Does INFACT provide licensing?
The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment (The INFACT School) is the world’s first and only Food Addiction counseling training that awards professional certification from an accredited certification body. Graduates qualify to receive a Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) certificate from the European Certification Board Prevention And Addiction Counselling and a CFAP from the The Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey, USA. The European Certification, which is included in registration cost and received at the completion of the INFACT Training, is not a licensing – it is an acknowledgment that the INFACT School studies are compatible with a Certified Food Addiction Professional. For already licensed professionals in the health and social professions, you can apply to the Addiction Certification Board in the USA as an add-on to certification as a CFAP.
How does the INFACT School prepare students in meeting all of the ECB requirements for Food Addiction Counselor (FAC) Certification?
ECB certification is granted with the understanding that you will perform your future work as a Food Addiction Counselor (FAC) according to the number of clinical supervision hours INFACT deems appropriate in your specific case.
INFACT will prepare and assist you in meeting all of these ECB requirements for FAC certification.
References:
The ECB (and therefore INFACT) requires two references at the time of application.
If your application is approved for admission to the course, you have met the ECB’s certification requirement for references.
Education:
Graduation from INFACT training meets all 300 of the ECB’s educational requirements, including six hours explicitly devoted to counselor ethics.
Examination:
The ECB has entrusted INFACT to administer the ECB-approved final examination. No further testing will be required when you apply for ECB certification.
Code of Ethics:
A signed, ECB-approved Code of Ethics agreement for Food Addiction Counseling is required for graduation and certification.
Clinical Supervision:
INFACT has been entrusted by the ECB to evaluate each graduate individually regarding the number of clinical supervision hours required, within 1,000 to 6,000 hours.
How has the European Certification Board entrusted the INFACT School?
The ECB has entrusted INFACT to administer the ECB-approved final examination and attest that, upon graduation, every INFACT student has met all ECB requirements for certification.
The ECB has also entrusted INFACT to evaluate each student’s need for clinical supervision of their future FAP work and dictate each student’s requirement for clinical supervision on an individual basis.
As an INFACT student, you can rest assured that upon graduation, you will have already successfully fulfilled all of the ECB’s FAC certification requirements (with the understanding that your future work as a Food Addiction Professional will be performed by several clinical supervision hours INFACT deems appropriate in your specific case.)
How is CFAP professionally applicable?
To use the CFAP credential in your licensed practice or employment, you must be an active licensed Health Care Professional, i.e. MD, DO, PhD, PsyD, Ed.D, LCADC, LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Licensed Nutritionist or Dietician.
CLINICAL FOCUS MUST BE ON FOOD ADDICTION ONLY. THIS CREDENTIAL IS NOT TO BE UTILIZED FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANY EATING DISORDERS OTHER THAN FOOD ADDICTION.
Is 12 step recovery mandatory?
When we ask for 12-step knowledge in the application process, it is not mandatory knowledge. We are asking if you have the knowledge personally and/or professionally. We are referencing the standard 12 steps in the addiction model. The INFACT School teaches the basics of treatment for food as a substance use disorder, and we explore and build on clinical guidelines for Addiction Treatment methodology.
What are the Ethical Standards for Certified Professionals?
Principle 1: Non-Discrimination
Principle 2: Responsibility
Principle 3: Competency
Principle 4: Legal and Moral Standards
Principle 5: Public Statements
Principle 6: Publication Credit
Principle 7: Client Welfare
Principle 8: Confidentiality
APPLICANT’S RECOGNITION STATEMENT
The applicant acknowledges that the applicant is seeking certification from the Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc. (hereinafter “The Board”). The applicant hereby recognizes and agrees as follows:
- Applicant agrees to observe and abide by the Ethical Standards adopted by The Board as same may be amended from time to time. Applicant acknowledges that the present form of ethical standards attached hereto and that the applicant has read and understood same.
