Drama therapy and the treatment of eating disorders: Advancing towards clinical guidelines. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, Laura L.; Hartung, Sarah; Al-Qadfan, Fatmah; Wichmann, Stephanie; Cho, Aileen B.; Bryant, Dani
• Is Part Of: Arts in psychotherapy. Volume 80(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Drama therapy -- Eating disorders -- Sizeism -- Participatory action research -- Applied thematic analysis -- Drama therapy clinical guidelines; Art therapy -- Periodicals; Dance therapy -- Periodicals; Music therapy -- Periodicals; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 616.891656
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2022.101948
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-4556

Abstract

Abstract: An estimated 30 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder (ED). The treatment of such disorders has evolved over time to include greater understanding of their complex psychological and cultural causes. Still, the continued pervasiveness of EDs suggests residual need for more effective treatment approaches. A growing body of research shows the effectiveness of creative arts therapies in treating individuals with EDs, with drama therapy (DT) noted as particularly promising. However, continued research must be done, and practical guidelines presented, for DT to be fully considered as a mainstream treatment for EDs. This study was conducted by a team of drama therapists with a long-term commitment to the inclusion of DT as part of comprehensive ED treatment. Through the lens of participatory action research and applied thematic analysis, the research team used their own lived experiences to explore, analyze, and outline considerations relevant for drama therapists working with clients with EDs. Highlights: Embodiment for ED treatment comes with special considerations for practitioners. EDs should be contextualized in terms of an individual's intersecting identities. DTs are part of a collaborative team and translating their work is essential to comprehensive care.