More Than Just a Meal - The Art of Eating Disorders

An exploration of how art therapy can be integrated into a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of eating disorders. It discusses the creative work and personal accounts of around 30 patients, examining their use of media, imagery and symbolism, and the patterns which emerge.Patients with eating disorders often respond well to the creative and non-threatening environment of the arts therapies. Susan Makin, who has worked closely with anorexics and bulimics, here explores how art therapy can be integrated into a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of eating disorders, in conjunction with medical programmes, poetry-writing and creative journalling. Makin discusses the creative work and personal accounts of around 30 patients, examining their use of media, imagery and symbolism. She analyzes the patterns which emerge and explores their implications for the patient's treatment, emphasizing the importance of taking a patient-centred approach.