The Broader Value of action and evidence-based Arts Therapy in the field of Allied Health
and how it helps to improve people’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
Our Arts Therapist Elisabeth provides some insight into the matter from a present-day perspective
Arts Therapy is not confined to being a short-term intervention, nor is it necessarily a prolonged process. The positive aspect is that it can be tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs, diagnosis, and physical condition. Therapy may consist of six to twelve sessions aimed at enhancing self-esteem by addressing a challenging life situation or a work-related issue, or it may extend over a longer duration to facilitate a comprehensive exploration of relational dynamics and behavioural patterns.
Arts Therapy is beneficial for individuals of all ages and does not necessitate any prior artistic abilities. It encourages creativity, imagination, and personal empowerment.
HOW TO ACCESS Arts Therapy? You may self-refer as a private client. If you are an NDIS participant, speak to your plan manager, support coordinator or recovery coach for a referral.
An individualised fit
Arts Therapy looks at the whole person. It considers the body, the mind, and the individual’s inner and outer world. It enhances psycho-social functioning and activates the brain and the moving body (or particular body parts). It is effective for individuals who experience challenges in verbal communication due to trauma, language barriers, diagnoses, or personality traits.
I observe the positive outcomes that Arts Therapy provides for individuals experiencing brain injuries, or physical disabilities. It is an excellent therapeutic alternative for neurodivergent individuals with ADHD and autism diagnoses (children, adolescents, and adults). Additionally, it is incorporated into multidisciplinary approaches for cancer treatment and has proven effective in managing chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis. It is a wonderful avenue to build a healthier self-image for clients with an eating disorder. There is an increasing body of evidence regarding its application in the mental health recovery of veterans. These examples represent just a few of the many domains in which Arts Therapy can enhance the quality of life for individuals.
In summary, my enthusiasm for this field stems from the understanding that arts therapy is not confined to a particular demographic; instead, it is available to all individuals who are intrigued by the ideas of creativity and movement or who have sought alternative therapies without finding adequate success. This method is certainly a beneficial therapeutic approach that is unique in its integration of psychotherapeutic components of talk therapy while also prioritizing embodied responses. Additionally, it explores the realm of non-verbal communication by applying various media for self-expression, thereby expanding upon the methodologies employed in traditional talk therapy models. One does not need to have acting abilities or proficiency in painting to successfully utilise techniques and materials from modalities such as drama and visual arts for self-expression, allowing for emotional communication that transcends verbal language.
Innovative strategies to mitigate the effects of trauma
I witness individuals daily who participate in innovative thought and action, frequently without initial conscious recognition. However, as their awareness develops, they become more adept at accessing their creativity when faced with challenges. This enhanced confidence enables them to reclaim their inner strength, allowing for a more expansive understanding of their needs and aspirations.
Artists frequently emphasise the public’s everyday reliance on creativity and imagination when the arts encounter criticism. But art as a medium for self-expression is also an effective means of examining the complex connection between the mind and body in therapy, particularly during the process of healing from painful traumatic experiences. Such experiences may lead individuals to perceive their identities as influenced by distressing thoughts or chronic emotional and physical suffering linked to their past.
The client’s experience and gain of insight
Some clients enter therapy sessions with varying expectations regarding the benefits of arts therapy.
While conventional viewpoints emphasise the importance of artistic talent and technical proficiency, an increasing number of individuals are acknowledging the significant therapeutic advantages of engaging with the arts in a therapeutic context. Such a recognition promotes a more open-minded approach and supports the practice of adapting one’s perspective towards more flexible thinking and improved daily functioning. Although some clients remain dedicated to learn new skills through art creation, the transformative effects and emotional healing that emerge from these artistic endeavours constitute a crucial therapeutic process. The overall experience of working with a professionally trained arts psychotherapist aids in the development of self-identity by fostering self-activation through established structure, routine, and goal orientation.
Two intertwining phases
The client and therapist engage in two interconnected phases throughout the therapeutic journey. One phase emphasises empowering individuals to recognise their personal abilities and strengths, concentrating on aspects that foster self-development related to self-worth, self-esteem, and self-efficacy towards independence. This involves enhancing existing skills or exploring new ones, which can cultivate increased curiosity, self-respect, and self-compassion through creative expression of feelings and emotions.
The other phase explores the impact of trauma, as well as mental or physical health conditions, on our lives, physical well-being, daily activities, and relationships with others. Here, we leverage our strengths and skills by employing various media to articulate inner conflicts, facilitating a reflective process developed through structured routines in one-on-one sessions. This approach necessitates a safe and supportive environment, which the therapist-client relationship can provide when grounded in trauma-trained practices.
Trauma-informed/trauma-trained practice within the framework of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity
To overcome ingrained unhealthy behaviours, it is essential to establish a relationship with an invested yet objective individual, which is fulfilled by the role of a therapist. This enables the client to navigate the dynamics of connection, rupture, and repair while learning to discern between functional and dysfunctional behaviours, as well as exploring the concept of safe and healthy boundaries. With psychodynamic informed Arts Therapy, we employ a bottom-up approach that facilitates personal growth and the gradual reclamation of self-identity.
What the research tells us
Arts Therapy is a well-regarded and extensively researched discipline, supported by a growing collection of national and international studies that illustrate its efficacy and significance within the multidisciplinary realm of mental and physical health care. The significance of Arts Therapy lies in its evidence-based exploration of the intricacies of the human psyche, a crucial aspect to consider when assessing its relevance in current discussions about its effectiveness. A selection of studies related to Arts Therapy can be found in the References section.
Article by Elisabeth Eitelberger, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Creative Arts Therapist AThR, COPE
Elisabeth (she/her) is a registered Psychodynamic Psychotherapist (Clinical Counsellor) with PACFA and has been part of our clinical team for the past few years as a professionally trained Arts Therapist (ANZACATA). She is also an interdisciplinary artist with three decades of experience in movement-based practice.
Elisabeth provides individual talk therapy with a somatic focus for clients facing mental health challenges, behavioural issues, and chronic pain. You can book Elisabeth for private sessions (Health Fund rebates may apply) or under NDIS’s clinical counselling.
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