- Applicant recognizes and agrees that any certification, or renewal thereof, granted by The Board to the applicant constitutes recognition by The Board that the applicant is qualified, based on the information before The Board, for the certification granted. Applicant recognizes and agrees that any certification, or renewal granted by The Board, does not constitute a property right or interest of the applicant. The applicant specifically recognizes and agrees that the certification or renewal is specific to suspension, revocation or other limitation or condition in the
discretion of The Board. The applicant specifically recognizes the authority of The Board to suspend, revoke or otherwise impose limitations, restrictions and conditions on any certification granted.
From The Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc. (APCB, Inc.)
What are the INFACT Code of Standards?
Ethical standards subject matter is covered in the INFACT Training curriculum. INFACT adheres to the CE Ethical Standards for Certified Professionals
Principle 1: Non-Discrimination
Principle 2: Responsibility
Principle 3: Competency
Principle 4: Legal and Moral Standards
Principle 5: Public Statements
Principle 6: Publication Credit
Principle 7: Client Welfare
Principle 8: Confidentiality
APPLICANT’S RECOGNITION STATEMENT
The applicant acknowledges that the applicant is seeking certification from the Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc. (hereinafter “The Board”). The applicant hereby recognizes and agrees as follows:
- Applicant agrees to observe and abide by the Ethical Standards adopted by The Board as same may be amended from time to time. Applicant acknowledges that the present form of ethical standards attached hereto and that the applicant has read and understood same.
- Applicant recognizes and agrees that any certification, or renewal thereof, granted by The Board to the applicant constitutes recognition by The Board that the applicant is qualified, based on the information before The Board, for the certification granted. Applicant recognizes and agrees that any certification, or renewal granted by The Board, does not constitute a property right or interest of the applicant. The applicant specifically recognizes and agrees that the certification or renewal is specific to suspension, revocation or other limitation or condition in the
discretion of The Board. The applicant specifically recognizes the authority of The Board to suspend, revoke or otherwise impose limitations, restrictions and conditions on any certification granted.
From The Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc. (APCB, Inc.)
https://certbd.org/ethical-standards-for-certified-professionals-cps/
What are the necessary tools for participation in the INFACT School?
1.English proficiency
2. Stable Internet connection
3. Hardware: Recent computer desktop or laptop, headphones recommended for privacy and clarity of audio, and microphone is recommended.
4. Software: computer should be equipped with audio, video, email, ability to download and upload files, create presentations and documents, zoom and other online collaborative communication capability.
What are the participation requirements for INFACT CFAP Training?
Students are required to engage in active involvement in INFACT’s live, online course along with the following obligations:
weekly submission of assignments and activities;
participation in a student group that works together between sessions;
presentation of a final project; and
the passing of an ECB-approved final examination.
What are the requirements for admission to the International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment (INFACT School)?
The ECB has entrusted INFACT to assess and approve applicants for admission to the course, ensuring that each candidate meets the following ECB requirements.
In addition to submitting the online Registration Form, please submit the following items to complete your application:
1. written summary of your education and work training history, qualifications, and specializations;
2. written summary of your 12-step knowledge and participation;
3. two letters of recommendation.
Upon receiving your application materials, Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir (Director of INFACT) will contact you to arrange an online application interview via Zoom’s online video conferencing room
What are the requirements for INFACT Graduation and ECB Certification?
The requirements for INFACT graduation and for ECB certification are the same.
The ECB has entrusted INFACT to address all ECB certification requirements as part of INFACT training.
Thus, if you are admitted to (and graduate from) INFACT, you are automatically qualified for ECB certification.
Upon graduation, you will need to submit an application to the ECB for certification; however, the cost of your first-year certificate is included with your INFACT tuition.
ECB certification is granted with the understanding that you will perform your future work as a Food Addiction Counselor according to the number of clinical supervision hours INFACT deems appropriate in your specific case.
What are the steps to becoming a Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP)?
