AUK Hosts Groundbreaking Conference on Eating Disorders: From Diagnosis to Recovery
- gceosocial
- May 11
- 2 min read
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) Counseling Center held its second annual conference dedicated to addressing the complexities of eating disorders—from diagnosis to recovery. This landmark event brought together leading professionals, researchers, practitioners, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the latest advancements in treating eating disorders.
Dr. George Chedid, director of the Counseling Center, opened the conference with compelling remarks that traced the historical evolution of eating disorder diagnoses. “Eating disorders are deeply rooted in our collective human experience,” he noted:
Our hope today is to continue shedding light on these disorders, not just through their symptoms, but by understanding their origins, complexities, and the path to recovery.
Dr. Chedid also extended gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for sponsoring the keynote speaker, Dr. Johanne Hands, director of the Kuwait Counseling Center, whose participation significantly enriched the event.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of both local and international experts, each offering unique insights into treatment methodologies. From France, Dr. Carolina Becerill shared her work using psychodrama and sociodrama to treat eating disorders as a family issue; Dr. Amir Zourob, psychiatrist at the Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network, emphasized the efficacy of integrating medication with cognitive behavioral therapy; and, Ms. Giuliana Lomonaco introduced the concept of body neutrality as an empowering framework for recovery.
These varied perspectives provided attendees with a holistic understanding of eating disorders, highlighting both innovative and evidence-based approaches to treatment.
The event was attended by AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, along with university deans, faculty members, and participants from academic and healthcare institutions across Kuwait. The enthusiastic engagement and active discussions throughout the day underscored the conference’s success and the timeliness of its theme.
The conference exemplifies AUK’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness, academic collaboration, and community impact. By leading initiatives that address urgent societal challenges, AUK continues to affirm its role as a hub for knowledge, compassion, and change.
