INFORMASI

Paranoid schizophrenia is a sub-type of schizophrenia as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV code 295.30^[1].
It is the most common type of schizophrenia.^{[citation needed]} The clinical picture is dominated by relatively stable, often paranoid, delusions, usually accompanied by hallucinations, particularly of the auditory variety (hearing voices), and perceptual disturbances. Disturbances of affect, volition, and speech, and catatonic symptoms, are not prominent.

What is Art Therapy?

Definition: Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The creative process involved in expressing one’s self artistically can help people to resolve issues as well as develop and manage their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.

Anyone can use it, you don’t need to be talented or an artist, and there are professionals that can work with you and delve into the underlying messages communicated through art.

Art therapy can achieve different things for different people. It can be used for counseling by therapists, healing, treatment, rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and in the broad sense of the term, art therapy can be used to massage one’s inner-self in a way that may provide the individual with a deeper understanding of him or herself.

Who Can Use Art Therapy?

For the most part, anyone can use art therapy. In a world where there is a multitude of ways to communicate and express one’s self, expressive arts therapy is yet another. One of the major differences between art therapy and other forms of communication is that most other forms of communication elicit the use of words or language as a means of communication. Often times, humans are incapable of expressing themselves within this limited range.

One of the beauties of art as therapy is the ability for a person to express his/her feelings through any form of art. Though there are other types of expressive therapies (such as the performing arts), expressive art therapy as discussed here typically utilizes more traditional forms of art…such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, or a variety of other types of visual art expression.

Do You Need to be Talented?

Absolutely not. And you need not be “afraid” of expressing yourself through art. Though it may seem different and unnatural at first, it is typically because the individual is not used to communicating via the arts. The creative process can be one of the most rewarding aspects. Coupled with an art therapist, you should gradually, if not immediately, feel comfortable with this newfound form of expression. After all, the goal is not necessarily to create an art masterpiece.

Why Would I Use Art Therapy?

As with most any therapy, art as therapy is generally used as a treatment for something – usually as a way to improve one’s emotional state or mental well-being. Expressive arts therapy doesn’t have to be used only as a treatment though. It can be used to relieve stress or tension, or it can be used as a mode of self-discovery. Many people can stand to use some sort of creative outlet.

Professional Art Therapy and Art Therapists

Art therapists are trained in therapy and art. They have studied and mastered psychology and human development. Art therapists typically have a clinical practice of some sort. They are masters in this niche when it comes to using art as a springboard for everything from a general assessment of another person’s state to treatment for a serious illness. Art therapists can work with people of all ages, sex, creed, etc. They can help an individual, a couple, a family, or groups of people. Depending on the situation, there may be numerous art therapists working together as a clinical team.

Art therapists are trained to pick up on nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are often expressed through art and the creative process, concepts that are usually difficult to express with words. It is through this process that the individual really begins to see the effects of art therapy and the discoveries that can be made.

Additional Definitions of Art Therapy

Art therapy, sometimes called creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and through the creative process. From The Free Dictionary

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials. From Wikipedia

Art therapy involves the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function. It is based on personality theories, human development, psychology, family systems, and art education. Art therapists are trained in both art and psychological therapy. From The New Medicine

And from the AATA, the definition of the profession:
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.

Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.

Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/what-is-art-therapy/#ixzz1GfTOOMcc

A “Creepy” Art Therapy Activity for Halloween

October 17th

Halloween art by Megan Stringfellow.

It’s that time of year when the air and leaves are crisp. It’s a colorful time for most and winter is fast-approaching. Halloween is almost here which means Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before you know it! This Halloween we’re going to try a more festive activity. But first a little refresher on the history of Halloween.

 

The History and Origin of Halloween

Halloween is on October 31 of every year. It was originally meant to honor the dead and was previously known as All Hallows Eve, dating back over two thousand years ago.

The most consistent origin, and probably the most well-known, refers to Halloween as a way to honor the dead. It also signifies the end of summer and the end of the Celtic year…and the beginnings of a new one.

