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Eating Disorders in Midlife: Myths, Stigma, and Effective Treatment Approaches with Heidi J Dalzell, PsyD

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGzvkB6Nic/VS0qO6U5JW7lweRl_wWMWQ/view?utm_content=DAGzvkB6Nic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hafae8fbf9e

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Episode Summary: Eating disorders don’t just affect teens. Midlife is a critical yet often invisible period where disordered eating can emerge, relapse, or persist — complicated by ageism, diet culture, and medical stigma. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber sits down with Heidi J. Dalzell, PsyD, a psychologist, author, and coach with over 30 years of experience in eating disorders treatment. Together, they unpack the myths, stigma, and evidence-based strategies for supporting adults navigating eating disorders in midlife.

Dr. Dalzell brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a clinician in recovery, offering a deeply compassionate perspective. She is the author of A Clinician’s Guide to Gender Identity and Body Image and has a forthcoming book with Routledge — A Definitive Guide to Midlife Eating Disorders — releasing January 2026.

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Learning Objectives (CE Eligible):

  • Identify unique risk factors, clinical presentations, and diagnostic considerations for eating disorders emerging or persisting in midlife
  • Describe how sociocultural, developmental, and biological changes (e.g., menopause, aging, medical comorbidities) impact body image concerns in adults
  • Apply at least one evidence-based therapeutic strategy for addressing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in midlife clients
  • Discuss ethical and scope-of-practice considerations when treating eating disorders in midlife, including collaboration with medical providers

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About Our Guest: Heidi J Dalzell, PsyD is a psychologist, author and coach specializing in midlife eating disorders, spirituality and trauma. She has over 30 years’ experience in the field of eating disorders and has been widely quoted in various outlets and on podcasts, speaking to the need for developmentally appropriate, sensitive care. She is in recovery from an eating disorder. Heidi is the author of two books on eating disorders, one exploring gender identity and the newest in press which is a definitive guide to midlife eating disorders. The latter will be released by Routledge in January, 2026.

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Resources: 

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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