Eating Disorders and Magical Control of the Body: Treatment Through Art Therapy

Eating Disorders and Magical Control of the Bodyinvestigates the thought processes of patients and explores the effect these thoughts have on eating and the body through a sensitive exploration of the images patients create in art therapy. Topics covered include the concept of "magical thinking," a term used by Jean Piaget, and its relationship to the wider concept of magic; ideas around art, psychic cannibalism and art therapy; and the different ways of approaching the difficulties inherent in working with eating disordered patients.

Mary Levens is a psychodrama psychotherapist and art therapist at Atkinson Morley's Hospital, London.