This case report discusses the potential for art therapy to aid in the recovery of early-chronic stroke patients. The patient was diagnosed with having a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a cerebral aneurysm rupture 1 year prior to hospitalization. Therapies used as part of the patient's treatment included 10 weeks of art therapy conducted twice a…

Externalization of problems as a component of narrative therapy has been well defined by such authors as Epston and White, and Freedman and Combs. This study reflects the voices and experiences of 17 participants who engaged in an innovative externalization exercise combining sculpture and journaling over a period of 4 weeks. In an attempt to…

This study examined the efficacy of an adjunctive trauma-focused art therapy intervention in reducing chronic child posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in an inpatient psychiatric facility for youth. We compared 2 treatment conditions, each delivered in one 1-hour group sessions over 16 weeks: (a) a trauma-focused expressive art therapy…

This paper details art therapy with children affected by the December 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka. Over 30,000 Sri Lankans lost their lives when the tsunami decimated coastal areas. The child survivors witnessed horrific traumatic events and the loss of loved ones, but had not been given opportunity to express their grief and pain. A 4-week art…

Background: The aims were to identify referral characteristics and outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities referred to a psychodynamic psychotherapy service. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case notes review of anonymized data relating to 100 sequential patient episodes. Results: A total of 81 people out of 100 with a range of…

Discusses ideas from literature on self-esteem that relate to both art-making process and overall treatment goals targeted in art therapy setting. Stresses art component of art therapy throughout since it is believed that isomorphic relationship exists between specific features of self-esteem and art component. (Author/NB)

There is a paucity of literature on social skills therapy for students on the autism spectrum, revealing an urgent need for additional research. Past research has focused on the use of small groups or single-case study designs. The present study examines the effectiveness of a social skills therapy program for school-age children ages 11 through…

Treatment and diagnosis for the pediatric form of bipolar disorder presents a clinical challenge given the differences from its adult counterpart and the various comorbid forms that complicate presentation and developmental course. This article discusses manifestations of early onset bipolar disorder and offers a method for implementing art…

Based on five years observations, three items were more likely to appear in drawings of patients who relapsed within three months: (1) presence of psychoactive substances or drug paraphernalia; (2) lack of a figure representing the self or any detailed figure; (3) notable use of abstract or geometric drawing style. (LSR)

This case study describes three years of art therapy with a boy (age seven at the start) with borderline psychotic disorder. Changing themes over course of therapy are discussed and examples of child's work are included. Therapy was terminated after child had worked out fears and assumed an identity in which he could relate to peers in a normal…

Attempts to identify all published empirical evidence regarding art therapy effectiveness, as well as outcome trends associated with study design. Results reveal that three types of study designs produce very similar results regarding the positive effects of art therapy, but their conclusions may appear very different. (Contains 23 references and…

Describes the nature of outcomes research. Provides a historical sketch, and discusses its use in medicine and nursing, such as in developing measurement instruments, in measuring quality of life, and in sampling. Looks at outcomes research's role in psychotherapy and provides implications for its use in art therapy. (MKA)

Notes that dual identity of artist and therapist can be particularly problematic for art therapist and that transference and countertransference issues are complicated by these roles. Presents theoretical review and case study in which adolescent client was motivated, prolific, talented, and dramatically improving behaviorally as result of art…

Shows how applying art-therapy techniques to the basic principles of narrative therapy enhances the potential for therapists and families to open the door to externalizing conversations that lead to a new life. (Author/MKA)

Discusses which art therapy interventions were chosen to address the long- and short-term effects of sexual abuse, and provides theoretical and psychological documentation for each choice. Participants were evaluated using the Trauma Symptoms Child Checklist. Results document a reduction in the symptoms commonly associated with childhood sexual…