The experiences of children who participate in therapy incorporating art as a therapeutic technique.

摘要

The purpose of this qualitative study was to focus on the experiences of latency-aged children who participated in psychotherapeutic treatment incorporating art. Children often have a difficult time with verbal dialogue, leading therapists to incorporate alternative nonverbal methods in psychotherapy, such as art. Eight participants with varying diagnoses, ranging in age from 7 to 12 years old, were interviewed about their experiences in treatment. Ten themes emerged: 1) the importance of a positive relationship with the therapist; 2) therapy improves general well-being and functioning; 3) art in therapy provides opportunities for fun and creativity; 4) art in therapy provides the opportunity for communicating emotions and "getting feelings out;" 5) art in therapy serves to reduce stress, worries, anxiety, and fears; 6) the usefulness of particular art directives in coping; 7) the incorporation of art in therapy allows for the opportunity to make choices and exert control; 8) the usefulness of art techniques in learning more traditional cognitive behavioral and behavioral therapy interventions; 9) the use of art in therapy to help improve art skill; 10) and finally, a few participants discussed a desire for greater incorporation of art in treatment. Due to the lack of existing research on this topic from a child's perspective, this study helps to identify the benefits to utilizing art as an intervention with latency-aged children. These results can be used to inform therapists about an alternative psychotherapeutic technique in which they may seek training, which can enhance the efficacy and overall therapeutic experience of children in psychotherapeutic treatment.