On November 29th 2017 H.M. King Harald of Norway awarded Åse Minde, leader of the Outpatient Clinic for Eating Disorder at Oslo University Hospital and art psychotherapist, with both the King's Honorary Merit Gold Medal and a Diploma for her pioneering work in Art Therapy and for her work with people with eating disorders.

Åse has worked at Gaustad, Oslo University Hospital since 1979, and has built up the Outpatient Clinic for Eating Disorders since 2001. She has been leader for the past 17 years.

Åse and Dr Sue have been friends and colleagues for over 30 years and co-authored Art Therapy and Dramatherapy: Masks of the Soul (JKP).

The award acknowledges Åse Minde's unique approach to the treatment of eating disorders where the art is at the centre of the therapy. The hospital describe her work as 'a treatment culture in a living treatment environment' that is outstanding in Norwegian psychiatry. A treatment culture characterised by art therapy, based on psychodynamic principles, humanity and respect for the creative and resilient individual.

Åse has had an impressive and enduring career; she is truly a pioneer in the discipline, innovative thinker and visionary. She has a great creative strength, generosity and an enormous capacity. Åse is professionally very skilled, deeply respected and appreciated in her team and at the Hospital. Her books and research papers have been translated in to many languages.