Professional Training

The discussion of veganism in the eating disorder field often prompts an assertion that veganism in an eating disordered person is a form of restriction, and that it is inherently difficult for a vegan person to recover. Relatedly, many eating disorder treatment centers do not offer vegan meal plans, posing unique challenges to vegans in need of eating disorder treatment. Since both eating disorders and veganism are on the rise, it is important that we broaden the conversation at this juncture.

This event includes an introduction to Jenn Friedman’s book, Veganism and Eating Disorder Recovery (Routledge, 2022); Our expert panelists will explore distinctions between eating disorders and veganism, treatment concerns for vegans, the importance of assessing vegan motivation, and prospective treatment approaches; Attendees will have ample time for Q&A to our panelists.

Jenn Friedman, MA, MHC-LP, is a Mental Health Counselor with MTZ Counseling. She draws on psychodynamic and cognitive principles in her work with clients. She works with issues related to trauma, loss, identity, self-worth, life transitions, and caregiving. Jenn has specialized interests in eating disorders and veganism. She is the author of Veganism and Eating Disorder Recovery (Routledge, 2022), a book which aims to improve the discourse about veganism in eating disorder recovery. She presents about eating disorders at treatment centers, universities, and mental health conferences. She also writes, records, and performs music, which she considers a source of healing, connection, and growth.

Lisa Levinson, MFA, is a Certified Expressive Movement Therapist and licensed Buff Bones® instructor specializing in women’s empowerment, body image, spirituality, eating disorders, bone health, and trauma issues. She was the movement therapist at the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and currently provides creative arts therapy at the Iris Healing Addiction Treatment Center in Woodland Hills, California. Lisa is the Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals, founder of Vegan Spirituality, and co-founder of the Interfaith Vegan Coalition.

Maria Sorbara Mora, MS, R.D., CEDRD, C-IAYT, is the Founder and Executive Director of Integrated Eating Dietetics-Nutrition PLLC. She is an experienced clinician, certified yoga instructor, registered dietitian, certified dietitian-nutritionist and supervisor with IAEDP (International Association for Eating Disorders). She is the author of “Incorporating Science, Body and Yoga In Nutrition-Based Eating Disorder Recovery-The Integrated Eating Approach” (2019). Her practice integrates body, mind, and soul into the traditional treatment modality for those struggling with eating and body issues, addictions, and trauma.

Taylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN (she/her/hers) is the owner of Taylor Wolfram LLC, a weight-inclusive nutrition therapy practice. She works with adults who are interested in ditching diet mentality, embracing intuitive eating, and improving their body image. She also specializes in vegan and vegetarian nutrition and created the Anti-Diet Vegan Nutrition Online Course.

• 1-1:05pm Arrival

• 1:05-1:10pm Welcome

• 1:10-1:30pm Panelists self introductions

• 1:30-2:10pm Panelist Discussion

• 2:10-2:15pm Short Break

• 2:15-2:55pm Q&A

• 2:55 – 3pm Concluding remarks