Food for thought: the use of food in group therapy with children and adolescents.
This article highlights the significance food may have in group therapy with children and adolescents and its meanings for particular group members. It focuses on the interactions between the group members and leaders in response to food. Along with providing actual nutrition, food represents emotional and symbolic nurturing, and may trigger salient conflicts and issues with which group members are struggling. An essential role of the group leader is to manage conflicts that may be evoked by the provision of food. Examples are provided to illustrate themes and meanings related to food in group therapy with children and adolescents.
Mishna
Faye
F
Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada. f.mishna@utoronto.ca
Muskat
Barbara
B
Schamess
Gerald
G
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011616:Psychotherapy, Multiple; D012201:Reward; D013561:Symbolism