Abstract

The following descriptive case study explores the use of photography in an art therapy group with adolescent girls diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The ten-session group occurred over a five-week period as part of a treatment plan at a Canadian metropolitan children's hospital. The efficacy of introducing photography as a creative tool into an art therapy group with this adolescent population, ages 12-17, is discussed through case descriptions, artwork and self-reports. How the photograph in art therapy enables communication of themes regarding identity, self-esteem, self-reflection and emotional expression is developed. Conclusions and recommendations for future groups and research are made.