HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Valencia, Spain or Virtually from your home or work.
Julius Melvin Jefferies, Speaker at Nutrition Conference
Clinical Mental Health and Neurodiversity Services, United States

Abstract:

Diet and nutrition-related disorders such as ARFID, orthorexia, anorexia, and binge-eating disorder are often misunderstood as solely behavioral. In reality, these disorders are deeply interwoven with trauma, attachment disruptions, sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, and co-occurring mental health conditions. This presentation examines the outcomes of a five-year cross-sectional clinical study involving 7,500 patients across diverse populations. The study developed and implemented a dual-pronged intervention model that combined structured mental health protocols including trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TI-CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) modules adapted for disordered eating, somatic experiencing, and internal family systems (IFS) with clinical nutrition interventions. Nutritional approaches included safe food exposure therapy, micronutrient rebalancing, elimination diets for inflammation-linked mood symptoms, and neurodivergent-adapted meal planning protocols to address sensory and executive functioning barriers. Patients in this co-treatment model showed a 45% increase in therapy adherence, a 34% reduction in comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms, and improved executive functioning and emotional regulation. Notably, early implementation of integrative treatment in neurodivergent populations particularly individuals with autism and ADHD resulted in faster stabilization and lower relapse rates. In addition to individual outcomes, family systems participating in psychoeducational modules experienced a 40% decrease in relational conflict surrounding food and care compliance. The presentation will also cover culturally competent adaptations to address disordered eating in BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. By treating food as both medicine and metaphor, the developed clinical framework promotes holistic healing that honors autonomy, dignity, and neurobiological integrity. The future of effective mental health care must include nourishment biologically, emotionally, and spiritually as a central therapeutic strategy.

Biography:

Dr. Julius Melvin Jefferies is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Certified Grief and Trauma Specialist, and Neurodivergence-Informed Nutrition Advocate. With over 25 years of experience, he has led the development of integrated mental and nutritional health interventions for individuals living with eating disorders, chronic illness, and trauma. He is a global educator, end-of-life doula, and clinical consultant who champions ethical, culturally sensitive, and interdisciplinary approaches to healing the mind and body together.

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