Art therapy: an underutilized, yet effective tool

Abstract

Art therapy has been recognized as beneficial and effective since first described by Adrian Hill in 1942. Even before this time, art therapy was utilized for moral reinforcement and psychoanalysis. Art therapy aids patients with, but not limited to, chronic illness, physical challenges, and cancer in both pediatric and adult scenarios. Although effective in patient care, the practice of art therapy is extremely underutilized, especially in suburban areas. While conducting our own study in northeastern Ohio, USA, we found that only one out of the five inpatient institutions in the suburban area of Mahoning County, Ohio, that we contacted provided continuous art therapy to it's patients. In the metropolitan area of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, only eight of the twenty-two inpatient institutions in the area provided art therapy. There could be many reasons as to why art therapy is not frequently used in these areas, and medical institutions in general. The cause of this could be the amount of research done on the practice. Although difficult to conduct formal research on such a broad field, the American Art Therapy Association has succeeded in doing such, with studies showing improvement of the patient groups emotionally and mentally in many case types.

Experiences of Elementary School Counselors and Students in Using Reality Art Therapy to Address Chronic Conditions

“…Although participants had some difficulties implementing ReAT at the elementary school level, the school counselors described numerous benefits with this novel approach that align with reality therapy literature, including enhanced relationship building, improved insights and skills gained by students, and development of problem-solving strategies (Davis & Clark, 2012; Mason, 2016). These findings also coincide with literature noting the importance of such aspects in the quality of school engagement for students with chronic conditions (Bitonte & DeSanto, 2014; Boles, 2017; Gan et al, 2017; Janin et al, 2018; Lum et al, 2017; Merianos et al, 2015; Pedigo et al, 2018).…”

“…Art therapy has been identified as an effective, creative, and developmentally appropriate technique to help children explore situations that may be too painful or confusing to discuss while encouraging self-exploration, awareness, and growth (Cook, Mayorga, & Ball, 2016; Pielech, Sieberg, & Simons, 2013). In particular, art therapies have been shown to be effective in helping children facing chronic conditions reduce stress, enhance problem-solving skills, and develop a strong sense of well-being (Bastemur, Dursun-Bilgin, Yildiz, & Ucar, 2016; Beebe, Gelfand, & Bender, 2010; Bitonte & DeSanto, 2014; Palmer & Shepard, 2008). Further, art therapies fit well with the ASCA National Model for responsive services and lend themselves to combination with other counseling approaches (e.g., reality therapy) and application in school settings (Gonzalez-Dolginko, 2018; Losinski, Hughley, & Maag, 2016; Randick & Dermer, 2013).…”

Long-Term Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Growing Population

“…Interestingly, it has also been found that ethnic minority groups, who typically report poorer quality of life and worse distress after diagnosis, may derive more acute benefit from integrated modalities like art therapy [88]. It is also of importance to note that effective psychosocial support programs have been shown to be significantly associated with favorable clinical outcomes [84,[89][90][91][92].…”

Evaluating the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit

“…2 However, there is limited literature evaluating art therapy in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) units. 3 In mental health inpatient settings, verbal therapies continue to dominate. 2 However, many inpatients are unable to verbalise their concerns, and say they feel nothing or are numb.…”

“…2 However, there is limited literature evaluating art therapy in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) units. 3…”