People were very superstitious back in the day and thus arose the idea that souls of the dead frolicked the streets at night. To keep the bad spirits at bay, treats were left outside to pacify the evil spirits. This led to how it works now, otherwise known as trick or treating

A Halloween Art Therapy Activity

Let’s start by thinking of all the negative energies or influences in your life.

1.       Think about any negative people, events (recent or otherwise), or anything else that has had a negative impact on you recently.

2.      Take all these negative “pieces” and imagine each of them has a spirit.

3.      Take a moment to forgive these negative spirits in your life, if only for a short period, and focus on what you would offer these spirits as a peace offering, or a “treat” if you will.

4.      Ideally you create something that you can give to each negative spirit, but if you have too many negative spirits to treat, then think of something you can give to all of them.

Alright, now feel free to be as creative as you like. I might suggest trying something different and going with a Halloween-ish theme for your creation…maybe using pumpkins, leaves, or construction paper and crafts, or even just incorporating the colors of fall. But if you’d like to draw or paint in pastels, that’s good too! Those are just a few ideas, but whatever fancies you is what you should create.

When you’re done, you can place your “treat” outside on the porch, patio, front door, etc. Or if you’re worried about anyone seeing or taking it, then leave it inside the house.

Good luck forgiving those negative spirits and Happy Halloween from Art Therapy!

Terminally Ill Child Creates Art, Inspires Others

Art Therapy With Children and Teens in Bangkok, Thailand

September 16th

Sabine de Raaf, an art therapist from the Netherlands contacted me about re-printing an article in which she was a contributor. It’s a great article, and definitely deserving of a reprint. Thanks to Sabine de Raaf for sending this along…
BANGKOK POST, OUTLOOK, Thursday March 13, 2008

Art of healing

Aesthetics and art therapy activities can help young offenders gain a new lease on their lives
STORY BY KARNJARIYA SUKRUNG, PHOTOS BY SOMKID CHAIJITVANIT

The assignment was to create a seal out of a lump of clay. But Pat, a 14-year-old boy, had decided to produce a family of seals. He made seals of different sizes: A big one in the centre, several medium-sized ones near it and some tiny seals on the back of the big, centre animal. “This big figure is the mother seal, and the rest are her children,” explained Pat, a crew-cut boy wearing the mandatory yellow T-shirt and navy-blue pants uniform.
“Where is the father seal then?” asked a psychologist who was observing the art therapy process in action at the three-day special workshop held inside the compound of the Pathum Thani Provincial Court (Juvenile and Family Section). Pat grinned, “He ran away with another woman.” Chuckling, he looked at the questioner. “He is irresponsible.”
A lull followed as Pat continued perfecting his sculptures, while psychologists, social workers and court officials jotted down notes.
Pat’s answer may provide an important clue that could help authorities improve the process aimed at healing him and fellow detainees while they are in the remand home, so that, hopefully, they will never be sent here again.

Works from the art therapy process reveal and heal the inside worlds of young offenders _ their yearning for love and understanding, their lack of problem solving skills and hope for the new chapter of life.
“The art therapy process helps uncover the complex nature of the youngsters’ hearts, where the problems lie,” said Sabine de Raaf, an art therapist from the Netherlands.
“Unless we are able to learn the roots of what brought them here to this detention centre, we cannot find ways to help them,” she added.
Sabine offered art therapy sessions to young offenders at the Pathum Thani Provincial Court (Juvenile and Family Section) during the five months that she was a volunteer teaching at Tridhakasa School.
Young offenders and the crimes that they commit reflect social ills, said Kornkanya Suwanpanich, chief judge of the Pathum Thani Provincial Court (Juvenile and Family Section).
“Most of these youngsters are from poor and broken families. Their parents and guardians are busy making ends meet, thus having little time for their kids to guide them through the maze of right and wrong,” she said. Many suffer from abuse by family members.
The other culprits, the chief judge pointed out, are consumerism values in society and irresponsible media.

