Interdisciplinary Experiences Enhance LEND Training
On Wednesday, April 5, 2017, we wrapped up our didactic sessions for the academic year with guest speakers who were current and previous LEND faculty. Dr. Charles Jonassaint, Clinical Psych LEND Faculty, and Meg Mayer-Costa, a Registered Dietitian who was former UCLID (now LEND Pittsburgh) faculty, gave very insightful and informative presentations on treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the gluten-free diet.
Dr. Jonassaint discussed the research behind computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT), and what opportunities this may have within populations that struggle with depression and anxiety. He also gave us insight on the advancements that are possible through social media to enhance these negative symptoms.
Ms. Mayer-Costa is the Registered Dietitian (RD) at Student Health Services at Pitt, and she teaches at the School of Health and Rehab Sciences within the University. She discussed the role of the RD in healthcare and the importance of understanding the interaction between nutrition, the body, and eating behaviors. She also described some of her research work on the gluten and casein-free diets and what implications they may have in the treatment of individuals with Autism.