Lifeline beaded bracelet F. beaded this memory wire bracelet during an art therapy group. Memory wire is perfect for beginning jewelers and hard to mess up. The wire is spiraled and remembers that it is spiraled. No tricky clasps or toggles needed. It also is an apt metaphor for the idea of a life timeline, a visual story, a bead memory. Each single bead represents a year in the life of this artist. Some years a small single … [Read more...] about The Beauty of Recovery
eating disorders
Boundaries
Sometimes I feel moved to participate in the directive with an art therapy group, either with an example or by making my own art response. This is a rare but rewarding happenstance and I always learn something. On this particular day I made a masked, painted example about food and feelings. I didn’t know why. Turns out to be a huge lesson on boundaries and group dynamics. Here’s what happened when I finished and taped mine on the wall. F taped her painting up so it overlapped mine. It … [Read more...] about Boundaries
Where It All Began
Where It All Began extend-a-painting F. made this drawing during art therapy about her eating disorder. She chose this painting from an art magazine which she cut out, glued down and extended. To the dance practice room she added only more empty space. This simple “self portrait” (she identifies herself with the dancer) is an articulate summation of her eating disorder itself. ED hallmarks present include a body-conscious activity, a … [Read more...] about Where It All Began
Totem Animals and Art Therapy
From time to time in my groups I like to present the Native American concept of the Totem Animal. This is similar to our idea of the “guardian angel” and is typically a non-threatening way to approach spirituality. It is the universe/god/source at work – watching over each of us, benevolent, providing us with what we need each step of the way. It can be a very powerful experience. I have seen a lot of totem animals over the years; foxes, wolves, deer, rabbits and bears. The qualities they … [Read more...] about Totem Animals and Art Therapy
Breathing Pattern: Art Therapy and Eating Disorders
I get excited when my Vera Bradley catalog comes. I don’t love the preppy aesthetic and have no need for a monogrammed tennis racquet cover. But still I do love my Vera Bradley catalog. The patterns. The palette. The combination of complementary patterns and great color mixes inspires me. This week it led me to an art therapy directive using “pattern” as both a literal art project and a therapeutic metaphor. One of my favorite ones is here for you to see.... Breathing Pattern sharpie on … [Read more...] about Breathing Pattern: Art Therapy and Eating Disorders