Drawing time revisited: the benefits of art therapy in prison

Abstract

My ideas of the benefits of art and art therapy in prison has evolved over the years, culminating in the publication Art and Art Therapy with the Imprisoned: Re-Creating Identity. The chapter reproduced here, stipulates that one obstacle correctional institutions need to address is the unending rise of mental illness due to the escalating arrest and incarceration of the mentally ill or the degradation of mental well-being of those inside. Such trauma is brought about, in part, by the overcrowded facilities and the resultant lack of privacy, stress, abuse, inadequate health care, and poor support. In addition, prison inmates are burdened with derogatory labels resulting in poor sympathy from society at large. Poor mental health is the unavoidable consequence. Yet, it is increasingly difficult to provide services in an environment where identified weaknesses and vulnerabilities may be taken advantage of. To succeed, therapists should be armed with tools to overcome the inmates’ distrust, inherent aggression, and potentially damaged cognitive abilities. Art therapy has been effective in addressing the needs of the clients by its ability to bypass these survival-based defences. This article explores these various benefits and provides an overview on why art therapy is clinically advantageous for those inside.