The Art Therapy Practice Research Network: Hurdles, pitfalls and achievements

Abstract

Aim: This article gives an overview of the setting up of the Art Therapy Practice Research Network (ATPRN) in 2000, amidst a culture resistant to research. The authors discuss their experiences in changing this culture and encouraging art therapists to become practitioner/researchers. They identify learning points that may be helpful for other professionals who want to form new practice research networks (PRNs). Context: The research and practice context contemporary to the ATPRN foundation is outlined and identified as a significant influence on its inception and development. Key events in the 14 years of the PRN's life and articles on art therapy and psychotherapy research published at the time of the ATPRN foundation are used to illuminate the historical context. ATPRN newsletters and symposium reports were consulted to identify themes and issues across 14 years of development and growth. Learning points: Several learning points are identified and listed as useful factors to address when setting up and maintaining a PRN and include: shape the culture from the start; review and revise; get practical together; encourage members' presentations; build synergy with professional body; embed the ATPRN around all aspects of research publication. Conclusions: Successful PRNs depend on making practitioners feel included from the start by acknowledging fear and anxiety about research. Providing practical projects helped practitioners to feel less isolated by being part of a meaningful and productive network. Maintaining and developing PRNs is an iterative process that demands constant reviewing and revising.

Keywords:

• art therapy
• practitioner/researcher
• network
• professional culture

Notes

1. MATISSE had three strands: standard care was delivered to all participants and in one arm, i.e. nothing additional was provided over and above usual care in the community; in the second arm participants could choose weekly activities (not art-based) and in the third arm participants received weekly art therapy for nine to 12 months.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Val Huet

Biographies

Val Huet has been the Chief Executive Officer of the British Association of Art Therapists since 2003. She trained in sculpture at Camberwell School of Art and qualified as an Art Therapist in 1986. She is also a qualified Group Psychotherapist and Organisational Consultant. She practised in adult psychiatry and within children and adolescents mental health services and co-founded the UK Art Therapy Practice Research Network. She is currently completing a PhD on using art therapy as an intervention for work-related stress in health and social care.

Neil Springham

Neil Springham is a Consultant Art Therapist at Oxleas NHS foundation Trust and has practised in adult mental health, addictions and now specialises in personality disorder treatment. He was a course leader at the Unit of Psychotherapeutic Studies, Goldsmiths College, co-founded the UK Art Therapy Practice Research Network and was twice elected chair of the British Association of Art Therapists. He founded ResearchNet as a network of linked service user and provider collaborative groups which use co-produced research to create change within mental health services.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans is a Consultant Medical Psychotherapist, i.e. a psychiatrist who specialised in psychotherapy (back in 1987). As well as the Royal College training he has subsequent trainings with the Institute of Group Analysis and a Masters in Advanced Family/Systemic Therapy from the Tavistock Clinic and University of East London. He has written over 100 peer-reviewed papers, believes all forms of psychological therapies have utility and that none yet really succeed as they should in ‘adding evidence to experience’. He is a co-author of the CORE instruments and co-founder, of the CORE system and CORE System Trust. He is passionate about the potential and utility of PRNs.