Review of arts-based therapies for Canadian youth with lived experience of mental illness

Abstract

Canadian youth can experience a range of mental health problems and mental illness, many of which perpetuate into adulthood. In contrast with preventative and medical care for physical problems, youth who experience difficulties with mental health or illness meet restricted access to evaluation, diagnostic and treatment services. Obstacles vary from low funding levels for services to the fear of being stigmatised by society. Conventional therapies could be complemented by the use of arts-based therapies, which are reported to offer a tangible alternative and could relieve delays in treatment. However, research regarding the treatment options, monitoring and assessment of outcomes is based largely on narrative evidence or idiographic studies, thus constraining the dissemination of supporting evidence and limiting the range of treatments for use by practitioners. While arts-based therapies receive support from many areas, including people with lived experience of mental health problems and illness, it is argued that the development of a theoretical foundation and extensive empirical research are required to develop the potential that arts-based therapies have to offer.

Feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of a creative arts intervention for elementary school children living with speech, language and communication disorders

“…Traditional therapeutic methods like individual psychotherapy have become increasingly inaccessible, and wait-lists times are at an all-time high (23,24). Hence, art-based approaches could serve as an effective alternative for youth, particularly as they provide a sense of empowerment and prompt participants to share their work, thoughts, and feelings with their peers (25,26). In youth populations, art-based interventions have namely served to overcome resistance to therapy (21).…”

“…Noted benefits from these creative activities include children's increased sense of personal strength, confidence, identity, and positive emotions (33). Art-based interventions can also extend therapeutic relationships when conducted in a group setting, particularly when creative and interpretive processes are combined (25). Indeed, group settings can provide additional value to art-based interventions through peer support, self-regulation, and cooperation (34).…”

Promoting the mental health and well-being of vulnerable youth through art: A descriptive qualitative study

“…Mental health prevention programs should be effective, well-adapted, and accessible to ensure implementation and effectiveness. Conventional approaches to therapy with children are vast and wellreviewed, yet lack availability (Boekhoven et al, 2012). For example, cognitive behavioural therapy has proven to be effective amongst a wide variety of youth populations (e.g., Perkins et al, 2022;Wuthrich et al, 2023), but it is not as easily accessible (Dubé et al, 2019).…”

Clinical social work and expressive arts therapy with youth at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre

“…Expressive arts therapy provides a gentler way to process internal dialogue. Studies showed that expressive arts based therapies can work to create a sense of hopefulness, and decrease fears (Boekhoven, Bowker, Davidson, Cacciato & Gray, 2012).…”

“…In fact, expressive arts could arguably be the "most developmentally appropriate method" for this age group as it offers a tool to "overcome cognitive defenses" (Wilson & Ziomek-Daigle, 2013, p. 2). Studies showed that it offers a viable option for youth who may have difficulty verbalizing their painful feelings (Boekhoven, et al, 2012). Since the teen years are a time of self-expression, the use of expressive arts therapy during this time, go hand in hand (Linesch & Rosal, 1988).…”