UK psychologists, explore bulimia nervosa through a clinical and psychoanalytic lens in this essential CPD course.
This course gives UK practitioners a clinical and psychoanalytic perspective on bulimia nervosa. It sets out the diagnostic criteria and prevalence, then explores the binge-purge cycle as a means of managing emotion. Attention goes to early attachment disruption, difficulty putting feelings into words, body image, shame and the relational dynamics that keep the pattern going. The symbolic meaning of purging and the influence of developmental conflicts are also discussed. Clinically, the course addresses the challenges of treatment, including boundaries and countertransference, and the case for combining symptom-focused work with attention to deeper processes. It can be logged as a learning activity in an HCPC CPD record.
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: