The Art of Connection: A Dyadic Art Therapy Program Enhancing Emotional Awareness and Relational Connection in Eating Disorder Recovery and Support Networks

The Art of Connection is a new group-based art therapy program designed to strengthen emotional understanding and connection between people recovering from eating disorders and the people who support them. Many people with eating disorders find it hard to identify and express their emotions, which can lead to feeling isolated or misunderstood. Research shows that these difficulties are common and are linked to poorer recovery and relationship strain.

Art therapy is known to help people explore emotions, but it usually focuses on the individual. Our program takes a new approach by bringing people in recovery and their close supporters, such as a partner, family member, or friend, together in a shared creative process. Through making art side by side and reflecting on it with guidance, pairs can communicate in new ways, build trust, and deepen their understanding of each other.

In the program, each pair will create artwork together and take part in structured activities that focus on emotions and connection. This paired approach is the first of its kind in eating disorder recovery and is designed to support two important parts of healing: learning to recognise emotions and feeling emotionally connected to others. Making art together provides a safe, non-verbal way to express feelings that may be hard to put into words.

With this funding, we will evaluate the program to understand how it may be used in hospitals and community settings, with the potential to support recovery through creativity and relationships.