Session: Integrating Art Therapy in the Treatment of Trauma and Eating Disorders (2009 Symposium: Reclaiming the Body: Attachment, Somatics, and Image (March 4-8, 2009))

Thursday, March 5, 2009: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM

Casablanca (Westin Long Beach)

How can the use of imagery in art therapy be utilized and integrated into treatment for trauma and eating disorders? This workshop will illustrate through case studies, didactic presentation and experiential examples the power of art therapy to impact change. Treating trauma and eating disorders can be complex and difficult; art expression can provide a means for containment, regulation of affect, self-expression, and a language for the impact of trauma. The art process can be a means to work through the rigidity and resistance. Therapy goals are made concrete and realized.

I. Introduction

II. View video- “The Box”

An animated film created by an eating disorder patient depicting the function of the eating disorder- beautifully illustrates the power of the metaphor and imagery to communicate when words are inadequate

III. Art Therapy in Treatment

a. The Value of Art/ Engaging in New Experiences Impact the Brain

b. Coping and Containment/Issues of Safety

c. Building Connection to Self, the Illness, and Others

d. Identification of Emotions

e. Developing the Symbolic Language

IV. Experiential Exercise/Discussion

V. Case Study: Slide Show of Artwork- an anorexic college student; repeated treatments; raped prior to onset of illness. Presenters will discuss parallels between verbal psychotherapy and the art therapy process and ways therapists integrated both modalities.

a. Themes of Self Development

b. Externalization of Traumatic Imagery

c. Distorted Beliefs/Safety

d. Connection Between Trauma and Eating Disorder

e. Greater Sense of Empowerment and Movement reflected in Artwork

VI. Experiential Exercise/Discussion

VII. Considerations for Therapists

a. Pacing/Structure

b. Media Choices

c. Working through Resistance and Rigidity

d. Directing Progress and Movement through Art

VIII. Questions and Answers

The treatment of trauma and eating disorders, each in its own way, pose significant challenges for even the most seasoned therapists. Clinicians encounter barriers of resistance, rigid rules and thinking, and the need for control from their eating disorder clients. Trauma survivors struggle with intrusive imagery and avoidance of what is too overwhelming to bear, as well as fear of the unknown. To treat both these conditions in tandem means management of the potential for exacerbation of symptoms to allow a client to move forward in recovery. Art therapy is a resource for containment, self expression, and greater self awareness when art is skillfully integrated into the treatment process. Themes in treatment can be viewed and processed in ways that words alone can not provide. The creative process elicits alternative ways of thinking and perceiving that enable the artist to work through the defenses and barriers.

This workshop will present in a didactic and experiential format a view of the effective integration of art therapy and verbal psychotherapy through a case study and a rich array of visual examples. Movement from disempowerment to empowerment, distorted beliefs about safety, forming a new identity, and acceptance of the negative emotions are some of the themes discussed and illustrated. Presenters will discuss parallels between verbal psychotherapy and the art therapy process and ways the therapists integrated both modalities. Important considerations for therapists are addressed to facilitate effective multidisciplinary treatment. Audience participation will be encouraged.

Primary Presenter:

Trish O'Donnell, MA, ATR-BC., LPC

Ms. O’Donnell has been practicing art therapy for over 20 years and is currently the program director of the Eating Disorder Center of Denver. Her experience includes providing art therapy services for several psychiatric hospitals and serving as the director expressive therapies at a national program for the treatment of trauma and dissociation for adults, adolescents and children. She has written articles and conducted workshops and presented papers both nationally and internationally. She holds a BA in art and psychology from Mt. Holyoke College and an MA in therapy from The George Washington University.

Co-Presenter:

Laura Peroutka, MA, ATR, pending

Ms. Peroutka has experience working with women and families who have suffered from domestic violence, adult and child abuse, women with eating disorders and adjudicated youth. She has served as a preschool art therapist and taught art to groups of children and adolescents. She holds a BA in sociology and art history from Bradley University and an MA in art therapy counseling from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. She is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, Colorado Art Therapy Association and the Missouri Art Therapy Association.

See more of: Proposals

<< Previous Proposal | Next Proposal >>