The ability to handle the black marks on their pictures reflects the youngsters’ ability to deal with difficulties in real life. In the left picture, the black mark is bolded and separated from other colours, while the right picture shows the ability of youngsters who can turn the black line into something funny, making it part of the whole picture.
“Many young people steal because they want to be accepted in society. They want to have the brand-name cellphones and to wear the fashionable clothes splashed in the media and advertisements,” added Kornkanya.
The situation seems worsen every year. Divorce rates and family-related lawsuits are on the rise. Last year, there were 915 new cases in the Juvenile and Family Court, 200 more than the number five years ago.
The most common crimes that result in 10- to 18-year-old youths being sent to remand homes are theft, violent and brutal rows, sexual offences, online and Internet addiction, gambling, drug abuse and truancy.
Punishment is not the cure for the rising crime rate among the young.
“If we want to help these young offenders, we need to change our attitude,” said Usa Thanomphongphan, director and founder of Tridhaksa School, who initiated the art therapy project for youth in correctional institutes.
“There are no evil or bad people in this world. They are just weak people who cannot get through life’s temptations and challenges. They need empowerment.”

Sabine de Raaf, art therapist from the Netherlands: ”Art therapy provides processes to help us find our natural healing powers.”
“Humans are creative beings. We can always create and re-create our life. If people believe in their own potential, they can, and will, change for the better,” said Usa. In a “give and take” activity, art therapist Sabine asked each of the boys to draw an outward spiral on a small sheet of paper and an inward spiral on another small sheet of paper. Then she asked them to write inside the first spiral what they wanted to give to the world and, inside the other spiral, what they want to receive from the world.
The aggressive, ignorant-looking boys wrote almost in unison: “Love, warmth, hugging, caring, intimacy, happiness, flowers and sincerity” inside both spirals.
It is this evidence that convinces her that these boys can be healed and become good citizens in society.
“Art process activities help them to reach out with their hearts and feelings,” said Sabine. During her eight years of service as an associate judge of the Juvenile and Family Court in Rayong province, Usa learned a lot about social problems through the crimes committed by children. She supported several youths in renewing their lives. Yet she found a missing link in the rehabilitation process.
“We’ve been thinking that poverty and lack of education are the important underlying causes that put people into jail. We provide education programmes and vocational skills for inmates and juvenile delinquents, but many of them keep coming back to jail. I asked myself: ‘Why?”‘
The answer came one day when a young man she had supported was re-arrested for burglary. “I asked him why he had committed the same crime again when he already had a decent job, some money, and had been re-educated. I just didn’t understand why,” she recalled.
“The young man’s reply was that when things went rough, when he felt down in the dumps, he didn’t know what to do, how to deal with difficult situations – he felt worthless and empty inside.”
The answer took Usa on another turn in her life. Since then, the former judge and erstwhile businesswoman has dedicated herself to learning how to enhance the human spirit and its potential. She established Tridhaksa School eight years ago.
“I realised then that all of us need more than just things to get by in life. We need to fulfil our hearts and spirits. To live a life of balance in thinking, feeling and being willing,” she said.
“And we haven’t given our children enough of these.”
In 2006, she extended the merits of art therapy from the school to troubled youths in correctional and rehabilitation institutes.
She launched pilot project to introduce an art-for-self-transformation series for use by psychologists and social workers who work in remand homes and correctional institutes. The process covers sculpture, painting, music, poetry, and body and vocal movements. “Each art process event stimulates the desirable qualities of human beings, such as, for example, creativity, caring and compassion, patience, concentration, flexibility, and team work.
“Also, these processes can rid us of unpleasant behavioural traits such as aggression, stress and obsession,” said Usa.
Many troubled youths lack problem-solving skills. In an activity, Sabine asked the boys to colour the paper with crayons. They could draw any abstract patterns and forms that they liked. Then she asked them to close their eyes. When they opened their eyes again, they saw black marks on their work.
