The Principles of Art Therapy in Virtual Reality

Abstract

In recent years, the field of virtual reality (VR) has shown tremendous advancements and is utilized in entertainment, scientific research, social networks, artistic creation, as well as numerous approaches to employ VR for psychotherapy. While the use of VR in psychotherapy has been widely discussed, little attention has been given to the potential of this new medium for art therapy. Artistic expression in VR is a novel medium which offers unique possibilities, extending beyond classical expressive art mediums. Creation in VR includes options such as three-dimensional painting, an immersive creative experience, dynamic scaling, and embodied expression. In this perspective paper, we present the potentials and challenges of VR for art therapy and outline basic principles for its implementation. We focus on the novel qualities offered by this creative medium (the virtual environment, virtual materials, and unreal characteristics) and on the core aspects of VR (such as presence, immersivity, point of view, and perspective) for the practice of art therapy.

Outcomes of Visual Self-Expression in Virtual Reality on Psychosocial Well-Being With the Inclusion of a Fragrance Stimulus: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Study

“…Overall, the participants described a sense of increased confidence in using the virtual tools to create imagery during the second session. In previous studies, we have participants reporting references on self-reflection (Hacmun et al, 2018;Kaimal et al, 2019) and unique perspectives, which was further confirmed in the creative expressive tasks in this study.…”

“…Therapeutically, VR can be used for receptive experiences like reflection and meditation in a new immersive environment or for creative self-expression using VR-specific painting and sculpting tools. Hacmun et al (2018) highlight that VR can promote a sense of presence and allows for transformations of the sense of self. Despite the absence of physical art materials, the embodied environment that VR offers can enhance the participant's presence within the artwork.…”

“…Although the incorporation of digital technological tools has been used by art therapists for some years, there is limited and emergent literature discussing the use of VR in art therapy. Virtual reality is a relatively new medium that is different in that it allows for digital art making in three dimensions while also immersing the participant in a new digital visual environment (different from physical visual environment) (Hacmun et al, 2018;Kaimal et al, 2019). In using VR, individuals need to use a headset that transports them into a new environment that is imaginary/simulated visual and different from the physical environment that is retained in traditional art making.…”

“…Despite the absence of physical art materials, the embodied environment that VR offers can enhance the participant's presence within the artwork. According to Hacmun et al (2018), this leads to an augmented experience of artistic creation that other artistic media cannot offer. Virtual reality mimics visual and motor signals, promoting an enhanced illusionary experience that makes the participant feel as if he/she is there (Riva et al, 2016).…”

“…Engaging in VR involves detachment from real-life physical sensory experiences and shifts perception into digital visual and auditory stimuli (Hacmun et al, 2018;Kaimal et al, 2019). Olfactory stimuli can be a way to connect back to the senses when other senses like that of sight and spatial perception are altered in VR.…”