different structures that uphold diet culture and contribute to eating disorder maintenance, such as marginalization, fatphobia, and racism. Our key learning objective involves helping attendees understand the definition of disordered eating and to consider the variety of causes that contribute to their development and perpetuation. We hope to help educate attendees while challenging them to consider intersections that impact eating disorders that they may not have considered previously.
About the trainers: This intensive workshop is hosted by the Eating Disorder Centre of the SSMU.
Natasha (she/her): Natasha is a current trainer at the Centre, working to educate volunteers and external groups on disordered eating. She focuses on creating supportive spaces where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves. Her goal is to foster an environment built on respect, understanding, and openness, where participants can explore important topics without fear of judgment or pressure. In this course, she will help create a welcoming space for meaningful conversations and shared growth.
Ruby (she/they): Ruby is currently a training coordinator at the Centre working on improving education surrounding eating disorders. In this course they will focus on fostering a compassionate learning experience. Ruby is diligent about maintaining a safe space where participants are unafraid to share their thoughts and raise questions or concerns. Ruby’s honest nature coupled with their passion for mental health will create a space for fruitful growth and conversation.
Lilly (she/her): Lilly Mackie is a training coordinator at the Eating Disorder Centre of the SSMU. She is excited to join the instructor team for this MiniCourse and values creating a warm, inclusive space for learning about eating disorders. Drawing on her experiences from the field—along with her studies in psychology—Lilly approaches education with empathy and understanding. She looks forward to hearing everyone’s perspectives and encouraging each participant’s voice to be heard.
Location: SSMU University Centre Student Lounge (in-person)
Required Materials: None!
Required Knowledge: None!