MSc in Art Psychotherapy

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/7198

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Art Psychotherapy in the Care of Children and Adolescents Living with Chronic Illnesses: A Narrative Review
(2021-04-20)
The focus of this narrative review was to look at how art therapy is used in supporting children and adolescents living with chronic health conditions. A total of twelve art therapy studies were identified through database searches, using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus and Scopus. The chronic health conditions in focus for this review were asthma, epilepsy, cancer, type one diabetes and type two diabetes. Art therapy was found to provide an effective communication tool, not limited to words, which can be essential when dealing with children and adolescents who find themselves in stressful and difficult circumstances, as the vocabulary skills may not be enough to enable the person to fully express or process the lived experiences. This can be true in the best of circumstances, but more so when under stress, as this can further inhibit conscious reasoning and expression. The enabling, through art therapy, to process difficult life changes can help the person communicate his/her lived and emotional experiences as well as enable a more normal and sounder psychological development. Three key themes emerged when looking at the literature: (1) Art therapy helps with expressing emotions and anxieties, and allows for communication beyond words; (2) Art therapy helps reduce anxiety, improves overall well-being, improves self-esteem and can help with reduced physical symptoms and/or improved adherence to the care plan; (3) Art therapy can give insight into the child’s or adolescent’s lived experiences from a physical and emotional perspective. Key words: Art therapy, children, adolescents, chronic health condition, asthma, epilepsy, T1D, T2D, cancer.
EVALUATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF JUNGIAN ART THERAPY AND DEMENTIA CARE IN MAINTAINING PERSONHOOD: A Narrative Literature Review
(2023) Unknown author
This narrative literature review explores the theoretical crossovers between Jungian art therapy and dementia care in consideration of personhood maintenance. Due to the lack of literature and clinical observations simultaneously encompassing these topics, the aim shifts towards crossexamining the available literature as separate datasets to identify any potential bridges or gaps between them. The perspective of this review remains within the ethical considerations of personhood maintenance, exploring potential improvements to dementia care through that lens. By attempting to place the art therapist in a Jungian-orientated, transformative role, this literature review intends to support and empower a patient population that has been socially and politically scapegoated. The first finding determined that Jungian art therapy regularly harnesses the strengths of this patient population by utilising what is retained of emotional and symbolic planes. Incorporating these planes to communicate through symbolic language may alter care dynamics and aid in the refined understanding of patients’ needs. The second finding determined the persistence of archetypal tendencies within this patient population drawing on the hypothesis that archetypal awareness in care could map out the psyche of patients and underline aspects of the self for a path towards individuation. The third finding determined the transformative effects of libido as a psychic energy, namely-how this inner force could be redirected towards creative and identity affirming expressions within dementia care. Suggestions for further research include: analysis of qualitative studies regarding these topics individually and collectively, literature from varying cultures to underline the relevance of the theory of collective unconsciousness explored in this paper as well as further incorporating testimonies of persons living with dementia.
An exploration of the literature on group art therapy and the mental health recovery of adult inpatients on psychiatric rehabilitation wards.
(2023) Unknown author
A person may be referred to an NHS inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation service if they are no longer able to safely manage in the community because of the impact of a mental health condition, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and/or bipolar disorder, and if they require care and treatment to assist them with their recovery. It is noteworthy, that having a mental health illness alone does equate to someone requiring psychiatric rehabilitation support. In fact approximately only 1 out of 100 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia require psychiatric rehabilitation support (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2015). Previous studies have evidenced how art therapy interventions in psychiatric rehabilitation settings, particularly referring to the therapeutic relationship between the patient and art therapist, being a part of an art therapy group and use of the art materials, can support patients’ recovery. This includes, helping patients with making sense of themselves and their mental illness, self-regulation, communicating their needs with others through artwork/verbally, increasing self-esteem and in creating a sense of hope for their future. This narrative literature review explores the to get greater insight in to the existing evidence-base surrounding art therapy groups in inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation settings, with specific focus on how they may or may not support patients’ in relation to their mental health recovery. Thematic analysis was the chosen methodological means. The Person-centred Research Four Construct Framework by Titchen et al. (2017 p. 33) was also integrated into this critique of the literature, due to the person-centred lens of the researcher, which led to each source being subjectively discussed in relation to how person-centred it is according to it’s pre-requisites, environment, processes and outcomes. The main conclusions from this study are that art therapy groups offered to people with mental health conditions are largely supportive in supporting patients with their recovery, including providing opportunities for connectedness, hope, development of sense of self and identity, meaning, empowerment and difficulties. Gaps in the literature were identified included the lack of lived experience accounts on the recovery of inpatients in psychiatric rehabilitation settings and limited contemporary research on art therapy interventions in psychiatric rehabilitation wards possibly due to lack of resources and service provision in this area and in general. In addition, understanding of recovery varies widely across the literature which may be another reason for the limited research in this area.
