Eating Disorder International Symposium - Shoreline Center for Eating Disorder Treatment and Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Converge on Solving the L

Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- Shoreline Center for Eating Disorder Treatment (www.shoreline-eatingdisorders.com), the only Long Beach facility dedicated to treating anorexia and bulimia nervosa, is one of the sponsors of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals Annual Symposium to be held March 4-8 in Long Beach, CA. Shoreline Center (www.shoreline-eatingdisorders.com), a leader in the field of eating disorder treatment, offers a variety of treatment programs for this serious, complex and life threatening illness. The conference of 300 professionals from around the world, meets in Long Beach, and follows Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 22-28), which is held each year to raise consciousness across the country about the potentially life-threatening seriousness of eating disorders and the societal pressures, attitudes and behaviors which contribute to them.

"We are pleased that this important conference is being held locally because it will highlight the dangers of Eating Disorders as well as the number of people afflicted right here in Long Beach. It adds emphasis to the need for appropriate treatment right in our backyard," said Rachel Levi, MFT, CEDS and founder of Shoreline Center for Eating Disorder Treatment.

At this conference, leading eating disorders experts and distinguished faculty will present cutting edge interventions, protocols and research to over 300 multi-disciplinary clinicians. The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) Symposium has titled their conference "Reclaiming the Body: Attachment, Somatics, and Image", and it is being held at the Westin Hotel, in Long Beach, California.

This year's iaedp Symposium offers participants the opportunity to choose from nearly 40 sessions presented by a distinguished faculty selected through a rigorous peer review process. Our objectives are for participants to be able to: (1) identify and treat individuals with anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating; (2) discuss drug therapies currently used to treat eating disorders; (3) describe alternative methods for the treatment of eating disorders, such as dialectical behavior therapy, psychodrama, movement therapy, art therapy, and gastric bypass surgery and (4) explain dual diagnosis issues, such as post traumatic stress disorder.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is waging war against eating disorders and promoting patient rights/treatment access during its 22nd annual NED Awareness Week, February 22-28, themed Until Eating Disorders are History...

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is the non-profits largest public outreach campaign, held each year to raise consciousness across the country about the potentially life-threatening seriousness of eating disorders and the societal pressures, attitudes and behaviors which contribute to them. Also to spread a message of hope: Help is available, recovery is possible and those affected are not alone in their struggle!

On Thursday, March 5, participants will attend the Grand Opening Networking Reception and an Awards Banquet featuring keynotes by iaedp Board President Adrienne Ressler, LMSW, CEDS, and M.J. Ryan, international coach, inspirational author and co-creator of the New York Times bestselling book, Random Acts of Kindness.On Friday, March 6, there will be ongoing sessions along with special networking dinners including one hosted by the newly formed, International Relations Committee and its international chairperson, Eva Trujillo MD of Comenzar de Nuevo AC in Mexico. On Saturday evening, March 7, participants are invited to enjoy a Sunset Dinner Cruise benefit , compliments of iaedp's Southern California Chapter, featuring art and entertainment with special guest, Former Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, founder of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation for Eating Disorders. The benefit cruise will raise funds in an effort to providing much needed treatment scholarships. Shoreline Center for Eating Disorder Treatment will also be a sponsor of this event and will present a variety of artwork depicting the internal struggles of those suffering as well as beautiful expressions of recovery, by Shoreline clients.

"Symposium 2009 in Long Beach brings us together with colleagues to share the joy that comes from being with old and new friends! Our iaedp community is well known for its educational excellence, personal warmth and inclusiveness. We believe our expertise is needed now more than ever," said Adrienne Ressler, iaedp President.

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