“Our life is not always what we want it to be. Sometimes things don’t go the way we plan or expect them to be, or some people may hurt us. How should we respond to these problems and uncertainties in life?” Sabine explained that the black crayon marks represented such mishaps in life.
How each boy coped with the blemishes on his drawing was key to understand his traits in handling problems, explained Sabine.
“Some can incorporate the black lines as part of their pictures. Some combine them with other colours to make a sail, an eel, a mountain, a ghost or a fish. This shows that they can embrace problems as part of their life. Even better, they can make fun of bad situations,” she said.
However, there were some boys who chose to bold the black lines, or tried to erase them.
“They are likely to be obsessed with problems. They hate difficulties and obstacles. These children are likely to suffer when things go wrong. They want things to always go their way, and they cannot cope with disappointments,” Sabine explained.
The art therapy process reveals the complex nature of youngsters’ hearts. Psychologists and social workers can use this information to try to eliminate undesirable behavioural traits.
A 17-year-old boy, charged with robbery and murder, shut himself off to the world, which made a psychologist’s job very difficult. But after taking art therapy for more than a year, the young man started to speak out to Jarunee Tung, a psychologist at Baan Karuna, who had participated in art therapy carried out at Tridhaksa School for a year. She learned that his parents had separated and had left him with an aunt since he was a toddler. His aunt was abusive to him, mainly verbally. At 13, the boy ran away and joined a gang. Later, he robbed and killed a middle-aged woman who always scolded him.
“He felt worthless. He had no goals and he saw no future in life whatsoever. This same feeling is shared by many young offenders. That’s why they don’t care what will happen and are ready to do any daredevil things,” she said.
“We tend to reprimand our children when they do wrong, but when they do good, we bypass the compliments. That’s partly why our kids have self-doubt and seek out acceptance from their peer, even if it means committing crimes,” she commented. Currently, she said, this young man aimed to finish non-formal education and once he is out of the remand home, he intends to become a mechanic.
“It is very important to establish a sense of self-worth and esteem among children and youth. Help them realise their potential and support them towards their life’s goals,” said Jarunee.
So far, the chief judge of the Pathum Thani Court said, youngsters who joined art therapy sessions have not yet made a comeback.
“Once they understand themselves and know where they are heading to in life, it helps them not to repeat their wrongs. But as important is their family. Youngsters who have supportive families are lucky and unlikely to return here again,” said Kornkanya.
The three-day art workshop ended. All works were put on display in a room which was turned into an exhibition hall. Young participants – artists – explained their works to court officials, psychologists, social workers and their peers.
“I feel relaxed, comfortable and free. I’m proud that people are interested in my work,” said Tum. He explained his mandala paintings with portraits of the Buddha and Satan.
“This is life, I think, the constant combat of good and evil.”

Very concentrated and dedicated the youngsters paint, draw and model clay. Sabine de Raaf explains and educates the social workers and psychologists on how to work with art and juveniles.

Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/child-art-therapy/art-therapy-with-children-teens-in-bangkok-thailand/#ixzz1GfYky6CH

Art Therapy Helps Teenagers, Children, Juveniles in Louisiana

August 29th

Four of every five children and teens that end up in a juvenile justice system have one, or a combination, of the following characteristics:

1. The child or teen is under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes
2. The child or teen tests positive for drugs
3. The child or teen is arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense
4. The child or teen admits having substance abuse problems

The report, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse Juvenile Justice and the Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive study of substance abuse and the state juvenile justice systems. Astonishingly, the report found that up to 75% of incarcerated juveniles have mental health problems and up to 80% have learning disabilities, yet they rarely receive help for these problems either.⁽¹⁾

Using art therapy to help troubled teenagers and juveniles isn’t something that crosses people’s minds usually. But five drug court participants were lucky enough to be surrounded by people who cared, and by people who thought a little outside of the box.

