A pilot research study examined how US graduate-level creative arts therapists (CATs) engaged clients in sexuality discussions as part of treatment, a mixed-methods concurrent design of survey research and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative survey obtained comprehensive data from over 130 CATs on their comfort and willingness to address…

This case study describes art therapy with a client diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Throughout 26 group art therapy sessions, significant emotional and behavioral changes unfolded along three distinct phases of the process. These stages included: identifying losses, reconciling difficult relationships, and articulating her dreams…

A growing body of research suggests that hope and other positive emotions are important in disrupting the cycle of pain and negative emotionality common to chronic pain sufferers. This qualitative research study focuses on the in-session experience of hope for participants during a specific arts-based hope intervention, as part of an…

The authors hypothesized that a textile art-making activity that was high in arousal, engagement, and positive mood and low in rumination and negative affect would be most effective for mood repair and would buffer inflammatory immune reactions. Forty-seven experienced textile handcrafters were asked to recall an upsetting situation before random…

In this study we explored the effects of group art therapy on the emotional well-being and parental empathy of mothers of children with special educational needs. Eleven mothers of children who were diagnosed with at least 1 kind of special educational need participated in a 16-week program. We hypothesized that the art therapy group would help…

Chronic pain is acknowledged as a phenomenological experience resulting from biological, psychological, and social interactions. Consequently, treatment for this complex and debilitating health phenomenon is often approached from multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial perspectives. One approach to treating chronic pain involves implementing…

This paper examines sexual identity development and the integration of art therapy in counseling with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) clients. Especially during the coming out process for LGBT clients, research has shown that levels of emotional and physical well-being decrease considerably. However, there is growing evidence in…

Reports on an art therapy intervention which was implemented with 20 elderly nursing home residents so as to improve their psychological well-being. Program evaluation included self-evaluations, case progress notes, journal notes, and photography. Results indicate that participants showed significantly improved measures of self-esteem, and reduced…

Summarizes a case study that examines how art assists in the healing process of a person suffering from a life-threatening illness. Takes a qualitative approach to illustrate the participant's engagement with art in self-healing. Demonstrates how art can illuminate insights that emerge from the experiences of a critical illness, and how it can…

Describes how creative arts are enmeshed in historical and contemporary Native spiritual and humanistic value systems. Claims that the interconnectedness of creative arts and Native existence represents a feasible option for helping professionals who work with this population. Presents examples to support the potential of this intervention. (RJM)

This pilot study (N = 18) explored the effectiveness of focusing and expressive arts therapies intervention on the quality of life of women with breast cancer. The format was a 2-day (7 hours per day) retreat/support group in which complementary treatments (focusing, writing, art, and movement) were provided in an intensive format. Our hypothesis…