Eating Disorders in Community Mental Health

Abstract

One population that can benefit significantly from therapies is that of individuals with eating disorders. Based on research in the field of eating disorders, traditional talk therapy may not effectively address the complexity and needs for recovery. Using the creative process and experiential approaches the therapist can better meet the needs of the eating disorder and co-morbid diagnoses such as mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. With the rates of eating disorder diagnoses increasing, especially among males, those from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds, and older adults, it is imperative that clinicians receive training in the treatment of eating disorders and eating related issues to meet the clinical demand. However, most graduate art therapy and counseling programs do not include treatment protocols for eating disorders as part of the required curriculum. As a result, clinicians are under-prepared to work with this vulnerable population.