A group process: long-term art psychotherapy process in individuals with eating disorders

Objectives: Eating disorders are a serious public health problem prevalent among adolescents, young adults, and women, and they have negative physical and psychological consequences. Art therapy can offer a safe space to understand the underlying dynamics of eating disorders and promote resilience. This study aims to examine the long-term group art psychotherapy process in individuals diagnosed with eating disorders and the problems experienced by these individuals through the artworks they produce. Methods: The study was conducted with 11 female patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Art therapy lasted for two years and consisted of a total of 58 sessions, held for 2 hours per week. The art psychotherapy interventions used were semi-structured and planned. Qualitative data were evaluated through artworks, video recordings, and session reports. The approach in this study was used as a psychotherapy method to activate various senses and facilitate the symbolic expression of emotions and thoughts, helping to uncover the underlying conflicts generating the symptoms and thereby supporting psychological growth and recovery. Results: Group interactions and artworks produced during therapy initially focused on symptoms but evolved into more in-depth individual sharing in the later phase. Through the artworks created during art psychotherapy, themes such as distorted body image, negative self-perception, loneliness, inhibited emotional expression, depressive mood, high anxiety, feelings of guilt, obsessive thinking, low functioning, relationship problems, sociocultural pressures on the body, cognitive distortions related to the body, and denial of sexuality emerged. By understanding these themes reflected in the artworks and their connections to symptoms during psychotherapy sessions, these problems could be addressed psychotherapeutically. Conclusion: Patients developed in-depth awareness of both themselves and others. It was observed that their functioning increased in various areas of life, such as returning to work and school. The study contributes to clinical practice by enhancing understanding of eating disorders and informing the development of effective psychological treatments.