An Exploration of the Literature on the Effectiveness of Art Therapy for People Experiencing Psychosis During Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitalisation
(2021-04-27)
Up to 10 per cent of the general population have had visual and auditory hallucinations at some point in their life, and many people hold beliefs that others around them find obscure or worrying – all indicators of psychosis. While some learn to cope with these experiences of psychosis, many find them distressing and seek professional help. Previous studies have shown that art therapy benefits people experiencing psychosis as a stand-alone diagnosis or as a symptom of schizophrenia. However, these studies do not take into consideration acute psychosis. Individuals experiencing extreme distress due to their psychotic experiences may be admitted to acute psychiatric inpatient hospitals. Alongside medication, they are offered limited face to face time from doctors and nurses to process the traumatic experiences and emotions which triggered psychosis. Previous studies have shown the benefits which art therapy has to offer to people who are admitted to acute wards, including empowerment, gaining control over their recovery and challenging stigma. However, these studies exclude patients with acute psychosis. Therefore, the research and theory on the benefits of art therapy for people experiencing psychosis during their acute hospital admission, is limited. This literature review addresses the existing literature and theory on art therapy and psychosis and on art therapy in acute settings for non-psychosis related illnesses. This will enable a discussion on the possible benefits of art therapy for people experiencing psychosis in acute settings. The findings of the review are used to offer recommendations for future practice, considering how art therapy can contribute to a person’s recovery from psychosis, both during their acute admission and once they are discharged into the community. Keywords: art therapy, psychosis, schizophrenia, inpatient psychiatry, acute, short-term
EXPLORING A LITERATURE ON FACILITATION OF MENTALIZATION IN ART PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTICE.
(2023) Unknown author
EXPLORING THE THEORETICAL CROSSOVERS BETWEEN JUNGIAN ART THERAPY AND PERSONHOOD WITHIN DEMENTIA CARE: A Narrative Literature Review
(2023) Unknown author
This narrative literature review explored the theoretical crossovers between Jungian art therapy and dementia care in consideration of personhood maintenance. Due to the lack of literature and clinical observations encompassing these topics simultaneously, the aim shifted towards crossexamining the available literature as separate datasets to identify any potential bridges or gaps between them. The perspective of this review has remained within the ethical considerations of personhood maintenance, exploring potential improvements to dementia care through that lens, as well as placing the art therapist in a Jungian orientated, transformative role with the intention to support and empower a patient population who have been socially and politically scapegoated. The first finding determined that Jungian art therapy regularly harnesses the strengths of this patient population by utilizing what is retained of emotional and symbolic planes. Incorporating these planes to communicate through symbolic language may alter care dynamics and aid in better understanding the needs of patients. The second finding determined the persistence of archetypal tendencies within this patient population, and that archetypal awareness in care could map out the psyche of patients and underline aspects of the self for a path towards individuation. The third finding determined the transformative effects of libido as a psychic energy, how this inner force could be redirected towards creative and identity affirming expressions within dementia care. Suggestions for further research includes analysis of qualitative studies regarding these topics individually and collectively, literature from varying cultures to underline the relevance of the theory of collective unconsciousness explored in this paper, as well as incorporating testimonies of persons living with dementia.
