Central Coast–CAMFT
Treating Binge Eating with
Self-Compassion: A Trauma Informed Approach
Presented by Erica Thomas, Licensed MFT #77166
Virtually Via Zoom
2 CE credits
Treating Binge Eating with Self-Compassion: A Trauma-Informed Approach is a practical, research-informed training designed to help licensed therapists effectively address binge eating through the lens of self-compassion.
Grounded in the work of Kristin Neff, Paul Gilbert, and trauma-informed care, this workshop reframes binge eating as a meaningful coping strategy rooted in emotional pain and shame. Participants will learn self-compassion–based interventions to help clients move beyond cycles of self-criticism and secrecy toward greater emotional regulation, inner safety, and lasting healing.
This beginning-to-intermediate level training is ideal for clinicians working with disordered eating, chronic dieting, body image distress, or trauma-related emotional dysregulation. Through case examples, guided practices, and experiential exercises, participants will gain skills for introducing self-compassion in ways that honor clients’ protective strategies while gently expanding new ways of relating to food, body, and self.
The training also emphasizes therapist self-reflection, supporting clinicians in maintaining a compassionate stance when encountering stuckness, resistance, or countertransference. Attendees will leave with practical tools and language they can immediately apply to help clients reduce shame and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
Presentation Goals
1. This training will provide therapists with a trauma-informed framework for treating binge eating using self-compassion-based interventions.
2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how binge eating functions as an emotional coping strategy.
3. Participants will learn practical tools to help clients reduce shame, regulate emotions, and build a kinder relationship with food and body.
Measurable objectives
1. Describe at least three ways that trauma can contribute to the development and maintenance of binge eating behaviors.
2. Identify at least three self-compassion-based interventions that can be integrated into clinical work with clients struggling with binge eating.
3. Explain how self-compassion can reduce shame and self-criticism in clients with disordered eating.
4. Apply at least two trauma-informed strategies for introducing self-compassion practices to clients who use food as an emotional coping tool.
5. Describe at least two ways self-compassion practices can be adapted to support clients from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds in the treatment of binge eating.
About the Presenter
Erica Thomas, MA, LMFT has over 15 years of experience supporting clients in healing from trauma, emotional eating, and disordered eating. She specializes in helping clients develop a more compassionate relationship with food and body, drawing from her training with Dr. Kristin Neff and her background in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Erica maintains a private practice in Rohnert Park and Lafayette, CA, and offers coaching and an online course to support individuals struggling with emotional eating. Her work blends evidence-based practices with deep empathy and a belief that healing begins with kindness toward ourselves.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage & family therapists, and pre-licensed professionals.
CE Credit Certificates
The course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
CCCAMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs.
Note: Certificates of Completion will be awarded to participants who attend the entire workshop and complete the course evaluation. You will receive an email with the evaluation after the training and upon completion of the evaluation, you will receive a downloadable CE certificate.
Grievances
While the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT makes every effort to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there may be occasional issues with regard to presentations/workshops which will require intervention and/or action on the part of the board. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.
When a participant files a grievance and expects action on the complaint, the following actions will be taken:
- The participant(s) will be asked to put concerns in writing (this can be in electronic form, such as an email).
- If the grievance concerns a presenter, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. The Board will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
- If the grievance concerns a presentation/workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the Board will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the Board will:
- provide a credit for a subsequent presentation/workshop or
- provide a partial or full refund of the presentation/workshop fee
Refund policy:
registrants must cancel their registration within 10 days of the event to receive a refund minus a $5 administrative fee. Exceptions can be made for 48-hour notices in case of an emergency. If you need to cancel, please contact Event Chair, Kim Richards: richardskimlmft@gmail.com.
Special Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any of our events, please contact Event Chair Kim Richards within 10 days of the upcoming event at 805.458.8063 or email Kim Richards at richardskimlmft@gmail.com.
