Subjective Experience of Art Therapists in the Treatment of Bereaved Clients

Abstract

This study explores the subjective experience of art therapists who work with bereaved clients. Eight art therapists were given an art-based task and completed a semistructured interview. Qualitative analysis revealed 3 themes conceived in axes: (a) facilitating emotional expressiveness and control, (b) fluctuating between presence and absence of client’s art, and (c) maneuvering between intuitive and theory-based interventions. The last axis incorporated the wounded healer aspect. The findings describe how art therapists use the creative process, honor imagery, and determine their interventions to effectively work with clients coping with grief.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dana Garti

Dana Garti is an art therapist at the Early Childhood Developmental Center in Bat Yam, Israel.

Michal Bat Or

Michal Bat Or is a Researcher and Lecturer in The School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.