In Print & Practice
From Research to Real-World Care
At the Eating Disorder Training Institute (EDTI), our work lives at the intersection of science, compassion, and practice. Our founders - Dr. Anita Federici and Dr. Lucene Wisniewski - have spent more than two decades conducting research, writing, and teaching on the treatment of eating disorders and emotion dysregulation and suicidality.
This page highlights selected peer-reviewed articles, books, and professional contributions that reflect the evolution of MED-DBT and our commitment to evidence-based, person-centered care.
Why This Matters
Our writing and teaching exist to bridge the space between knowledge and care.
Each publication, keynote, and training contributes to a single aim:
Transforming eating-disorder treatment through science that serves people.
Featured Book: The MED-DBT Protocol
People with eating disorders who also struggle with co-occurring high-risk or dysregulated behaviors are often not well served by standard eating disorder therapies. From pioneering treatment developers Anita Federici and Lucene Wisniewski, this book presents a groundbreaking adaptation of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for individuals with multidiagnostic eating disorder (MED) presentations.
MED-DBT is affirming, non-stigmatizing, and evidence informed. It integrates the full DBT model—including individual therapy, skills training, phone coaching, and consultation team—with strategies for treating eating behaviors, body image, interoception, and medical instability. Featuring rich case examples, the book is grounded in extensive clinical experience and state-of-the-art neurobiological research. A reproducible MED-DBT Diary Card and other useful tools can be photocopied or downloaded and printed.
Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications
Dr. Federici Recent Highlights
2025
Dimitropoulos, G., Nicula, M., Krishnapillai, A., Austin, A., Singh, M., … Couturier, J.
Transitions for youth and young adults with eating disorders and/or other mental health conditions: A Canadian guideline. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13(158). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01343-6
2025
Downs, J., Adams, M., Federici, A., Sharpe, S. L.,
& Ayton, A. (in press).
Equity in eating disorders: A dialectical approach to stigma, expertise, and the co-production of knowledge. Journal of Eating Disorders. 13(31) https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-024-01176-9
Dr. Wisniewski Recent Highlights
2020
Brown, T., Wisniewski, L.,
& Anderson, L.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders: State of the Research and New Directions. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, 28, 97-100.
2020
Ben-Porath, D. D., Duthu, F., Luo, T., Gonidakis, F., Compte, E., & Wisniewski, L.
Dialectical behavioral therapy: An update and review of the existing treatment models adapted for adults with eating disorders. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, 28, 101-121.
Chapters &
Contributions
Contributing to the Global Conversation on Treatment and Recovery
Book Chapters & Invited Contributions
-
Federici A., & Wisniewski L. (2015). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Clients with Multidiagnostic Eating Disorder Presentations.
In L. Choate (Ed.), Eating Disorders and Obesity: A Counselor’s Guide to Treatment and Prevention. American Counseling Association Press.
-
Wisniewski L., Bhatnagar K., Martin-Wager C. (2019). DBT for Eating Disorders: An Overview. In M. Swales (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Oxford University Press.
Conferences & Keynotes
Our founders regularly present at major international conferences including:
-
International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED)
-
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
-
Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED)
-
Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)
Recent sessions include:
“When Standard Eating Disorder Treatments Are Not Enough: The MED-DBT Protocol.” SickKids Learning Institute (2025).
“Promoting Life in the Treatment of Severe Eating Disorders.” F.E.A.S.T. of Knowledge (2024).
“DBT Targets for Eating Disorders.” UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (2024).
Conferences
& Keynotes
Where Research Meets Real-World Impact
Ongoing
Dialogue
Integrating Compassion, Equity, and Evidence Across Systems of Care
Advancing the Conversation
Beyond journals and classrooms, Drs. Federici and Wisniewski contribute to podcasts, public panels, and clinician roundtables worldwide, sharing practical insights on integrating compassion, equity, and evidence across systems of care.
Coming soon: Watch and listen via our upcoming Media & Talks page
