Diploma in Food & Eating-Related Addictions

Food is meant to nourish the body, but for many, it becomes a source of distress, compulsion, or addiction. From binge eating and emotional eating to compulsive sugar, junk food, or overeating habits, food-related addictions affect millions worldwide, leading to poor health outcomes, emotional struggles, and strained relationships.

The Diploma in Food & Eating-Related Addictions Counseling at the Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (CICN) equips students with the professional tools to understand, assess, and treat food-related compulsions and eating difficulties from a psychological, emotional, and behavioral standpoint.

This unique program bridges the gap between nutrition, psychology, and counseling, offering holistic training to help individuals build a healthier relationship with food.

Why Choose This Diploma?

While nutritionists focus on diet plans and physicians treat medical conditions, counselors are uniquely positioned to address the emotional and psychological roots of food addiction.

This diploma prepares graduates to handle the rising prevalence of obesity, emotional eating, eating disorders, and food compulsions in Africa and beyond, using counseling as the pathway to healing

What You Will Learn

The program covers both theoretical foundations and practical interventions, including:

Understanding Food & Eating Addictions – Emotional eating, binge eating, compulsive snacking, sugar/junk food addiction.
Neurobiology of Food Addiction – How the brain’s reward system and dopamine response drive compulsive eating.
Psychological Roots – Trauma, stress, body image issues, and emotional triggers.
Assessment & Diagnosis – Identifying food-related addictions versus clinical eating disorders.
Therapeutic Approaches – CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and trauma-informed counseling for food-related addictions.
Cultural & Social Factors – Food culture, societal pressures, and family influences.
Nutrition & Counseling Interface – Collaborating with dietitians for holistic care.
Children & Adolescents – Early intervention for unhealthy eating patterns.
Prevention & Advocacy – Public health education and awareness in schools, communities, and workplaces.
Supervised Practicum – Hands-on training with clients struggling with food-related addictions.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Counsel individuals struggling with food and eating-related addictions.
Develop treatment plans addressing emotional, behavioral, and social triggers.
Support families in building healthier food and lifestyle practices.
Partner with health and nutrition professionals for integrated care.
Lead community initiatives that promote healthy eating habits and prevent food-related addictions.

Who Can Enroll?

This diploma is designed for:

Aspiring counselors specializing in addiction and behavioral health.
Nutritionists, dietitians, and wellness coaches seeking deeper psychological insight.
Psychologists, social workers, and health professionals.
School counselors, educators, and youth mentors.
Faith-based and community leaders offering holistic wellness programs.

Anyone passionate about helping others overcome food struggles and build balanced lifestyles.

Program Details

Duration: 9–12 months (flexible on-campus and online learning)
Certification: Diploma in Food & Eating-Related Addictions Counseling (Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria)
Progression: Eligible for Higher Diplomas in Addiction Counseling, Clinical Counseling, or Psychology.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates of this program can build careers in:

Private Practice Counseling – specializing in food and eating-related addictions.
Hospitals & Clinics – working alongside doctors and nutritionists to address compulsive eating.
Schools & Educational Settings – preventing childhood and adolescent unhealthy eating patterns.
Wellness & Rehabilitation Centers – integrating food addiction recovery programs.
Community & NGO Programs – addressing public health challenges like obesity and malnutrition.
Corporate Wellness Programs – promoting healthy lifestyle habits among employees.

Why CICN?

The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria is Africa’s pioneer in professional counseling education. By launching this specialized diploma, CICN is addressing one of the most overlooked addictions in African society and equipping professionals to provide lasting solutions.

At CICN, we don’t just train counselors — we empower healers who transform lives by restoring balance, dignity, and freedom from food and eating-related struggles.

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The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria is a reputable Counseling Institute, the first of its kind in Africa; affiliated with other professional educational Institutions, Associations, and bodies both in Nigeria and Internationally.

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