1. Completion of the INFACT Food Addiction Counselor Training Primary Course
2. Completion of Certification Board CERTB Certified Food Addiction Professional CFAP Application
3. Pass the INFACT Exam at the completion of the INFACT training
4. Hold an active license in your U.S. State(s) of practice. LCADC, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Medicine, Psychology, APN, Dietitians, or other related Health Care Professional licenses
5. Read and agree to the Certification Board CERTB Ethical Standards for Certified Professionals and the Applicant’s Recognition Statement:
What Clinical Supervision is provided in the INFACT Training?
Clinical supervision is an important part of counselors’ professional advancement and the development of counseling proficiency. As such, it’s an essential component for ensuring high-quality patient care.
The main goals of clinical supervision are to train, educate, support, and guidance counselors. Newer counselors need to have clinical supervisors they can count on for mentoring, leadership, clinical direction, professional training opportunities, and encouragement.
INFACT has been entrusted by the ECB to evaluate each graduate individually regarding the number of clinical supervision hours required.
INFACT makes this individual determination within 1,000 to 6,000 hours, based on the following ECB-approved criteria:
Work Experience:
INFACT will consider how each graduate’s past work experience relates to Food Addiction Counseling.
Educational Background:
INFACT will determine an appropriate level of equivalence for previous, relevant education. For example, an associate´s degree in behavioral science might substitute for 1000 hours of clinical supervision; a bachelor´s degree in behavioral science might substitute for 2000 hours; a master´s degree in behavioral science might substitute for 4000 hours, and so on.
12-Step Knowledge and Experience:
INFACT will individually assess each graduate’s knowledge and experience with 12-Step programs of recovery as an additional factor in determining how much clinical supervision of their future FAC work will be needed.
Upon certification, graduates may begin practicing as a Food Addiction Professional under clinical supervision.
ECB certificates are granted to INFACT students upon graduation to understand that, as new practitioners, they will faithfully fulfill the number of clinical supervision hours assessed by INFACT in their future FAC work.
What is included in the INFACT curriculum?
The INFACT curriculum includes first-hand, experiential training tailored to further students’ understanding of Sugar/Food Addiction and the counseling/treatment methods necessary to treat various eating disorders as an addiction effectively. This credentialing and certification process has provided much-needed standardization of the rapidly evolving professional standards of Sugar/Food Addiction counseling and treatment.
Courses Bundled in the Certification Curriculum:
- Certified Food Addiction Professional Training Primary Course
- Treatment 1 Practicum
- Treatment II Practicum
- Professionals Applying The Big Book
The 7-month Food Addiction Professional Certification Course from The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment is the only professional training that addresses sugar and food addiction counseling and treatment with a recognized International Professional Certification from an accredited certification body.
Included in curriculum is
170 hours of online virtual teaching sessions covering
Access to the student platform
Lectures, teaching manual and additional courseware
SUBJECT MATTER:
- (70 Hours) The INFACT School Manual; 12 criteria for food addiction counseling and treatment.
- (28 Hours) Treatment Module l: Assessment and Intake, Education on the Disease and Planning Abstinence.
- (32 Hours) Treatment Module II – Treatment for Food Addiction. Addressing the denial, emotions, trauma, and recovery plans of action.
- (10 Hours) The Science of Food Addictions. Addictions as a brain disease.
- (4 Hours) Preparation for Practicing as a Certified Food Addiction Professional.
- (6 Hours) Ethics.
- (20 Hours) Student groups
- (TBD Hours) Project Presentations based on Student size
Graduates qualify to receive an International Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) certificate from the European Certification Board and now, for US Citizens a CFAP certificate from the USA: Addiction Professional Certification Board.
What is required for recertification as a CFAP?
40 hours of continuing education must be earned every two years to remain eligible for bi-annual ECB recertification.
What is the CFAP content based on?
