Women’s experiences of change through art therapy

Abstract

Background: Art therapy is based on the conception that image making in a therapeutic context may facilitate processes of change.

Methods: A semi-structured interview with focus on the image was conducted with 17 women in order to explore change, after which a qualitative content analysis was performed.

Results: The women experienced internal change as a sudden, unexpected turning point or as a more gradual process, although some reported no internal change whatsoever. Five themes reflecting the women’s experiences of what was important for internal change emerged: Trust in the therapist, Belief in the method, Creative impulse, Meaning of the image and The art therapy process.

Conclusions: Art therapy may contribute to change in the sense of moving from an inadequate to a healthier state. Even when art therapy does not lead to internal change it may be supportive and provide short-term help in everyday life.

Keywords:

• Art therapy
• Expressive Therapies Continuum [ETC]
• change
• turning point