MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association)

08/25/2025

JUST 2 WEEKS LEFT TO REGISTER!

Join us for a conversation with Mallary Tenore Tarpley on her new book SLIP - a blend of memoir and exploration of the space between acute illness and recovery from eating disorders. Drawing on her own story and insights from hundreds of clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience, Mallary offers a deeply human look at recovery as an ongoing process.

This hybrid event can be attended in person at MEDA’s offices or online and will be moderated by Melissa Freizinger, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital. All are welcome!

Make sure to sign up here: https://www.medainc.org/event/book-event-slip-life-in-the-middle-of-eating-disorder-recovery/

08/23/2025

Healing isn’t always loud or visible. Sometimes it’s quiet, gentle, and slow.
It can look like saying no, taking a deep breath before reacting, choosing rest over productivity, or challenging a thought that once felt unshakable. These may seem like small moments, but they’re powerful acts of self-care.

Each choice you make (even the tiniest one!) is a seed. A seed that says: I deserve peace. I deserve healing. I deserve to feel safe and loved.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. Just keep tending to yourself with care and compassion. Change is happening, one small act at a time.

08/22/2025

The Renfrew Center of Boston is hosting a special 40th Anniversary party and you’re invited!

Meet Renfrew’s Founder and CEO, Sam Menaged, connect with the team and tour the site. Whether you’re a longtime partner, colleague, or new to Renfrew, this celebration is a meaningful opportunity to honor the impact of four decades of ED treatment and recovery.

To RSVP, visit:

The Renfrew Center invites you to join us in Boston, MA to celebrate this special anniversary.

08/20/2025

Join us on October 2nd at 6:30 p.m. ET for a powerful and heartfelt evening with Jason Wood, author of STARVING FOR SURVIVAL, as he discusses orthorexia, men’s mental health, and his journey to recovery. This event is hybrid, so you may attend in-person or virtually!

Let’s break the silence around eating disorders in men and open space for honest, healing conversations.

All are welcome. Register here: https://www.medainc.org/event/jason_wood/

08/19/2025

Despite the adage that picky eating is “just a phase”, many children don’t “grow out” of their picky eating habits. This presentation will focus on helping healthcare providers understand when picky eating is harmless or developmentally appropriate – and when it crosses the line to become an eating disorder known as avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID. This session is presented by Jessie Menzel, PhD VP, Clinical Programs at Equip.

PLEASE NOTE: This NWAP is from 12 pm to 1:30 pm EST. It provides 1.5 CE!

Find out more and register here: https://www.medainc.org/event/equip_nwap_10_3_25/

08/18/2025

Summer gatherings should be about connection and joy - not comparison or food guilt.

In this thoughtful post from our friends at Rogers Behavioral Health, you’ll learn how to navigate diet talk with confidence and care. From setting gentle boundaries to shifting the conversation, these tips can help protect your peace and make room for what really matters: enjoying the moment and honoring yourself.

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and free to be fully present - just as you are.

Read the full blog: https://www.medainc.org/how-to-keep-diet-talk-from-ruining-your-summer-gatherings/

08/16/2025

In recovery, “comfort” can sometimes mean staying in patterns that feel safe but hold us back. Growth often begins in the places we resist: trying something new, challenging a fear, or showing up when it’s hard. These moments might feel small, but they are incredibly brave.

Stepping outside your comfort zone might feel scary...and that’s okay. Discomfort is not a sign of failure; in some situations, it can be a sign that healing is happening. With each step into the unknown, you’re building strength, resilience, and freedom.

You deserve a life beyond survival. Recovery may not be easy, but it is possible - and you're already on your way. Be proud of your growth, even if it’s quiet. We see you, and we’re with you.

08/14/2025

Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. The right mix of support can make a real difference - but you don’t need every provider on this list to start healing.

These are examples of people and services that can help you feel seen, supported, and empowered in recovery. Even one safe, respectful connection can be a powerful step forward.

Your team might include:
* Therapist
* Registered Dietitian
* Prescriber (psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or MD)
* Medical provider
* Support groups or drop-in groups

And remember: you are allowed to ask questions, explore options, and choose providers who align with your values and needs.

Are there any other ingredients you’ve added to your supportive recovery team that you’ve found helpful? Share below!

08/13/2025

Are you ready to share your expertise, research, or innovative ideas with a community dedicated to healing? The Request for Session and Poster Proposals for the 2026 National MEDA Conference is now open.

Submission Deadlines:
• Presentations – October 8, 2025
• Poster Sessions – February 7, 2026

This is your opportunity to help shape important conversations, inspire change, and contribute to the future of the eating disorder field. We look forward to reviewing your proposals.

Submit here: https://www.medainc.org/professional-community-trainings/conference-2026/

Questions? Contact conference@medainc.org.

08/11/2025

Join us for a conversation with Mallary Tenore Tarpley on her new book SLIP - a blend of memoir and exploration of the space between acute illness and recovery from eating disorders. Drawing on her own story and insights from hundreds of clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience, Mallary offers a deeply human look at recovery as an ongoing process.

This hybrid event can be attended in person at MEDA’s offices or online and will be moderated by Melissa Freizinger, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital. All are welcome!

Make sure to sign up here: https://www.medainc.org/event/book-event-slip-life-in-the-middle-of-eating-disorder-recovery/

08/07/2025

Join us for a great workshop on best practices in virtual eating disorder care, led by Tiffany King, MBA and Amanda Smith, LICSW, CEDS from Monte Nido.

Whether you're a clinician, dietitian, social worker, or mental health professional, you'll gain valuable insights into:

• Expanding access through virtual care
• Navigating its unique challenges
• Building stronger partnerships for better outcomes

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and support recovery for everybody, everywhere. Register today: https://app.tpn.health/education/best-practice-in-moving-the-eating-disorder-field-forward-with-vi-e31d61f4

08/06/2025

Joy doesn’t have to (and shouldn't) wait. You deserve to feel it now. Not just when things are “better” or when you’ve achieved certain goals.

In the midst of recovery and everyday challenges, joy can feel like something you have to earn. But it is so important to remember that joy isn’t a reward, it’s a resource - one you deserve to have in your toolkit.

Joy isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about making space for small, meaningful moments that nourish your spirit. You’re allowed to feel joy, even while healing.

Here are a few gentle ways to reconnect with joy today:

-> Take a mindful breath and return to the present
-> Name five small things in your space you’re grateful for
-> Move your body: stretch or dance to a favorite song
-> Reach out to someone you care about
-> Do something playful! Draw, laugh, or revisit a childhood hobby
-> Step outside or look out a window - let nature remind you that life keeps growing

Joy is already within you. Let yourself feel it. You are so worthy!

What is your favorite way to connect with joy? Tell us in the comments!