Presentation Title: Art Therapy and Recreation—Challenging Body Image Distortions to Improve Body Image

Workshop Abstract: Through the use of art therapy and recreation therapy directives, this presentation/workshop will develop insight into and clarification of experiential therapy and the effective treatment of body image dissatisfaction, compulsive exercise and eating disorders. Participants will be offered a didactic orientation to basic principles and theories of art therapy and recreation. These principles include the origins and intent of both disciplines, basic techniques used in eating disordered treatment settings, and the need for trained experiential professionals to effectively use these treatment modalities. Afterward, there will be a four-step “learn by doing” experiential process to demonstrate techniques to challenge body image distortion. First, participants engage in a guided imagery process, second, create a simple body perception, third, the group will engage in a blindfolded yoga session, finally, an opportunity to participate in a full body trace. The workshop will end with a debriefing and question and answer opportunity for participants. The participant will have many opportunities to clarify their experience of the workshop. Loose clothing is suggested.

Biographies:

Jenifer E. Waite Wollenburg, M.S.-ATR is an art therapist at Rogers Memorial Hospital’s Eating Disorder Center. Currently, Jenifer has been developing the art and body image program, as well as, Family Program and Alumni Association at the EDC. She has recently presented art therapy at the OCF 2007 conference, for art therapy students at Mount Mary College, at the 2003 Midwest Expressive Therapies Conference, and to parents of students at the Milwaukee Ballet School.

 

Sara Gherke, M.S.-R/T is a recreation therapist at Rogers Memorial Hospital. Currently, Sara has been developing the relaxation and body image program, as well as, Family Program at the Hospital’s Eating Disorder Center.