This dissertation presents an interdisciplinary study of the suppression of women's metaphorical and physical voices. Voice has been used by many researchers of women's issues as a metaphor for the very essence of Self. The aim of this study is to connect this metaphorical voice with the physical voice using breath as the connecting vehicle.;The combination of methods used provided a holistic body-centered approach to eating disorders. It considered the role of dissociation from the body and the use of food to numb the body and ignore feelings. It presents many questions for future research. Can this approach be generalized out to other addictive and compulsive type behaviors? Would it work in other non-specific populations? How can it be used for shorter term therapy? Do women need more education and information earlier in life about societal and familial concepts towards women's voices?;In a safe and nurturing environment, these women were able to be honest with themselves and invited in new ways of thinking and acting. They became more open to change. The use of body-centered therapy brought about new ways of seeing themselves and taking responsibility in their lives.;A group of seven eating disordered women agreed to explore the use of the breath, the physical voice, and movement in a year long therapy group. Journaling and art work were employed as adjunctive activities. The group provided a vehicle for voicing, hearing and being heard. These women who were middle-class, educated, white and heterosexual found that the experience, though it had its difficulties, resulted in what they considered to be permanent attitudinal and behavioral changes. The pre and post testing suggested that many changes had occurred.
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