A juvenile drug court in Louisiana is using art therapy to help transform its teenagers and kids. Five drug court participants created two murals in the new art therapy program, both of which are hanging in Judge Patricia Koch’s courtroom.⁽²⁾

The theme of the murals is education, but Koch and artist Joseph Pearson, who ran the program, expanded the theme to include the idea of transformation.

One piece represents a journey from a “low state” to a bright future using three images of the same person, Pearson said. Between the dark portion and the bright portion of the piece is the middle figure deep in thought working on what appears to be a school project.

The destination appears in the second piece as a student stands at a podium in graduation cap and gown with the universe spread out near him, Pearson said.

Even though the participants did not show any desire to become professional artists, they applied themselves to the art therapy program.

“When they came to the panels, there was discipline,” Joseph Pearson, who runs the program, said. “They wanted it to be absolutely correct.”

Initially, the teenagers were very concerned with their art being “correct,” which made them a little nervous because they didn’t want to make a mistake.

And therein lies the message of the artwork. The idea of fixing mistakes and changing lifestyles represent the drug court participants’ struggles, art program participant Damien said.

“We’re trying to get away from the bad,” he said.

Two art therapy program participants said the artwork gave them a chance to present where they are in their lives now and where they want to go.

Art Therapy Changes Lives of Abused Children

June 3rd

**The following press release was originally written by Cathy Malchiodi, ATR-BC, Professional Relations for American Art Therapy Association (AATA).
Art Therapy Program Heals Hearts and Empowers Young Survivors
Child abuse is widely recognized as a serious problem, not only because it results in long-term trauma reactions, but also because it involves an abuse of power by adults over children in their care. Violence and assault to children results in attachment, mood, and behavioral disorders as well as acute or posttraumatic stress disorders, among other problems. Art therapy, a form of intervention thought to be effective in the treatment of trauma disorders, is being increasingly used to address child abuse and is often a primary  form of therapy with children who are recovering from physical or sexual assault, verbal abuse, and neglect. For more than three decades, art therapy has been documented as an important method in addressing the emotional pain of young survivors of violence.
Tamara Herl, ATR-BC, an art therapist who works in Kansas, is working to help abused children find recovery and hope through art therapy. She recently initiated a program at the Heart-to-Heart Child Advocacy Center with children. Herl says, “I think the greatest value of art therapy with children who have been abused or neglected is that it provides an opportunity to give voice to their pain. The images they create provide tangible proof of progress that has been made and this can be especially  helpful on days when children feel discouraged about their progress. Visual art seems to come readily to many children and adults who have been abused or neglected.”
Marlene Beeson, director of Heart-to-Heart, affirms the importance of art therapy with children who have been abused, saying, “The art offers a child something to ‘do’ besides talking. Children may resist a verbal approach to therapy. One of the reasons for this is  that small children simply may not have the language skills to tell what happened to them. Older children may distrust verbal communication because their abuser probably lied to them and threatened them. To add to this insult, other adults may not believe them.”
A new monograph on art therapy and traumatized children will be available from AATA in  June 2008. For information about art therapy, please visit the AATA website at www.arttherapy.org or Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art  Therapy Association at www.arttherapyjournal.org. The American Art Therapy Association, Inc., was founded in 1969 and develops and promotes educational, professional, and ethical standards for the practice of art therapy. The AATA provides information to its members and the public regarding the field of art therapy through publications, a scholarly journal, and an annual conference.

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Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/child-art-therapy/art-therapy-changes-lives-of-abused-children/#ixzz1GfbVcr8m

How Art Therapy for Children Can Help

February 3rd

Art therapy for children can provide kids with an easier way to express themselves since children are more naturally artistic and creative. A young child is likely to be more comfortable initially expressing him/herself with some crayons and markers, for example, than he/she is going to be at expressing emotions and feelings through words.
A question and answer type of format can be daunting and intimidating for a child, especially when they have to try and explain themselves with their already limited vocabulary. Because of this, art therapy for children can be a much more viable solution for communication than simply having a conversation and talking about things. This can be especially true when it comes to children and traumatic events.
If a child experiences something tragic, that event usually gets buried in their subconscious where it affects them in the future. These types of things are not easy for kids to talk about, especially when there are deep-rooted emotional issues in play. Through art therapy children can help bring these suppressed emotions to the surface so the art therapist can then focus on healing the child’s issue(s).

