The Role of Art in Eating Disorder Recovery

Art Therapy

Art has been used to formally treat mental health since the early 1940s but has been used by humans as a way to process and express for centuries. Incorporating art into eating disorder recovery is extremely beneficial, as it can work past resistance and other barriers.

Where do Eating Disorders Stem From?

Having an eating disorder is not something someone chooses to have. Eating disorders can form for a variety of reasons; some of them are:

  • Early childhood trauma
  • PTSD or complex-PTSD
  • Social trauma or social pressure to fit in
  • Dysfunctional family dynamics
  • Struggles with gender identity or shame of exploring/identifying sexual orientation
  • Cultural influences on body image
  • Low-self esteem and poor body image
  • Athletic pressure to fit a certain body
  • Effects of diet culture

Looking at this list, a few major themes pop out: Control, Safety, Acceptance, Sense of belonging, Desirability, and Validation. These themes are among the common needs of individuals with eating disorders.

Changes Due to Eating Disorder

Using art therapy is very helpful in eating disorder recoveryOnce an eating disorder has formed, the individual’s brain is affected in the way they process information due to malnourishment, severe distress, fear, and extreme preoccupation with food and weight. These changes can create barriers to therapeutic progress when using talk therapy.

This is due to the individual’s significant dependence on verbally defending their eating disorder by rationalizing, persuading, and justifying (Hinz, 2006 p.9)[1]. This is a normal response to challenging the eating disorder, that in the individual’s experience, has provided them access to the important themes mentioned above.

It is important to be aware that although an eating disorder causes significant health concerns, it has, in some ways, met crucial needs that were not being met before. This is why art is useful because the abstract work of art does not directly challenge the individual to change and can help them reflect beyond their eating disorder.

The Use of Art in Eating Disorder Recovery

Hinz states, “Because art uses images it bypasses language. Consequently, using art in therapy can cut to the heart of an issue more quickly than verbal psychotherapy”(p.10). As many have experienced, creating art is meditative and allows barriers, such as denial and resistance, to fall away. Thus the individual is able to explore authentically and will produce a more truthful expression of themselves (Rabin, 2003. P. 26) [2].

A helpful art experience can provide a visual representation of how an eating disorder can be born from unmet needs and how it can result in lower quality of life and lack of follow-through. It is advised to engage in a short relaxation, breathing, or mindfulness activity prior to the art experience.

This is a favorite art directive from Lisa Hinz (2006) and can be done with simple supplies found in the home. Using either drawing or collage materials, create a two-part visual by folding a piece of paper in half.

On the left side, create a visual representation of the promises or needs that were believed to be met by the eating disorder. The right half will represent the reality of living with the eating disorder.

End the directive with a reflection of whether the promises and needs were met when looking at the reality. It is helpful for future reflection to sign and date the finished piece (p.49). It is advised to process this experience in individual therapy, group therapy, or with a trusted friend.


Resources:

[1] Hinz, L. D. (2006). Drawing from Within: Using art to treat eating disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley.

[2] Rabin, M. (2003). Art Therapy and the Unconscious: Solar Dreams. In Art therapy and eating disorders: The self as significant form (pp. 22-26). New York, NY: Columbia University Press.


About the Author:

Jessica Boghosian ImageJessica Boghosian, ACSW, is a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker and a Clinical Therapist at Bright Road Recovery in Claremont, CA. She lives for the present moment and shares her warmth and joy at every chance she gets. Jessica currently works with individuals with eating disorders at various levels of care, including Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient. She also works with individuals with other mental health diagnoses at an outpatient level of care.

She holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of New England and is currently working towards licensure. Jessica’s love for her work with patients at Bright Road Recovery is clear to see. She aims to meet each patient where they are at and walks beside them in their journey to recovery. Jessica honors each patient’s individual journey and dedicates herself to increasing their love of life and themselves.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective on eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published November 30, 2020, on EatingDisorderHope.com
Reviewed & Approved on November 30, 2020, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC