Relationship Between the Therapist-Client Bond and Outcomes of Art Therapy in the Israeli School System

Abstract

This exploratory study examined associations between the therapist-client bond and outcomes in individual and group art therapy in the Israeli school system. Children (n = 77; aged 7–13) and art therapists (n = 50) reported on the therapist-client bond at three time points. At the onset and conclusion of art therapy, children also reported on loneliness and perceived competence, whereas parents and homeroom teachers reported on the child's behavioral and emotional problems. Significant correlations were only found between child-reported bond and outcome in individual therapy. These findings suggest the important role of this bond in art therapy, especially from the clients’ perspective.

Keywords:

• Therapist-client bond
• art therapy
• school system
• therapy outcomes
• children