Art Therapy and eating disorders: An exploration of the application of Art Therapy in treatment with clients suffering from an eating disorder.

Abstract

Aim The aim of this research is to find and highlight the impact art therapy might have in treatment of the client suffering from an eating disorder. This research will try to show that art therapy has a different approach to treatment which may be very useful in treatment of an eating disorder due to its peculiar nature and difficult approachability. The data will be collected through the semi-structured interviews. Methodology The research was conducted applying the information gained from semi-structured interviews with art therapists working with clients suffering from eating disorders. Participants shared their experiences with their work with clients and expressed the application of the art therapy in this process. Following information was discussed. 1. The nature and character of an eating disorder in the eye of an art therapist. 2. The character of art therapy and relationship between the art therapist and the client 3. The advantages and disadvantages of art therapy Findings The findings arriving from the research indicate that use of art therapy in treatment of the clients suffering from eating disorders have a very significant place in the present structure of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The research supports the use and further study of the impact of art therapy in the treatment and suggests including Art Therapy within existing schedule of treatment of eating disorders. Conclusion Professionals within psychotherapy practice working with eating disorders need to consider accepting art therapy as a valuable and helpful part of the treatment and further study of art therapy needs to become essential to achieve higher rate of recovery within an eating disorder difficulties.