The Gerwe Orchestration Method (G-OM): A Psychodynamic Approach to the Treatment of Eating Disorders

Workshop Content

                                    Corinne F. Gerwe, Ph.D, LCAS, ICAADC

Developing Skills Using the Gerwe Orchestration Method (G-OM) Treating Eating Disorder

This presentation introduces a structured psychodynamic method of treating the underlying dynamics of eating disorders basedon 30 years of research and clinical practice.  The method is presented using the DSM-IV five axes and ASAM six dimensions as the structure for doing an assessment of risk and treatment planning that includes incorporation of best practices. 

At the conclusion participants will be able to:

• Understand how feelings, physical symptoms, core memory details, and behavior that become intrinsically interrelated during certain highly intense developmental experiences can develop into evolving patterns, and why they persist;
• Help clients collectively identify and explore the nature of extreme lifespan experiences/responses and their connection to current risk patterns of behavior;
• Use the Orchestration Group Process;
• Engage client participation and collaboration to address individual needs and treatment priorities;
• Use G-OM case management tools;
• Integrate G-OM with 12 Step Programs and other treatment programs.

  Comments

This presentation has relevance to professional counselors, physicians, educators, therapists, social workers & other health-care clinicians and directors to:

• Improve assessment and diagnostic skills for early identification of physical and behavioral syndromes and risk factors.
• Learn a step-by step approach to addressing core developmental issues the treatment of eating disorder.
• Increase group and individual therapy skills.
• Increase client/patient engagement in treatment and recovery potential. 
• Develop a dynamic new track within your system that produces results.

Presentation Agenda

  Presenting G-OM from its foundation:   

• Describing how certain pivotal lifespan experiences can develop into entrenched patterns of behavior linked to eating disorder conditions;
• Exploring the role of hereditary and environmental influences;   
• Defining the holistic and scientific nature of G-OM;
• Introducing the Orchestration Group Process;
• Describing Group Timeline and Rules, Group Configuration, and Group Process Rationale;
• How to Implement G-OM within an existing program setting.
• Introducing G-OM Treatment Manual: Review of Tools, Assessment Questionnaires and Worksheets and their relevance of method to every phase of treatment: Assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, medication, and referral.
• Experiential work with Life-span Charts, Memory Episode Dynamics, Daily Self-Report Sheets.
• Questions and discussion.