Evaluating the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit

Abstract

Objectives: We describe the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit, including its acceptability rated through a satisfaction questionnaire. Methods: A patient satisfaction questionnaire was developed to collect feedback from 46 adolescents. Images from therapy were photographed and collated looking for patterns across diagnoses and stages of treatment. Results: Adolescents reported that art therapy helped them learn how to express themselves safely (80%) and understand how their thoughts related to their feelings (78%). Conclusions: Responsive art therapy was a useful strategy to support the safe expression of distress and was seen as a positive experience by adolescents in inpatient mental health care.

Proof of Concept of an Eclectic, Integrative Therapeutic Approach to Mental Health and Well-Being Through Virtual Reality Technology

“…Although most psychotherapists administer the safe space exercise as a mental imagery task, art therapy represents an alternative, behavioral-perceptual means of constructing a safe place. In general, art therapy can provide an avenue for helping individuals understand their thoughts and feelings, serve as a medium to express oneself, and explore the concept of psychological safety (e.g., Nielsen et al, 2019). Referring to PTSD treatment, art therapy has also been used for the purpose of consolidating traumatic memories, creating a coherent trauma narrative, and allowing for nonverbal expression of traumatic experiences (e.g., Wertheim-Cahen, 1991;Smeijsters, 2008;Gantt and Tinnin, 2009;Van Lith, 2016).…”

The Effect of Art Therapy Techniques on Depression, Anxiety Levels and Quality of Life in the Adolescent With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Preliminary Study

“…Meanwhile, it has no significant effect on blood HbA1c levels of our participants. Art therapy is defined as using various artistic materials to trigger positive developments in the lives of individuals, lessen their physical and psychological problems, lessen conflicts, solve problems and help them cope with stress (25). Art therapy session keep patients away from their illnesses for a while by doing creative activities.…”

Family Art Therapy: A Contribution to Mental Health Treatment in an Adolescent Inpatient Setting

“…Art therapy has recently been identified as a useful treatment option for complex mental illness, particularly for young people who have difficulty expressing their emotions safely or verbally (Gant & Tinnin, 2009; Nielsen, Isobel, & Starling, 2019). After a 7‐year evaluation 80% of the young people admitted to the inpatient unit reported art therapy had helped them learn how to express their feelings safely.…”

“…While there is increasing evidence for the effectiveness of art therapy with adolescents (Major, 2020; Nielsen, Isobel, & Starling, 2019) there is less evidence of the use of art therapy with families, although it appears to be an evolving discussion in practice settings (Coulter, 2015; Kerr, 2008a; Linesch, 1993; Taylor Buck et al, 2013; Taylor Buck, 2014). Because there is very little literature on this topic and a growing need for more clarity about the process and practice of family art therapy (Coulter, 2015; Taylor Buck et al, 2013), this paper presents three cases illustrating some of the ways art therapy has been useful for families.…”