How can artistic interventions be used to support wellbeing and relations in the workplace: A narrative literature review
(2023) Unknown author
The aim of this study was to investigate how artistic storytelling can be used to help employees feel valued and connected, helping to improve workplace wellbeing and achieve the organisations aims. This study used a narrative literature review approach, collecting and analysing existing research studies. The overall approach used a phenomenological method. The research started with a macro view of wellbeing in the workplace, and then funnelled down towards a micro view on art therapy in the workplace and teams. This study highlighted key aspects to wellbeing: including engagement, personal development and identity, and resilience. Artistic interventions provide a platform for creative expressions and inclusive communication, which can be used to develop not only the unique individuals within teams, but the overall team and organisation. Art and creativity can be used to show different perspectives and opportunities in the workplace, helping with development of the team, the clients supported, and the organisation as a whole. Despite the evidence showing that artistic interventions can help support and foster healthy workplaces, investing in employee wellbeing is not seen as important. To gain full benefit of artistic interventions in the workplace, practices and interventions should be embedded throughout an organisation. Our role as therapists is to provide the best support we can, and that starts with creating strong foundations and spaces from which to work from. This study explores how stronger teams and foundations can be developed.
A literature review exploring the use of art psychotherapy as an intervention with children and young people experiencing social exclusion and isolation in schools
(2021-04-19)
This paper presents a narrative review of literature surrounding the use of art psychotherapy as an intervention for children and young people (CYP) experiencing social exclusion and isolation in school. The purpose of this review is to first examine a range of literature which identifies potential factors contributing towards social exclusion and isolation, including: physical and/or learning disability, refugee status, poverty and attachment issues. Secondly, literature which explores the impact of social exclusion and isolation on the health and mental well-being of these individuals will be critically analysed. By exploring how this can be seen in the therapeutic relationship, the artwork itself, group art psychotherapy and by examining the integration of art psychotherapy within school, this review critically evaluates the use of art psychotherapy in exploring these issues. A qualitative methodology is used in order to reflect on the relevance of the work undertaken in this field so far. Thematic analysis will be used as the method to gather, appraise and evaluate the literature. Ethical considerations are made regarding the art psychotherapist’s position of privilege when working with this demographic. Lastly, this review will address the gaps found within the existing research, with a particular focus on the relevance of further studies regarding social isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic. In undertaking this review, I acknowledge my own bias when critiquing the literature, due to my own background, identity and previous experience as an art psychotherapist within schools.
A Narrative Review of the Literature around Art Psychotherapy as an Intervention for Mothers Experiencing Postpartum Depression
(2021-07-05)
Objective: This dissertation focuses on what psychodynamic studies have found on mothers with postpartum depression (PPD), followed by the rationale of art psychotherapy for distressed mothers through the perspective of neurobiology. Furthermore, this paper will explore the effects of art psychotherapy and other creative interventions, such as music, on postpartum mothers in distress. It then provides a summary of overall findings, gaps in studies and further recommendations for future research in the context of working with mothers with PPD. Methods: A narrative literature review was chosen as the methodology, aiming to investigate and summarise what has been previously studied. Literature was retrieved through the database search of CINAL Plus, MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, and Google scholar. English language and full-text published and unpublished articles and books were also included. Conclusions: Through the process of thematic analysis, the author identified four key themes: 1) There is a significant association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and PPD. 2) Group art psychotherapy intervention has proven to be effective in alleviating a sense of isolation, shame, loss of self and in turn offering mothers space and supporting for the transition into motherhood through self-reflection, rebuilding new identity whilst creating resilience. 3) Combined art and music therapy as an emergent field to be studied for mothers with PPD. 4) Dual experience researchers, both as former service users for the health care service and as art psychotherapists, might be beneficial in providing first-hand lived experience of 3 postpartum difficulties and appropriate insight into carefully designing research questions and methods.
Neuroaesthetics: Adopting a Neuroscientifically informed approach to Art Psychotherapy Practice. A literature review exploring the use of art psychotherapy as an intervention with children and young people experiencing social exclusion and isolation in schools.