The INFACT Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) certification course was patterned after the European Certification Board’s (ECB’s) Alcohol and Drug Counselor curriculum, beginning with their requirements and examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification. With the ECB’s oversight and approval, INFACT’s curriculum, course work, and examination have been significantly adapted to meet the unique requirements identified in the ECB’s detailed CFAP job analysis.
Requirements for certification of ECFAC (Food Addiction Counselor):
- Work experience: 6.000 hours of supervised work experience specific to food addiction treatment. University degrees in behavioral science substitute hours: Bachelor 2.000 hours, Masters 4.000 hours.
- Education: 270 hours, (150 from schools approved by ECB), at least 6 of those for counselor ethics.
- Supervision: 300 hours specific to 12 core domains, 10 minimum for each domain.
- Examination: Pass the relevant tests, approved by ECB.
- Code of ethics: Sign an ethics statement.
- Recertification: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
What is the cost of the ECB Certificate?
The cost of your first-year certificate is included with your INFACT tuition to the Food Addiction Professional Certification Primary Course.
What subject matter is addressed in the INFACT Food Addiction Professional Certification Course?
Subject matter addressed includes;
basic knowledge of substance and process addictions, specifically overeating and food abuse and dependency;
clinical intake, screening, assessment, and individualized treatment planning;
professionally recognized counseling theories & techniques;
understanding of abstinence programs, trauma & crisis intervention, overeating prevention, education and relapse prevention;
12 step-recovery, codependency and the family;
ethics; and
biology of food addiction and recovery.
Where do students and alumni live?
Students who have attended the INFACT School, taken courses and current alumni who have graduated and achieved Certification as a Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) come from 19 different countries.
Who are the INFACT CFAP Instructors and Faculty?
The Food Addiction Professional curriculum is taught by a collection of foremost Sugar/Food Addiction international experts on the forefront of Food Addiction, counseling, treatment, biochemistry, medicine, metabolic science, and nutrition. INFACT FACULTY
Who Is The Founder Of The INFACT School?
Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir MSc. Director of INFACT, from Iceland.
Esther Helga Gudmundsdottir is a pioneer in the field of food addiction treatment. Once an opera singer and opera teacher, Esther was battling food addiction for most of her adult life until she discovered a twelve step program that changed her life.
Once in recovery, she opened one of the first food addiction treatment programs in the world. The MFM program in Iceland has treated many people, some of them had tried multiple diets and even surgery in an attempt to live a healthier life. Esther’s program gives them hope and the tools to achieve long term recovery. Based on the twelve steps of Alcoholic Anonymous, their success rate long term is much higher than any other medical intervention.
After establishing the treatment center, Esther realized that not only the patients needed help with food addiction but also the professionals. She then founded the International School For Food Addiction Counseling And Treatment (INFACT), an international training program for any type of professional willing to learn about food addiction and how to help those suffering with it.
Esther’s credentials include;
Master of Managing Health Services.
IC&RC and European Certification Board Certified in Addiction Counseling, Food Addiction and Clinical Supervision and an ACORN Food Addiction Professional.
Clinical Hypnotherapist Dip.CH., CPTF, ST Cert.
Specialty: Treatment for Food Addiction/Codependency/ Addictions.
Chair of the Food Addiction Institute;
Founder and Director of the INFACT School (International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment),
Founder and Director of the MFM Food Addiction Treatment Center in Iceland.
Listen to Esther:
Who is the INFACT Certified Food Addiction Professional Training for?
The INFACT Certified Food Addiction Professional Training is designed for current or future professionals in the fields of addiction, social work, health, obesity, nutrition, physical education, etc.
It will benefit anyone seeking to increase their knowledge of the root causes of food addiction/compulsive eating and the enduring solution for it.
All graduates will learn effective methods of counseling and treatment to achieve lasting recovery.
INFACT alumni are launching their own practices and are employed as CERTIFIED Food Addiction Professionals (CFAPs) for leading obesity centers, hospitals and food addiction treatment centers internationally!
