Trusting the artwork

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to inquire into the subjective experience of participants of psychodynamic group art therapy.This investigation was designed to record participants' responses and understanding of their art-making and their artwork in therapy. The qualitative methodology of phenomenography was chosen to record the art-making process. The sample included three women from a women's centre and six university students. A single interview was conducted with each of the nine participants and included their artwork from the group art therapy. Group art therapy committed to a participant's personal development was effective in contributing to a resolution of personal conflicts, whereas group art therapy committed to professional development was effective in stimulating group dynamics, but the participants were guarded when discussing the personal content of their artwork.

Date of Award	2003
Original language	English