This form of therapy helps clients relax and experience alternative forms of positive expression. Art therapy is another experiential and expressive form of treatment that helps those who suffer with an eating disorder to connect with themselves deeply and personally in non-verbal and verbal forms of art which help them to express pain, joy, struggle, loneliness, and triumph. The atmosphere is safe and loving. The discoveries are remarkable. Like recreation therapy, dance and movement therapy helps women heal by becoming more in tune with their bodies.
Dance helps clients explore and express themselves physically, and grow in self-acceptance.
Music therapy has a unique and powerful influence on the human psyche. When used as a therapeutic tool, music empowers, motivates and inspires clients to identify and change destructive behaviors and to nurture positive behaviors. Because family dynamics often play such a significant role in recovering from eating disorders, the family will be involved in one to three days of intensive family treatment during the last half of inpatient treatment. Family therapy addresses issues such as family rules, boundaries, structure, communication styles, responsibility, and survival strategies. Where appropriate and possible, the family may also participate in a weekly support group and family therapy during inpatient treatment.