THERAPEUTIC EXPRESSIVE ARTS PROACTIVITY(tm) OF THE MONTH Each month I offer an Expressive Arts Therapy directive that focuses on Body Image and or Eating Disorders and is associated with the theme discussed in the Monthly Therapeutic Tid Bit (see above). These directives may be used in individual or group therapy sessions; or as self-help activities. Sometimes the activity itself is nothing new or brilliant but the OBJECTIVE of the directive is unique and specifically tailored to exploring issues related to body image and disordered eating. ENJOY! Fun is the main ingredient! Title: You are Amazing! Objective: To identify strengths that are part of who you are right now that are not associated with weight related goals. To explore support systems to reinforce a weight neutral positive sense of self. Materials: Paper, pencils, colored markers How to: 1. Take a moment and think about some ways that your body is supporting you right now, in this moment. What are some positive aspects of your body? What are some positive aspects of your character, personality, what makes you amazing? If you are having difficulty with this, imagine how someone you love would answer this question. 2. On your paper, with a pencil, draw a shape in the middle and label it with the word, "me" and write down some of the strengths and positive characteristics you identified in step one. 3. Now draw a maze around the circle (see sample of Chartres Maze above). Choose any configuration you want, it does not have to be a circle. Remember to have several possible routes and be sure that all of the routes in the maze ultimately lead to the center space no matter how complex the routes are. 5. Next, identify obstacles along the way e.g. ads, magazines, peer pressure, anything you can predict MAY attempt to steer you off of your path to your true center. You can, if you'd like, color code the obstacles so they are easy to spot. 6. And now identify what support systems are available to you along the way and place them in various places on the maze. Feel free to color code these as well. If you are having difficulty thinking of any, take time to do an internet search on body positive resources. (There is a list of them on my website as well.) 7. When your maze is complete take some time and navigate the maze taking time to appreciate how despite the obstacles the ultimate result leads back to you with your strengths and support systems. 8. If you are doing this activity in a group, participants can try to naviagate each other's mazes and compare the similarities of obstacles and support systems. Special Notes: I never show samples of completed Proactivities (tm) because I feel that comparisons can stifle the creative process and there is no right or wrong way to "make art." If you ever want to share finished projects with me, feel free to send them to drdeah@drdeah.com. I won't share them with anyone else!

When using magazines for collage work, be sensitive to the triggering potential. If fashion magazines are in the collection, censor as needed.

