[LAUIL601] Secondary Research - Art Therapy Framework

All paraphrased from https://arttherapyresources.com.au/happens-art-therapy-session/

Harvard Referenced: Art Therapy Resources. (n.d.) What Happens in An Art Therapy Session? Available at: https://arttherapyresources.com.au/happens-art-therapy-session/ [Accessed 1 Jun 2021]. 

Structured environments where art therapy is delivered, such as schools, prisons, and hospitals, strongly emphasises the outcomes. Proof is often required to illustrate that an art therapy program is working especially for funding.

Treatment planning delivers 3 important benefits:

• Establishing what the client needs help with

• A commitment to help the client

• Evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment

'Treatment planning encourages a focused-approach for both the client and therapist to resolve current issues for the client.' An art therapist utilises clinical skills, psychology, and their understanding of the client to tailor an individually engaging session. There are three stages that define an effective art therapy session:

Stage 1: Pre Art-Making

• Assessing client

• Providing education of art therapy to the client: outlining the benefits, typical process of a session, addressing any reluctance the client may have in participating in art activities or therapy

• Setting therapeutic goals, subsequently on a smaller scale in following sessions

Stage 2: Art-Making

Three elements to consider: 

• Medium

• Theme

• Process

An art therapist introduces the activity and suggested materials. Offering the client choices of activities and art materials 'fosters an environment of self-expression with a sense of control.' When the activity and materials are agreed upon, the art therapist observes while the client works. The art therapist can guide through materials if any questions arise and answer queries about an activity. Communication should be non-directive and open-ended.

The issue of perfectionism may arise, and it is important for the art therapist to remind the client that they are 'not creating an artwork to be judged and interpreted' but for the benefits of the creative process. This 'will arouse [the] client’s connection to the joy of art' and bring a 'sense of joy and accomplishment of completing the task.'

Art therapists will observe the following during art therapy sessions:

• The client's decision-making in relation to materials chosen and not chosen

• The degree of hesitation or impulsiveness

• Whether a client is independent or seeks guidance during activities

• Any body language or facial expressions as a response to the creative process

• Whether a client creates freely or rigidly

• Whether a client is organised or disorganised

• Whether a client is pleased or critical with their outcome(s)

• Whether the client expresses enthusiasm or apathy to an activity

Throughout the creative process, it is important for an art therapist to remain impartial and unbiased towards a client’s behaviours in regard to the use of materials. 'An art therapist who incorrectly applies their own bias to this situation may run the risk of over analysing their client’s behaviour.'

Stage 3: Post Art-Making

• Discussion: explore client's feelings and thoughts around the art activity. 

Asking the client to title their outcome(s) initiates a verbal discussion which can extend to thoughts and feelings on the activity, the materials used, changes in mood, if any memories surfaced, and summarising any themes to explore. If this cannot be achieved verbally, a journal can be used instead.

'It is important to avoid giving interpretations (avoiding your bias) and reaffirm with your client that you are not looking for hidden meanings within the art.' (Art Therapy Resources n.d)