(2023) Unknown author
Creative expression is an intrinsic part of being human, reflecting aspects of our inner world that may have previously remained unknown. Art making is intrinsic to art psychotherapy intervention, facilitated through a therapeutic relationship with a trained art therapist. Various art materials and creative intervention approaches are used with the aim of symptom reduction. Although there is considerable documentation of the clinical value of art therapy, quantifying mechanisms of change that may occur during intervention has been a challenge due to the multiple psychic processes involved in psychotherapeutic care. Drawing on the field of neuroscience, neuroaesthetics identifies brain dynamics that occur while engaging with art in an art psychotherapy session. These data may elucidate how making art with an art therapist engages the brain, while also uncovering mechanisms of change and informing measurement of outcomes from clinical art therapy interventions. This paper synthesises relevant literature from neuroscience and neuroaesthetics to generate an understanding of the neural mechanisms that may be present during an art therapy session. Thematic analysis is used as the method to gather, appraise and evaluate the literature. A qualitative methodology aids in reflecting on the relevance of literature to art psychotherapy practice. Gaps within the existing research are highlighted, with suggestions for future investigations that can further unify the fields of neuroaesthetics and art psychotherapy to inform practice.
A Pig's Progress An arts-based research project exploring animation as a way to process setting up an art therapy service in an NHS Community Mental Health Team
(2024) Unknown
This piece of arts-based research (ABR) uses animation to communicate the trials, tribulations and rewards of establishing an art therapy service as a trainee in an NHS Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). Although there are few resources on the topic, I propose that animation is useful to the art therapy profession and experiment with the art form by creating an animated response artwork. In the accompanying text, the research is grounded in existing literature exploring the therapeutic potential of animation, the difficulties that may arise when setting up a service and thoughts around response art by art therapists. As ABR, this project seeks to bridge the space between medicine and art. Animating does require time and some technical ability, but the findings suggest that it helped me to process my work, look after myself and make an accessible form of research. Additionally, there were many parallels to be found between the processes of animating and building an art therapy service. Subsequently, I recommend that other art therapists try animation themselves and share more about their experiences of setting up services. Animation is an empowering process that gives directorial power to its creator, so I also suggest that animating could be used by future clients to promote a sense of agency.
THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS IN ECO-ART THERAPY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING THE PERSPECTIVE OF ECO-ART THERAPY PRACTITIONERS.
(2023) Unknown author
Eco-art therapy is an emerging field within the arts therapies. It involves practicing art therapy with participants in groups or individually, outdoors or with natural materials and with a particular focus on nature as the setting, subject, or materials in the therapeutic process (Alders Pike, 2021, p. 3) to improve the wellbeing of participants and develop their relationship to nature. This study used qualitative methodology to explore how eco-art therapy is practiced, how it can support the mental and emotional wellbeing of participants and encourage a change in their ways of relating to the natural world. Qualitative methods were used to collect and analyze data from semi-structured interviews with art therapists who practice eco-art therapy. The data was subjected to thematic analysis. Results suggest that eco-art therapists perceive that clients’ disconnection from their bodies, from other people and from nature can be addressed through the process of eco-art therapy. The multidimensional relationship between nature, therapist, client and art can help clients address fears, traumas and challenges, develop body awareness and presence, and lead to a shift in their perception of themselves and their relationship to the natural world. The outcomes can include a greater sense of connection to the self, others, and nature, a feeling of belonging, meaning and spirituality. These changes produce a healing effect in the client, the therapist and the natural world. Limitations and future research were considered.
Trust me, I'm an Art Therapist: An exploration of how an understanding of epistemic trust might inform the role of art psychotherapy in an acute ward setting.
