Written by Rachel Gerow, MA, RP. Our Clinical Director shares her Reflections from the Eating Disorders Association of Canada Conference 2026 in Halifax, including key themes in care and clinical practice.
Last week, members of our team had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Biennial Conference hosted by the Eating Disorders Association of Canada (EDAC) in Halifax.
Over the two days we spent at the conference, we joined clinicians, researchers, and advocates from across the country to share knowledge, explore emerging research, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of eating disorder care. Sessions spanned a wide range of important topics, including individualized treatment approaches, weight stigma, neurodiversity and sensory considerations in treatment, advances in DBT-informed approaches, and complex ethical considerations in care. We were especially proud to see this reflected in our own team’s contributions, with Dr. Anita Federici presenting on MED-DBT and collaborative contingency management for eating disorders, and Sara Robb co-presenting on clinical perspectives on MAiD and eating disorder care.
Beyond the formal sessions, what stood out most was the opportunity to connect – to exchange ideas, reflect on clinical work, and feel part of a broader community committed to improving care and access for those impacted by eating disorders. Halifax itself also offered a meaningful backdrop to the conference, with its coastal beauty and the warmth of the people we encountered throughout our time there. Across the days, we were met with consistent friendliness, generosity, and a sense of welcome that added something special to the week. Being there together as a team – Dr. Anita Federici, Sara Robb and myself – and sharing these experiences made the conference all the more meaningful.
Experiences like this are an important part of staying connected, informed, and intentional in our work. I’m returning feeling inspired, grounded, and grateful to be part of such a dedicated and collaborative community.
