Enhance your understanding of bulimia nervosa with this in-depth course for South African psychologists.
This course looks at bulimia nervosa from both a clinical and a psychoanalytic angle, and is accredited by the HPCSA for CPD points. It covers diagnostic criteria, prevalence and the psychological mechanisms behind the illness, treating the binge-purge cycle as a way of regulating emotion. South African psychologists and counsellors will consider early attachment disruptions, difficulty expressing feelings, body image, shame and the symbolic meaning of purging. The clinical sections deal with therapeutic challenges, boundary management and countertransference, and argue for working with deeper psychological processes alongside symptom-focused interventions. It suits practitioners who see clients with eating disorders and want a fuller picture of what drives the behaviour.
This talk offers a comprehensive overview of bulimia nervosa, covering diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and underlying psychological mechanisms. It examines the binge-purge cycle as an emotional regulatory system and explores contributing factors such as early attachment disruptions, difficulties with emotional expression, and body image concerns. The session highlights the symbolic meaning of purging behaviours, the role of shame and relational dynamics, and the influence of developmental conflicts. Clinical considerations include therapeutic challenges, boundary management, and the importance of addressing deeper psychological processes alongside symptom-focused interventions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to: