This article presents a new method for encouraging clients to articulate and explore their narrative identities. The method combines the advantages of perception of art and of construction of narrative identity. It is inspired by McAdams 'Life Story Interview' and Hermans and Hermans-Jansen's Self-Confrontation Method. The material is a set of 100…

Both art therapists and artists in health care commonly facilitate art processes in health-care environments. Their work is based on the shared belief that the arts and creativity can enhance quality of life, particularly during difficult times. Although art therapists and artists generally view their work as distinct, their respective fields are…

Art therapy has the potential to address some of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by promoting sensory regulation, supporting psychomotor development, and facilitating communication. The multisensory nature of art materials and the relational aspect of art making lends itself to the treatment of the challenges inherent in ASD…

Some creative arts therapists see themselves as members of a marginalized profession compared to established health-care professions that have more political clout. This study compared job satisfaction and professional collective self-esteem (CSE) in a sample of 288 Israeli professionals: 158 creative arts therapists (of whom 48% were art…

This study explores the subjective experience of art therapists who work with bereaved clients. Eight art therapists were given an art-based task and completed a semistructured interview. Qualitative analysis revealed 3 themes conceived in axes: (a) facilitating emotional expressiveness and control, (b) fluctuating between presence and absence of…

The purpose of this paper was to better understand the current practice of arts therapy in educational institutions in the Czech Republic comparing it to that in health-care institutions and other working environments. The research goal was to analyze the prevalence of the different fields of arts therapy, the main difficulties of clients, the…

There is a growing interest in understanding how individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience empathy to explore their social-emotional and communication impairments. Although there has been considerable research into autism and cognitive empathy, research into emotional empathy is scarce, and there is less on the impact of teaching…

As a profession that formed in relation to larger forces within science, psychology, and more, the field of art therapy is not immune to the systems of oppression woven throughout Western culture and has incorporated practices that, even unwittingly, perpetuate the oppression of American Indian peoples today. This article contextualizes the U.S.…

The nature and scope of the experiences offered to museum visitors are varied and changing, given that museums make it possible to explore new methodologies for unleashing and transmitting meaning during visits. In this regard, at the University of Navarra Museum, we researched the possibilities for mindfulness as a contemplative technique to…

Biopsychosocial theory is strengthening psychotherapy by focusing on interactions that engage the attachment system. Art therapy has the potential to align coherently with current theory provided it addresses the value of art in engaging with the attachment system. This article describes an interpersonal theory of art therapy based on a model of…

To help art therapists work effectively with the realities of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), this special report brings together art therapists who have experience working in pandemics (Ebola, SARS), attending to health professionals, and building creative virtual communities. Art therapists can support recommended public health…

This randomized controlled study examined effects of mandala (structured and unstructured) and instruction (directed expression and free expression) on state anxiety, mood, and state mindfulness. Participants included 69 undergraduates randomly assigned to one of four conditions following anxious mood induction. The design followed 2 (mandala) X 2…

With an interdisciplinary focus on creativity, inclusion and wellbeing, this paper provides a conceptual argument for additional and reimagined arts education programs in schools that incorporate creative arts therapies. Based on a review of literature in this field, it documents the practices and value of creative art therapies, for students…

This article describes a collaborative educational program for psychiatry residents who co-lead art therapy groups with a licensed art therapist in an adult outpatient clinic. Since the program's inception 10 years ago, 60 residents have completed the training, which includes art making with patients in group sessions. Residents have participated…

Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease as well as a reduction in psychosocial well-being. The objective of this study was to create and implement an innovative intervention that would address the health needs of overweight postmenopausal women. In this virtual pilot project, named Integrative Intervention with…