When considering eating disorders and art therapy, how can clients enhance their recovery through the separation from “ED” (what they might call their eating disorder)? Common with clients suffering from disordered eating, is the assumption that the internal dilemma is truly about calories, weight and food (Johnston, 1996). In introducing art to the therapeutic process, we can begin to access that which hides behind the disordered eating pattern (Brooke, 2008). Though there are several effective eating disorder and art therapy interventions that can help access our deeper selves, the “Create an Image of the Eating Disorder” intervention is extremely powerful.
Using clay or paper and oil pastels (or any other drawing material), the therapist invites the client to create and image of the eating disorder. They will then invite the client to give this disorder a name, a face, does he/she have a body? How big is this character? This eating disorder and art therapy intervention assists clients in recognizing that they have both an authentic self and a voice of their disordered eating pattern. By externalizing and characterizing the eating disorder, the client can begin to separate their true self from this false self; the disordered eating that developed as a coping strategy. Further, the client can begin to dialogue with the eating disorder, give it a name and express their true feelings about the influence that this character has had on their lives. Additionally, the individual can also thank the character of the eating disorder for the coping methods that were provided during the clients time of need. As the separation process begins, a lot of thoughts, feelings and emotions will surface. While assisting the client in processing through the loss of this false self, the client is also led and assisted in developing new and more effective coping strategies.
Through this process alone, a lot of information can be uncovered. Some clients experience anger as they begin to realize that this voice is NOT their own and that they do not want to listen to it anymore. Some actually realize that their eating disorder is likened to a friend that lives with them on a daily basis and that separating will involve a significant grieving process. Further, as we begin to dialogue with the eating pattern and investigate its nature, we can continue to distinguish and delineate the thoughts and patterns involved. When the therapist and client can look at a thought together, they can examine it carefully and ask whether it is our client’s true self speaking or whether it is the voice of ED, the eating disorder. ED will become trickier and trickier as he doesn’t want to be ignored.
Powerful recovery opportunities can unfold with eating disorders and art therapy exploration. As our clients realize the areas of their lives that ED is ruling, they have to be creative and counter his dominance with their true self. As they listen and act more consistently with the guidance of their authentic desires, needs and goals, they can begin to rely less and less on ED and start heading towards their full potential.
References:
Brook, S. (2008). The Creative Therapies and Eating Disorders. Springfield, IL: Charles Thomas
Johnston, A. (1996). Eating in the Light of the Moon. Oceanside, CA: Gurze Books
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Ashley Eyre, the author of this blog article, is nearing completion of her EDIT™ Counselor Internship and her MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology – Art Therapy at Naropa University (degree expected in August, 2016). She is also a Registered Therapist in the State of Colorado, and after her masters degree is conferred, she will remain at Positive Pathways to offer eating disorder treatment as an EDIT™ Certified Counselor, including Art Therapy sessions. To learn more about Art Therapy, or to schedule a session with Ashley: EMAIL ASHLEY
Interested in an ART THERAPY WORKSHOP? Join us at Positive Pathways on SUNDAY, JULY 10 for a 3-hour workshop with MURPHY McCRACKEN – EDIT™ Certified Counselor and ASHLEY EYRE – EDIT™ Counselor Intern. You’ll discover how to use art therapy to quiet the voice of your “inner critic” and develop a deeper sense of Self-Love. Your registration includes art materials! LEARN MORE OR VIEW FLYER
Interested in a SUPPORT GROUP? Try our Intuitive Eating Support Group which meets every Monday night from 6:30-8pm. Join us before the group at 6pm, to practice your Intuitive Eating skills while we enjoy a meal or snack together. Snacks are provided – or bring your own. Your first group is FREE! MORE INFO: http://positivepathways.com/workshops-and-groups/
Interested in a FREE consultation? Dr. Dorie would like to get to know you and give you information about our approach of Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy (EDIT)™ – including individual therapy and group options. Call 720-606-3242 or LEARN MORE: http://positivepathways.com/free-consultation/
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