The Philosophy
Visual expressions have been basic to humanity throughout history. At the beginning of the 20th Century, psychiatrists became interested in the art work done by patients, and studied it to see if there was a link between the art and the illness of their patients. At this same time, art educators were discovering that the free and spontaneous art expression of children represented both emotional and symbolic communications. It was not until the 1930s that art therapy emerged as a distinct profession, which has grown into an effective and important method of communication, assessment and treatment with many populations.
Art therapy is a modality based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing. Through creating art, talking about art and the process of art making with an art therapist, one can enhance cognitive abilities, increase self awareness, cope with symptoms of a physical disorder and gain relief from emotional distress such as anger, loss, depression, worry, anxiety, trauma, abuse and addiction.
The Art
Art therapy is the application of a variety of art modalities in conjunction with human developmental and psychological theories. The art therapist uses drawing, painting, clay and other mediums to assess and treat the emotional and psychological need of the client. The medium, the images, the art process and one's responses to the art production are used as reflection of the client's development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns and conflicts, which are explored in the art therapy session.
Art therapy works with children, adolescents, and adults. The client does not need to have artistic skill and the art production does not need to be elaborate. The format may include individual, couples, family and group therapy, which serve populations of all races, and ethnic backgrounds. An art therapy session could consist of developing a focus for the therapy, making art, discussing the art product within the framework of psychological counseling, or a
combination of these. Often art therapy is included as part of a clinical team for settings such as mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions, community outreach programs, wellness centers, schools, nursing homes, corporate structures, art studios and independent practices.
The Science
A search of Pub Med (a free library of life science journals) on 03/26/2005 for randomized clinical trials of Art Therapy found 9 relevant studies. The strongest evidence seems to be for the use of Art Therapy in improving communication between therapist and subject and in improving self-image and feelings of wellbeing. One study found decreased systolic blood pressure in individuals engaged in Art Therapy. There is also some evidence from two trials that Art Therapy may help reduce health care costs and utilization of health services for individuals with chronic disease. There is no evidence yet that Art Therapy directly affects the course of given disease. There are a number of organizations actively engaged in supporting research into Art Therapy.
Below are some representative studies and links to research sites.
Green BL, Wehling C, Talsky GJ.
Group art therapy as an adjunct to treatment for chronic outpatients.
Hosp Community Psychiatry. 1987 Sep;38(9):988-91.
Wikstrom BM, Theorell T, Sandstrom S.
Medical health and emotional effects of art stimulation in old age. A controlled intervention study concerning the effects of visual stimulation provided in the form of pictures.
Psychother Psychosom. 1993;60(3-4):195-206.
Wikstrom BM
Visual art dialogues with elderly persons: effects on perceived life situation.
J Nurs Manag. 2000 Jan;8(1):31-7.
http://www.arttherapy.org/resources/research/art_therapy_research.htm
http://www.baat.org/atprn.html
The Practitioner
Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy and hold a
master's degree in art therapy or a related field. Certification is provided
through the Art Therapy Credentialing Board (ATCB), which is an independent
organization. Upon completion of graduate requirements and 1000 hours of
postgraduate, supervised, direct client contact, the ATCB may grant registration as a
Registered Art Therapist (ATR). The ATR who successfully practices art therapy
for two years and who passes the written examination administered by the ATCB
is granted Board Certification (ATR-BC), a credential requiring maintenance
through 100 hours of continuing education credits over a 5-year period. The
American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA) regulates educational, professional
and ethical standards for art therapists.
CIM Practitioner
Laura Kunze, MAET, ATR-BC, LCDCIII
