My GUEST CONTRIBUTION at the Free University of Berlin

The Free University of Berlin invited me to give a guest lecture in their Master's program in Psychology . I was thrilled about this opportunity and could hardly wait for the day of the lecture to finally arrive!

My presentation lasted approximately 60 minutes. I introduced my book, talked about its origins and my personal connection to it, and then addressed key themes that often accompany eating disorders. These included: the competition among those affected, the role of social media, and how family members and professionals can better support those affected.

Afterwards, there was an open question and answer session. The students asked so many interesting and insightful questions that we skipped the break and still ended up going over time. It was incredibly enriching to engage in such an intensive discussion and learn so much ourselves!

"That was the best lecture I've ever had." "Other lecturers could learn a thing or two from your presentation." "We should learn things like this in lectures!" "Books like these should be part of the curriculum!"

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many students approached me afterward to buy the book and discuss it further—some even told me they now have a completely new perspective on eating disorders. And that's precisely what means the most to me: knowing that 40 aspiring therapists are developing a different, more reflective approach to eating disorders, which they can later apply in their work. The fact that this enables them to help those affected earlier and more effectively—that's simply priceless! That's what "Normalgewicht" (Normal Weight) stands for.

All in all, it was an incredible day. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge, for the insightful questions, and for the inspiration I gained from this encounter. I'm already looking forward to further opportunities to give talks, connect with students, and raise even more awareness about eating disorders.

If you are interested in a presentation or lecture, please feel free to contact me via the contact form or by email: info.johannaelsen@web.de

Watch the video for more impressions.