Blurb:

Art Therapy is a form of expressive therapy using the creative process to explore, guide, and heal one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This process allows for the expression of emotions, increase awareness of self, promote personal development, help develop coping skills, process stress and traumatic experiences, a safe space for problem solving, but also to simply enjoy the benefits of making art. Each session looks different, calling on different art supplies to support you through memories, thoughts, and exploration. This can be especially beneficial for clients who identify as “creative” or someone who is open to navigating themselves in a different way. Sessions look different from a traditional therapy session as conversation can be explored by connecting with the art; often times, we are incapable of understanding how we feel to be able to speak it in words, so we can rely on art making to guide us through.Art therapy is effective and impactful as it leads to positive changes in the brain. These changes encourage us to be more flexible in ways of thinking and in our behaviors, with research shown to lessen anxiety, depression, and pain, and increase confidence and sense of self.

Art Therapy and Eating Disorder Treatment:

When our bodies are impacted by an eating disorder we know the brain may shift. We can see this shift through a variety of behaviors such as being less flexible in situations or relationships, distancing from others, feeling out of control, or not being as interested in our likes/hobbies. In combination with proper nutrition, art therapy can assist and support you in making positive changes to your body and mind to improve your quality of life. We will first use art materials you are comfortable with and, over time, work together to expand to new or uncomfortable media. Art therapy can be a beautiful process to break down the fears, lessen the anxiety, and build your assuredness when distancing from the eating disorder to gain your full self back.