Beyond ‘Just Eat’: Understanding the hidden complexities of eating disorders

proudly presented in partnership with The Centre for Psychology + Emotion Regulation

Most people think of eating disorders as choices about food or weight, that can resolve once someone “just starts eating again.” Yet, for many, the roots of disordered eating are far deeper. This webinar invites you to look beneath the surface and explore what’s really happening in the body and brain. Drawing from more than 20 years in the field, Dr. Anita Federici will unpack lesser-known features of eating disorders, including sensory sensitivities, interoceptive and perceptual differences, and the powerful neurobiological and metabolic forces that drive restriction, bingeing, and avoidance.

Together, we’ll explore how these biological factors intersect with emotion regulation, trauma, and invalidating environments to shape behaviours that, while often misunderstood, make profound sense in context. The presentation will highlight Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as one example of how eating disorders can arise outside traditional stereotypes of anorexia or bulimia.

Participants will walk away with a compassionate, evidence-informed understanding of eating disorders as biosocial illnesses, not choices, and with practical insights into how curiosity, validation, and collaborative treatment can open new pathways toward healing.

February 3, 7-8pm
online (Zoom)

Dr. Anita Federici, PhD CPsych FAED 

Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and the owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge on eating disorders, and an advocate for creating differential care pathways for clients who do not respond to traditional treatment approaches.