How to Effectively Complete an Eating Disorder Assessment

 It's a Starting Place

At our final Table Talk of 2024, VFED had a beautiful visit with Jonathan Dang, LMFT, CEDS. Jonathan reviewed the common ED validated assessment tools (EDE-Q6, EAT-26, BAS, MOET, GAD7, PHQ9) and briefly guided us through them. One is helpful with ARFID subtypes, one especially relatable for male pts, one to identify comorbidities.

Questionnaires are good for baseline assessment and for monitoring progress. But the assessment is ongoing and achieved through respect and collaboration. Jonathan’s pet peeve being when the therapist assumes the role of the expert. He firmly believes that “knowing and judging” in general is not ethically appropriate.

To create a space where the client does not feel judged, he taught us some principles of Motivational Interviewing- using ambivalence to move patients forward, rolling with resistance, collaboratively building a treatment plan with open-ended questions.  Alignment is continually created through validation of client goals, including weight loss ones.

Once again, we were reminded of the relationship in the room being the most therapeutic factor. Being mindful to maintain this is what makes assessment possible.

See video here