Expressive Arts Therapy

"Neurobiology has taught us that we need to “come to our senses” in developing effective components for addressing trauma...Expressive arts therapy releases the potential of the senses to “tell the story” of traumatic experiences via nonverbal, implicit forms of communication." 

"Expressive arts help people discover just what forms of expression will be self-regulating, communicate their experiences in reparative ways, imagine restorative narratives, and ultimately support recovery."

"The expressive arts have a unique role in restoring a sense of vitality and joy in traumatized individuals because aliveness is not something we can be “talked into.” Instead, it is experienced in both mind and body and particularly on a somatosensory level." 

- Cathy Malchiodi

Eating disorder therapy and a holistic lens for recovery through mindfulness, cbt, and expressive arts therapies.

The mind, body, and spirit and interconnected. At Ma Zen Space, Megan works from a wellness perspective to nurture individual strengths and wholeness at the core of each individual. Through a holistic lens of wellness and therapy, personal growth will be encouraged and supported along a path of integrated recovery.

Mindfulness complements eating disorder treatment through cognitive behavioral therapy and is effectively backed through research as a technique helpful in preventing relapse. At it’s core, mindfulness encourages compassion - towards self and others - through a nonjudgmental lens of awareness. The nine attitudes of mindfulness can help provide a holistic lens for body image and emotional healing during recovery.

9 Attitudes of Mindfulness (Jon Kabat-Zinn)

• Beginners Mind.

• Non-Judging.

• Acceptance.

• Letting Go.

• Trust.

• Patience.

• Non-Striving (Non-doing)

• Gratitude

Alongside and integrated with mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can work to shift unhelpful patterns of thoughts, experiences, and emotions. CBT is a research backed treatment modality that offers skills and techniques which can be used for ongoing growth in therapy as well as for relapse prevention.

Lastly, expressive art therapy allows for a depth of expression and exploration of underlying stressors and factors often at the root of an eating disorder. Some experiences do not have words attached to them and art therapy allows an individual to have an additional outlet for expression. Art making allows for a space to investigate thoughts and emotions on another level of awareness. The process creates a holding space for letting go of difficult emotions and provides the potential for discovering and transforming struggle into growth and new possibilities.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an unhealthy relationship with self, food, body image, and eating disordered thoughts, reach out today. Connect with the skills and techniques of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy for releasing unhelpful thoughts, building inner resources for growth, and increasing self compassion to live a life of meaning and connection.

Ma Zen Space offers care at the outpatient level of care. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sessions are available throughout the state of Pennsylvania via online virtual video sessions. Email Megan Bousquet at info@mazenspace.com to learn more, ask a question, or schedule an initial evaluation.