La Trobe’s partnership with Eating Disorders Victoria is based on a shared vision of improving the lives of those living with eating disorders.
“As part of the partnership, we collaborate on a range of research projects,” says Professor Leah Brennan from La Trobe’s Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy. “For example, we are currently conducting a pilot and feasibility study examining a stepped-care approach to eating disorder treatment.”
“The study will compare a stepped-care approach to standard eating disorder treatment, providing treatment to 96 clients over the two years. It is hoped that our results will help to inform the development of an effective stepped-care approach to eating disorders, which will better direct services and resources according to need.”
La Trobe postgraduate Psychology students also have access to high-quality placement opportunities at Eating Disorders Victoria.
“Our students are able to get experience working on our research projects and get training in delivering psychological interventions to clients with eating disorders,” says Professor Brennan.
Abigail Turos, a final-year student in La Trobe’s Master of Clinical Psychology degree, has just completed her placement with Eating Disorders Victoria, where she worked on the stepped-care study.
“My role in the study involved providing cognitive behaviour therapy and guided self-help treatment to clients with eating disorders,” says Abigail.
“The knowledge, skills, and confidence I’ve developed – both from a research and clinical perspective – from my placement with Eating Disorders Victoria has been invaluable and would not have been developed from other placements in the same way.”
“My experience with Eating Disorders Victoria has also confirmed my passion for working in a speciality area such as eating disorders, giving me clear direction for my future career.”
Training a workforce that can support those living with eating disorders sits at the heart of this partnership.
"Eating Disorders Victoria is committed to ensuring that people experiencing an eating disorder have a trusted guide through the journey of discovery to recovery,” says Susie Hansen, Director of Clinical and Telehealth Services at Eating Disorders Victoria.
"This includes being met with clinicians that are aware and prepared to appropriately engage in evidence based, person centred care. The partnership promotes building the next generation of clinicians with knowledge, skills and confidence to be powerful allies to the eating disorder community, ultimately ensuring that people receive the best response when they first present."
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