Background: This presentation gives both therapists and dieticians a step by step emotional regulation tool to utilize with clients. Called SOFT AIM, it is both and acronym and overall approach. The workshop will explain each step of the process and how it is supported by neuroscience. Clear and practical techniques will be given so that providers can walk away with a simple yet effective tool to utilize with clients for recovery. The workshop will be formatted with the idea of a 10 week group but can be used individually as well and altered for use with clients with various eating disorders.
Objectives: Following this presentation, participants will be able to explain: 1) SOFT AIM as an approach. 2) SOFT AIM as an acronym and what each letter stands for. 3) A greater understanding of neuroscience as related to SOFT AIM.
The Hands That Feed Me: Combining Neuroscience and The Voice of Spirit in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Annette McLean LCPC, CEDS
Why bother with understanding neuroscience?
Neurochemistry of Binge Eating
The Basics of Recovery
The Why of Recovery
Waking up and becoming aware of self-talk, core beliefs, triggers and vulnerabilities
Honoring Hunger
Hearing Satiety
SOFT AIM- the approach
SOFT Aim as a coping tool
S is for STOP
O is for Observe
F is for Feelings
T is for thoughts
A is for Allow
I is for Investigate
M is for Mother
Each part of the acronym is explained in detail including the neuroscience of why it is important. Basic tools and exercises will be provided as well to go with each part of the acronym and how it can be used individually or as part of an 11 week group.
***I recently published a book on this topic and SOFT AIM as a tool.
SOFT AIM is both an approach and an acronym. As an approach it emphasizes to the client the fact that recovery is a process more than an event and thus something we must lean into or "aim softly." The acronym is explained in each letter. S-Stop, O-Observe, (rather than get hi-jacked by emotion, F is for Feeling, (seeing feelings as a messenger, finding emotion in the bodym etc), T is for thoughts which are always connected to the feeling, A is for Allow which includes ample data on mindfulness and DBT strategies of acceptance, I is for Investigate (those thoughts) and M is for mindful compassionate self mothering as we must investigate from a place of mindful empathy. There is a great deal of neuroscience that supports "mindful emapathy" which would be examined as well. I would be happy to provide one of my books as well if the committee would like. I would like to give clinicians a hands on tool to use with clients and the structure of how they could turn it into a group if desired.
Thank you for the opportunity to apply. I have learned a great deal at IAEDP conferences over the years and if the committee deems it appropriate, would be honored to present.
Annette McLean, LCPC, CEDS is a recognized expert in the field of disordered eating and women's issues. She is the author of the new book, titled, "The Hands That Feed Me: Introducing the SOFT AIM Approach for Recovery from Compulsive Eating."