 

 

Does Art Therapy Work For Children?

Art therapy and children can be combined to help in a variety of ways, including but not limited to the following:

• Art therapy for mental health problems in children
• Art therapy and child grief and/or loss. Can help children communicate about the death of a mom, dad, or sibling, for example
• Art therapy for bereaved children and/or a child suffering from bereavement
• Art therapy for children with learning disabilities
• Art therapy can help children with emotional problems
• Art therapy can aid kids with their cognitive abilities
• Art therapy can help a child or children with abuse, helping them communicate about physical or sexual abuse
• Art therapy and children cancer patients…can help a child with cancer
• Art therapy for treatment of schizophrenia in children

Those are just a few aspects in which art therapy can help children. Art therapy can also aid a child in achieving better self-awareness, relief from stress or anxiety, learning disorders, autism, and other traumatic experiences.
Through art therapy, children receive treatment that is based on their existing strengths, weaknesses, intrests, and concerns. It can help children of all ages and races.
As you can see, there are many ways art therapy can work for children. Some ways may be more fitting than others, and in future posts, I’ll explore a little more deeply how art therapy can help with some of the more specific examples listed above. If you believe your child has serious issues that you’d like to aid with art therapy, I’d contact a certified art therapist near you (sorry, I don’t have the list ready yet, stay tuned as I am working on a national/international directory of art therapists).

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Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/child-art-therapy/how-art-therapy-for-children-works/#ixzz1GfbkjfJE

Art Therapy Helps Breast Cancer Patients

February 17th

A recent report reveals that women with breast cancer receiving radiation treatment experienced improved mental health, physical health, and an overall higher quality of life after 5 sessions of art therapy.
The findings were a result of testing art therapy intervention among 41 women receiving radiation treatment for breast cancer. The women were randomly selected as part of one of two groups. The first group received five individual art therapy sessions for one hour per week, while the control group did not participate in any art therapy sessions.
The group of women with breast cancer that were selected to participate in art therapy had to answer questions about their quality of life before the start of radiation treatment, 2 months after radiation, and 6 months after the start of radiation treatment.
A trained art therapist administered each art therapy session and a variety of art materials were made available to the women with breast cancer. The same art materials were made available during all sessions: sheets of paper, a roll of paper, oil pastels in 48 colours and oil paints, tempera fluid, lead pencils, charcoal, adhesive tape, scissors and paintbrushes. The goals of the art therapy sessions were to give support, restore body image and reduce stress by giving the women sufficient time and space to reflect and express themselves.
After 6 months, the women who participated in the art therapy intervention showed an overall improvement in total health, quality of life, psychological and physical health. There was a significant and positive influence on future perspectives of self and body image.

Measuring the Quality of Life in Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

For many women, being diagnosed with cancer can cause fears of pain, dying, economic changes, social changes, and dependence. It can also affect a woman’s cognitive, emotional and social functioning. Both breast cancer and its treatment can cause various physical disabilities like hair loss, losing a breast, weight problems, and many other things which can cause women to feel alienated from their own bodies.
Women with breast cancer often feel lonely and isolated and worry about sparing other people’s feelings and concerns. The woman will often isolate herself from loved ones so they don’t become too emotionally involved. The findings of the report suggest that fostering an environment for women with breast cancer that allows them to express and comprehend their experiences and feelings will improve their quality of life. This is where the art therapy part of the study helps.

