There is a specific kind of vulnerability that comes with stepping into the world of eating disorder care. So many of us find ourselves looking at those “10-years-in” clinicians—the ones who seem to have the perfect “speech” for every situation and an automatic library of psychoeducation—and feeling a deep, quiet yearning to be there already. We want that sense of ease, the automaticity of language, and the confidence to sit in the fire without feeling burned. But when we look at our own fledgling “ED language,” it can feel clunky, and the fear of not having the right words can make us feel like we’re starting from zero.
If you’re feeling that “imposter” itch, I want you to take a gentle breath and look back at the path you’ve already walked. You aren’t a blank slate. You are bringing your clinician experience and hours with clients, a lifetime of reading the room, and a deep understanding of human nature into this space. Those “core” skills—transparency, thinking out loud with a client, and the ability to hold space for a diverse range of personalities—aren’t just extras; they are the work. Just as you once learned to talk about diabetes or heart health until it became second nature, the language of eating disorders will eventually move from your head to your heart. It’s a process of consolidation, and every referral that feels daunting right now is actually the very practice that will make those skills automatic twelve months from now.
Part of this growth is learning to trust the “data” that doesn’t show up on a blood test. In our supervision spaces, we often talk about reflective practice—learning to use your instincts or that “gut feeling” as a valid clinical data point. When you notice a client activating, withdrawing, or resisting, that observation is gold. Documenting these subtle shifts isn’t just for your own notes; it’s vital information for the GPs and the wider team who are looking to you to help them see the person behind the symptoms. When things feel clunky or a session feels “off,” try to view it as learning data rather than a verdict on your competence. A misstep isn’t a failure; it’s just a signpost showing you where the work is.
It’s completely normal for our sessions to start with a flutter of anxiety and self-doubt, but there is so much room for that to shift into a sense of cautious excitement. Yes, this work is complex and the learning curve is steep, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to serve a group of people who have historically fallen through the cracks of our healthcare system. There is something profoundly hopeful about looking forward to the clinician you are becoming. Imagine yourself a year from now, looking back and realizing that the things that once made your heart race are now the things you navigate with grace. You’re doing the work, you’re growing in real-time, and you’re exactly where you need to be.
We’re Jo and Christie—Accredited Practising Dietitians and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinicians with a shared passion for disordered eating, eating disorders and body image work.
Our resources are developed alongside people with lived experience and designed for health professionals who want to deliver high-quality, client-centred care.