An exploration of the relevance of the concept of “flow” in art therapy

Abstract

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist, conducted research into the psychological state of happiness. A result of this work is the concept of “flow” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1992). Csikszentmihalyi's work has to date not been reviewed in art therapy literature for its relevance to our clinical practice or theoretical conceptualisation. Both art therapy and the concept of “flow” are concerned with the well-being of the individual. In this paper I will explore possible intersections between them. I present a summary of the salient features of Csikszentmihalyi's findings in regard to flow and explore how I have found that an understanding of this psychological state can be relevant in my art therapy practice. A consideration of the phenomenon of “flow” may be a way of re-addressing a balance between understanding an art therapy client's areas of “wellness” and “strength” as well as possible areas of “ illness” or “difficulty”.

Keywords:

• Flow
• art therapy
• wellness
• strength
• illness
• difficulty

I would like to acknowledge the initial inputs of Linda Davies and Peter Byrne, and also the endless encouragement and professional advice of my husband, Charles, without which I would have given up long ago. Thanks also to Pauline Mottram and two anonymous referees whose critical input rescued an idea and substantially improved the paper.