Background: The presentation uses current brain and hormone research to gain a deeper understanding of the neurobiological aspects of Anorexia Nervosa. With that understanding, the presenter connects the bipolar hierarchy of the Expressive Therapies Continuum to the renewed functions of the brain through the refeeding process as a treatment model.
Neurobiological Approach to Art Therapy for the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
A. Contextual Understanding of a Neurobiopsychosocial Approach to AN
B. How Does Hunger Work? Introduction and Function of Hormones and Neurotransmitters
1. Leptin, Gherlin, Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Vasopressin
2. Typical hunger cycle
3. Hunger cycle of a client with Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
4. Reward and Punishment Pathway
C. How Does the Brain Function?
1. Theorized Areas of the Brain Involved in AN
a. Healthy brain
b. Malnourished brain
c. Insular functioning
2. Theorized Areas of the Creative Brain
a. Definition of creativity
b. Left brain vs. Right brain vs. Whole brain
3. Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) as a Brain Based Model of Treatment
a. Definition
b. Foundational theory
c. 7 components of the ETC
d. ETC and the brain
e. Creative brain and the AN brain
f. Art Therapy as a brain based treatment approach for AN
4. Nourishment Hypothesis: Foundation for Clinical Practice and Research
a. Definition
b. Adapted ETC components, therapeutic goals, and outcomes
c. Development of an individualized treatment plan
5. Experiential
1. Perceptual art making
2. Discussion
Traditionally eating disorders were treated under the umbrella of addictions, and while there has been a shift from this model within the professional community, a clear understanding of the neurobiological aspects of Anorexia Nervosa have not been clearly addressed in the education of clinicians or used as the catalyst to identifying the most effective means of working with individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. It is imperative that we look beyond the genetic, psychological, and sociological factors that are most often associated with this illness and look to the brain to gain a deeper understanding of the internal structure and function of clients entering treatment with Anorexia, in order to better equip our clinicians in the development of a neurobiopsychosocial approach to treatment.
Research on the neurobiology of Anorexia, art therapy, and creative processes was integrated to establish a theoretical hypothesis on the neurological benefits of utilizing art therapy throughout the treatment of Anorexia. Art Therapy has the capacity to integrate the aspects of the brain along with the psychological and sociological aspects to work on a holistic level. The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) is a foundational art therapy theory that utilized brain based research to develop a bipolar continuum that is used throughout the course of treatment. The ETC was adapted to correlate with effects of malnourishment, the creative process of art making, and psychological components of art therapy to enhance the healing processes of the brain during refeeding. The development of Nourishment Hypothesis will be discussed and practical examples of implementation will be provided. The participants will engage in an experiential art making activity that explores the Perceptual component of the Nourishment Hypothesis. The participants will engage in a discussion regarding the art making process and the accompanying clinical goals. Culminating the presentation, the participants will be able to identify the areas of the malnourished brain as well as the areas that are involved in creative activity. Finally the participants will be able to define the Nourishment Hypothesis and the benefits of utilizing a neurobiopsychosocial approach in clinical treatment.
Eileen Misluk currently lives in Indianapolis and is a Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor in Art Therapy and the Herron School of Art and Design, IUPUI. She is a professor and internship coordinator. Eileen provides both art therapy and counseling supervision to graduate students and emerging professionals. Prior to academia, Eileen focused her clinical career in the field of eating disorders providing art therapy and mental health services in a treatment facility in South Florida while maintaining a full-time private practice.
