A brief report of art therapy in an inpatient mental health unit : consumer feedback and experience

Scott Lamont, Dianne Sutton, Scott Brunero

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study aimed to review consumer feedback of group art therapy sessions within an inpatient mental health unit. A post evaluation study of consumers attending group art therapy sessions was conducted at an inpatient mental health unit. Twenty-seven consumers returned written surveys reporting on their experience of the art therapy sessions. A content analysis of the survey responses was conducted. Four consumers provided images from group sessions for a visual appraisal of their work. Content analysis of the written surveys revealed expressing emotions, relaxation, distraction, clearer thought processes and enabling creativity as effects of the therapy. The four images illustrate the powerful relationship between the artwork and the consumers, cognitions, emotions and behaviours. The evaluation by consumers of the art therapy sessions reported varied benefits. Further investigations of this type of intervention are warranted.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)68-74
Number of pages7
JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Arts Therapy
Volume4
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • art therapy
  • mental health

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