(2023) Unknown author
This literature review takes a hermeneutical approach in exploring how an understanding of epistemic trust might inform the role of art psychotherapy in the acute ward setting. The review synthesizes research and theory-based texts with the aim of exploring the relationship between epistemic trust and the acute ward context, and to identify areas that could benefit from further research. The review points to three main findings. Firstly, that the acute ward setting is often experienced as challenging for patients and art therapists, with power dynamics, patient experience, and staff retention presenting chronic problems over many years. Secondly, art therapy may be uniquely well-suited to work with acutely unwell patients by offering a communicative channel beyond language, allowing greater agency over their level of engagement in therapy. Lastly, the review turns towards a criticism of epistemic trust in suggesting that it struggles to account for systemic injustices in knowledge production. The implications for art therapy practice coming from this review suggest that an important role of the ward-based art therapist is to remain sensitive to structural inequalities in acute mental health treatment and to take a critical eye towards dominant theoretical discourse. Overall, this review highlights the continued benefits of art psychotherapy in acute mental health treatment and contextualises this within a comprehensive overview of epistemic trust. Further research is needed on clarifying how this understanding could inform future art therapy practice in this setting
Why the sudden change? A qualitative study exploring factors influencing art therapists’ decisions to adapt to online art therapy delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.K
(2021-04-26)
Purpose The purpose of this small-scale research study was to determine the compelling factors influencing Art Therapists’ decisions to adjust to online art therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aimed to discover the views of U.K. based Art Therapists on the adaptations to their practice, implemented due to the sudden restrictions in face-to- face delivery. It was hoped, through its findings the study would reveal the attitudes of Art Therapists towards online Art Therapy delivery and explore how this could impact upon its delivery. The study aimed to provide useful data in understanding what is helpful in the development of online Art Therapy working and thus further inform the expansion of the field. Methods This research study explored “Why are art therapists in the U.K. adapting their practice during the Covid-19 pandemic?” through the subjective experience of five Art Therapists in a small-scale study using a qualitative research design and the Constructivist Grounded Theory method. This was to allow for the co construction of theory that included both participant and researcher experiences, while offering in-depth analysis grounded in the data. The researcher conducted 30-45 minute online video interviews with participants where they were asked about their experiences and adaptations while working online as Art Therapists during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was limited to Art Therapists living and working in the U.K. who were qualified and registered with the British Association of Art Therapy and not employed within the NHS at the time of interview. Data from interviews were transcribed and analysed consistent with the Constructivist Grounded Theory approach using theoretical sampling and the constant comparison method in interpretation. Findings Through analysis of the data generated from interviews with all five participants who consented to take part in the study, five main themes emerged in response to the research question: (1) Commitment to Clients, (2) Inherent adaptability, Reflexivity and curiosity (in practice), (3) Determination, (4) Feeling 16006819 3 Pressured and (7) Maintaining Identity. In addition to these the study also revealed other findings related to the attitudes of Art Therapists related to adaptations they had made: (1) Reluctance to Adapt (Facing an unknown and Lacking knowledge) and (2) Concerns about adaptations (Limitations and Safety). Conclusions Findings showed that the commitment Art Therapists felt to their clients and the need to maintain consistency in their practice was significant, as was their apparent innate adaptability, flexibility and drive to adapt sessions to suit their clients’ needs. Determination was identified as a potential cause of adaptation, evidenced in the efforts to maintain connections and the drive to provide meaningful therapy in a crisis situation. Pressure in the form of time limitations and financial responsibilities were key factors in their decision to adapt online delivery, alongside the need to maintain their identity as Art Therapists and define their practice. Findings also revealed significant data on the feelings of Art Therapists in regards to their adapted practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Themes that emerged were: reluctance (facing an unknown and lacking in knowledge) and concerns (limitations and safety). Art Therapists described feeling hesitant which they attributed to their concerns around the unknown and felt they lacked knowledge and training, were underqualified, unsupported and needing guidance. All of which contributed to feeling unconfident in delivering Art Therapy online. The limitations of what online delivery could offer when compared to face to-face caused apprehension and concern that the online platform omitted significant valuable elements in the work and was not as effective. Limitations & Implications The study, being completed in a short time frame, was limited to a small number of participants which allowed the researcher to focus on the quality of the data and subsequent in depth analysis, however, fully exploring phenomena and drawing conclusions from the data may have been limited. 16006819 4 The study itself took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, through which a further lockdown was imposed on the U.K. population, which may have had a negative effect on interest and participation. A more even distribution in terms of participants’ experience as qualified Art Therapists may have yielded more robust data. Prior to this study there had been limited evidence of research relating to attitudes of Art Therapists and little exploring what factors influenced their decisions to adapt their practice to online delivery during COVID-19. Findings may be of use in providing insight into factors influencing how Art Therapists may adapt their practice to new technologies in the future. Further research is essential to provide a broader and more widely reaching understanding of Art Therapists’ attitudes to adaptation in general, and in online work specifically, during the current rapid expansions in this field.