Patients with eating disorders often respond well to the creative and non-threatening environment of the arts therapies. Susan Makin, who has worked closely with anorexics and bulimics, here explores how art therapies, art therapy in particular, but also creative journalling and poetry-writing, can be integrated into a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of eating disorders, in conjunction with medical programmes. Makin discusses the creative work and personal accounts of around thirty patients, examining their use of media, imagery and symbolism. She analyses the patterns which...

Susan Makin has written a unique resource for art therapists working with patients or clients who find the concept of spontaneous artmaking daunting, and feel more comfortable with a structured framework. Therapeutic Art Directives and Resources: Activities and Initiatives for Individuals and Groups consists of a series of directives or suggestions for group and individual activities, with guidance on the suitability of each directive for clients with specific needs and ideas for further development. Her directives protect clients' creative freedom while providing a safe environment for...