The Eating Disorders Network of Japan held the 6th Eating Disorders Festival in Osaka, Japan on December 3, 2006. The theme of the festival was "Let's Think about the Roles of Professionals!" About 250 sufferers, family members, and professionals participated in the festival.
At the first symposium, "Ask the professionals the treatments for eating disorders", two women with eating disorders told the stories of their experiences. And many family members and professionals mentioned their efforts to help sufferers.
At the second symposium, "Share the various experiences with professionals", seven professionals (3 doctors, a psychologist, a social worker, a dietician and a health nurse) told the stories of the treatments for their clients.
At the final symposium, "Build a network", many representatives of the self-help groups in Japan gave reports on their activities. We had a good time to have a cup of tea while we were sharing our own experiences. This sharing became a precious time for the future of the network.
The Eating Disorders Network of Japan is making a plan to hold the 7th festival this coming autumn. More information will be followed.