Art Therapy

This study examines one experience of multiplicity and the therapeutic relationship, from the perspectives of a client and an art therapist. The inquiry utilizes intuitive collaging as data collection to examine the lived and living experiences of multiplicity for the purpose of building impactful therapeutic alliances with clients who are multiple.

With the expansion of human longevity since the 1950s, the population of older adults has surged. Prioritizing the well-being and challenges of aging for this group of people is necessary, as neglecting this aspect not only has financial implications but also risks causing widespread unhappiness and mental issues. This research introduces a curriculum that combines art therapy with museum visits to support the mental well-being of older adults. Acknowledging their unique needs among aging concerns, this integrated approach provides cognitive and creative stimulation, holding the benefits of neuroplasticity. This study offers insight on how to enrich the
lives of older adults and contributes to their emotional and cognitive vitality. Curriculum methods are discussed along with their limitations and implications for future research.

These interventions are designed to bring together terminally ill adult patients and their loved ones, whether family, friends and/or support members. The emphasis upon interpersonal relations emerges from the intent to accommodate culturally specific needs which may exist in a collectivist fashion according to the client, and which have only been marginally addressed in previous interventions for palliative care patients. The location of the interventions may vary so that it could be applicable in hospital, hospice or home environments; considerations are made in order to address the circumstances of various locations. The methodology applies a group art therapy approach in which participants create art which signify memories and important moments that they have shared together, with an emphasis upon those shared with the terminally ill patient. Following the creation of art produced from a chosen intervention, the group is prompted to discuss their artworks and the affect they feel in relation to them, with the aim of encouraging open communication between participants. The frequency and duration of the intervention will vary in accordance with client-specific circumstances. After the terminally ill client has passed away, the remainder of the participants will be provided with an opportunity to engage in a final session during which they may process their emotions as a group.

As the older population of the United States continues to get older, the nation’s need to provide comprehensive, individual care also grows. The rise in the number of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities around the country is a testament to the desire to honor and care for these individuals in their late life. However, it is often that physical ailments and disease within this population are addressed more frequently than mental health issues. This research seeks to explore the many physical, emotional, and social challenges older adults face in long-term care settings and the intricate connection of these three aspects of health. It will then propose a group art therapy curriculum that endeavors to foster creativity and social connection among residents as they pursue a high quality of life in this late stage.

Child development involves many components and is influenced by many factors. Mental health including mental health symptoms is a significant contributing part of a child’s life and growth. The need for accessible approaches in addressing children’s mental health and well-being is indicated by the multitude of arising mental health conditions and symptoms. Art therapy although a novel field, is an accessible approach to addressing such children’s needs. The paper considers the creation of a children’s book in educating children and their families about art therapy addressing the value of art therapy.