Post Graduate Certificate in the Psychology of Eating Disorders and Obesity

This nine-month Post-Graduate Certificate programme will expose the student to a wide range of theoretical models that address the types, causes and symptoms of eating disorders. This programme offers candidates an opportunity for CPD and specialisation in this area. It will discuss eating disorders and disordered eating. The students will learn how to recognise eating disorders and carry out differential diagnosis.

By the end of the course programme the learner

• Demonstrate an understanding of the different presentations of eating disorders and their associated symptoms
• Be able to compare, contrast and evaluate interpretations of eating disorders as mental health conditions within known models of etiology and maintenance
• Devise a formulation and a treatment plan
• Carry out a clinical interview
• Administer eating disorder questionnaires
• Work with a food record
• Recognize feeding issues like pica and ARFID
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to engage teens in therapy and apply media literacy
• Use nutritional models used in the treatment of eating disorders
• Know how to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team
• Understand the major theories relevant to eating disorders
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to prepare content for a blog/vlog
• Present a poster for public health purposes
• Demonstrate an understanding of the attachment theory
• Work with body image issues and the concept of embodiment
• Define gender issues and substance abuse and how these overlap with eating issues
• Identify the medical complications of eating disorders
• Be able to offer psychoeducation in terms of body, weight, and shape
• Understand the value of nutrients and how these are essential for recovery from an eating disorder

Furthermore, the learner will be able to:

• Apply the methods of assessment and diagnosis to create a formulation. Those students not in possession of a warrant to practise can only apply this method for training purposes
• Share the formulation with the patient and update accordingly
• Plan a therapeutic way forward
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different presentations of eating disorders and their associated symptoms
• Develop the skill to use an integrative approach to the therapy of eating disorders
• Demonstrate an of understanding how and when to utilize which models of treatment
• Be able to communicate effectively with the family of the patient and with the multidisciplinary team
• Show an understanding of how to adapt different therapeutic skills to eating recovery and to individual presentations of these disorders
• Design treatment plans which acknowledge appropriate phases of treatment.
• Demonstrate how to respond appropriately to individual client needs within each treatment phase and be able to justify his/her selection of interventions
• Use appropriate resources such as alternative professional expertise and how to integrate their work with that of the other professionals involved in the recovery process
• Demonstrate ability how to monitor responses to treatment
• Demonstrate self-awareness and mastery of their own issues with food and weight
• Demonstrate therapist qualities deemed important and useful for working congruently with clients

Applicants should:

• Be working within a helping profession where a better understanding of eating disorders and how to support people would be useful. E.g., counsellor, psychotherapist, counselling/ clinical psychologist, mental health nurse, psychiatrist or general practitioner, nutritionist or dietician.
• Be able to demonstrate successful completion of relevant training, or substantial experience, in your stated professional capacity (as above).

In addition, candidates should satisfy the following entry requirements:

• Have an MQF Level 7 certification from a recognised local or foreign awarding body or equivalent
• Have a good command of oral and written communication in English with a level of proficiency in English equivalent to at least IELTS Level 6.

Learning Works is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority as a Further and Higher Education Institution (Licence no. 2009-TC-004). It offers courses in Management, Health and Social Care, Sport, Language Courses, Catering and Hospitality, and other areas.

Courses are tailored to a variety of students, both local and foreign and understand that flexibility is key.

Our mission is to provide high quality education and vocational training with the aim of helping learners identify educational and career goals, develop skills necessary to achieve intellectual and personal growth, excel in their studies or area of specialisation enabling them to ultimately secure quality employment, career advancement and to reach their maximum potential.