I am concerned that talking about so-called photo-therapy can discount the complexity of eating disorders and be disrespectful of the individuals courageous enough to undertake a path to recovery. I'm also concerned about the very real possibility of exploiting the eating disordered person by publishing these photos.I can see that looking at pictures of themselves provides eating disordered persons more distance and safety than the immediate experience of looking into a mirror. Viewing the picture might help a person wake up to her actual appearance. This could be helpful.
However, I hesitate to support this approach because I think it is fraught with possible negative consequences. People pleasing is a strong aspect of eating disordered behavior. I wonder if the patient is psychologically free to say "no" to a request/suggestion from her therapist that she disrobe before a stranger.
I also wonder about the actual experience the patient has in being photographed nude. Who else is present? Is there someone other than the photographer working the lights? What is the setting? How many photos are taken? How are poses established? What kind of conversation occurs during the photographing session? How respectful is the entire procedure?
Many people with eating disorders have histories of sexual exploitation. Being photographed in the nude could be retraumatizing.
In this light, I wonder why nudity is required. Even a photograph of a hand, arm or leg would show an extreme thinness. Why couldn't the patient bring in her own photos taken in the context of her life? She may have revealing photos of herself in shorts or a bathing suit that would serve the therapeutic purpose without sensationalism.
I'm also concerned about the patient feeling psychologically invaded because other people are seeing her naked photos. Who sees these pictures? Who develops them? Who owns the negatives?
Furthermore, people suffering from eating disorders have a poor sense of boundaries and limits. I'm concerned that putting them through the experience of being photographed in the nude is taking advantage of their vulnerability. An important part of their therapy is the development of an appreciation and respect for personal boundaries.
People with eating disorders obsess about their bodies. However, the core of the eating disorder is not physical but psychological. Healing has to do with the person developing a genuine respect and appreciation for her true self. When that is accomplished, she understands her genuine needs and lives in a way that adequately nourishes her mind, spirit
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