Art Therapy and Breast Cancer

Medical and professional art therapy supports the concept of the mind influencing the body in positive ways. There is more and more research about the benefits of art therapy, such as reduced symptoms from anxiety and depression, reduced stress, improved self-esteem, increased communication, and more energy among other things.
This particular study is part of a larger project on art therapy and breast cancer in women. Previous studies demonstrated improved coping resources for women with breast cancer and the ability of women to “access ideas and practices that gave legitimacy to an active protection of their own boundaries against demands by others.”

Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/cancer/art-therapy-helps-breast-cancer-patients/#ixzz1GfdYq3vX

Eating Disorder Therapy Through Art

April 25th

The following story was submitted by a reader named Sarah. She wanted to share her story about an eating disorder and art therapy and how art and creativity has helped her recover. Her story, along with art work and examples of her writing are below. Much thanks to Sarah for sharing her story and examples of her art work and creativity through very tough times. Truly inspiring!
If you have a story you’d like to share, let us know. Meanwhile, enjoy this great testament to the power of art and creativity…

Eating Disorder Therapy – Art Examples

Here are some examples of Sarah’s art work and self-therapy while recovering from an eating disorder:

Mariposa: A creative interpretation of my recovery from an eating disorder

My name is Sarah. I’m twenty four years old. I’m happy, healthy and I love life. I have lots of interests, but in particular I am fascinated by the concept of art therapy. Art was a central part of my recovery from an eating disorder, and has enabled me to better understand myself. I want to tell you a little more about how it has helped me.
Only a year ago my life was very different indeed. It was a cold, dark and scary place, an existence that revolved around exercise, starvation, binging and vomiting. I was deeply unhappy, and the only means of expression I seemed able or willing to utilise, was self destruction. I wanted to die, and I very nearly did.
I was suffering from an eating disorder, and when I ended up hospital, at a dangerously low weight and with a heart rate to match, I struggled to comprehend what was happening. Why was I doing this? Why was I so intent on destroying myself? A coherent explanation evaded me, and so in desperation I proceeded to draw, write, paint and take photos. I made collages and cards. I used art to explore my thoughts and feelings, to keep a journal of the journey upon which I had embarked. Recovery is a complicated business, and sometimes images, objects and abstract verse were the only way I could make sense of what was going on inside my head.
In the grip of my disorder, I drew and painted emaciated human figures. Idols to which I aspired. Expressions of what I wanted to be, how I wanted to look, and the internal suffering that I wanted to use my outer body to convey. Later on, in recovery, I used art to interpret my complex and often seemingly incomprehensible feelings, and towards the end of my journey, I used it to reflect on where I had come from, and what I had become.
Publishing a book was never the outcome I anticipated. I wanted to keep a record for myself, and an explanation for my friends and family. As I shared my work more widely, I found that it helped people understand me and the disorder. It reassured other sufferers that they were not alone. The process of compiling my artistic representations was therapeutic in itself, and the resulting book has become a lasting part of my recovery.
The book is called Mariposa. It is a scrapbook of all the different methods I used to express and understand myself throughout the recovery process. My account is strikingly honest and I leave no stone unturned. By presenting my message creatively through a combination of art and writing, I hope to reach out to more people than the eating disorder literature currently informs. Many are discouraged from seeking help due to the stigma associated with mental illness. It is difficult for people to recognise the signs of disorder in a world in which we are taught to perceive food and ourselves in a negative light.
I want to raise awareness of eating disorders and the brutal reality of a life dominated by food and weight. Ultimately, however, I want to give hope to others, that recovery is possible, and life is worth living. In publicly displaying my artistic interpretations, I want share my escape from the monster that nearly consumed me, and show that eating disorders can be beaten.
Mine is a positive story; an explanation of how a shy, negative and depressed girl, terrified of growing up, blossoms into a confident, positive and colourful young woman who realises that there is more to life than she had ever imagined before.
I invite you to share in my recovery by taking a look at my book, which is available as an ebook on the link below. The paperback will be released later this year.
http://chipmunkapublishing.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1528

Read more: http://www.arttherapyblog.com/mental-health/eating-disorder-therapy-art/#ixzz1GfgGT7qF