Solutions for Eating Disorders

 Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

According to The America Art Therapy Association: "Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development.  Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art."

How does Art Therapy help with eating disorders?

There are many other ways in which art therapy can be beneficial. According to the American Art Therapy Association: "Research in the field confirms that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to become more physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and functional, resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, handle life adjustments, and achieve insight." 

More specifically, it is often difficult for those suffering from an eating disorder to verbalize thoughts and feelings. The process of creating art and the artwork itself become another way of communicating. The artwork serves as a tool that aides one in expressing thoughts and feelings one is unable to put into words and might otherwise go unexpressed. Art therapy is especially helpful in exploring body image  issues that coincide with eating disorders. Since the art is a concrete documentation of thoughts and feelings that one expreiences during therapy, it is very useful in assessing progress in treatment and identifying areas of need.

Do I have to be an artist to do Art Therapy?

No, being an artist or being creative is not required. Emphasis is not placed on artistic ability, creativity, or the aesthetic quality of the art. The process of creating and the meaning that the art holds for its creator are what are important. There is no judgment in art therapy; however, many clients, especially adults who have not made art since childhood, are self-conscious about making art and/or fear they will not be good at it. Once the initial fear is overcome and the benefits are experienced first hand, many clients incorporate art therapy into their "talk therapy" sessions on a regular basis.



Contact Thia to learn more about art therapy.