Finding Clarity in Chaos: Art Therapy Lessons from a Psychiatric Hospital

Publication date: Available online 18 June 2019Source: The Arts in PsychotherapyAuthor(s): Annette Shore, Sarah RushAbstractArt therapy methods and approach are explored through an overview of inpatient psychiatric art therapy and a series of practice-oriented lessons. Case vignettes describe a range of highly symptomatic patients in short term treatment and illustrate art therapy interventions that take place within the inherent challenges of the workplace. Patient symptoms (such as poor reality testing, emotional distress, and lack of stimulus barrier) necessitate structured methods and extremely modest goals that focus on heightened organization, reality-orientation, self-soothing, increased attention span, and distress tolerance. The internal chaos of patients and the overstimulating hospital environment demands adaptations, and an intentional approach that accesses individuals’ strengths. The following lessons offer a structure for managing and supporting patients: 1. Focus on Under-stimulation; 2. Build Individual Strengths through Accessing Creativity When Possible; 3. Re-examine Definitions of Group Cohesion; 4. Help Patients to Gain a Sense of Control; 5. Consider the Continuum of Relational Tolerance; and 6. Encourage Reality Orientation through Art-Based Form and Content.

Source: Arts in Psychotherapy - June 19, 2019 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research