Understanding the Impact of Art Therapy in Vermont

Art therapy is a powerful tool that can foster healing and personal growth. In Vermont, this therapeutic approach has gained traction, offering individuals a unique way to express themselves and work through emotional challenges. This blog post explores the impact of art therapy in Vermont, highlighting its benefits and methods.

An art therapy session in a cozy studio setting.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

Especially when people are struggling, facing a challenge, or even a health crisis —their own words or language fails them. During these times, an art therapist can help clients express themselves in ways beyond words or language. Art therapists are trained in art and psychological theory and can help clients integrate nonverbal cues and metaphors that are often expressed through the creative process.

Art therapists work with individuals of all ages, including children who are experiencing behavioral challenges or those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They assist people and caregivers in health crises; victims of violence or other trauma—including our military service members and student survivors of mass shootings; older adults with dementia; and anyone that needs help coping with life’s challenges. 

Who are art therapists?

Art therapists are credentialed mental health professionals. They are trained in a broad range of psychological theory and ways to use art media and creative processes to help people cope with mental health challenges. Art therapists hold Masters-level or higher degrees. Look for a therapist with the credentials ATR (art therapist registered) or ATR-BC (board-certified art therapist registered).

Where do art therapists work?

Art therapists serve diverse communities in different settings—from medical institutions like hospitals, cancer treatment centers and psychiatric facilities, to wellness centers and schools. Many art therapists have independent practices. They also help support individuals and communities after a crisis or traumatic event.

Why is art therapy effective?

Art therapy is particularly effective during times of crisis, changes in circumstance, trauma, and grief.

According to research, art therapy helps people feel more in control of their own lives, and helps relieve anxiety and depression, including among cancer patients, tuberculosis patients in isolation, and military veterans with PTSD. In addition, art therapy assists in managing pain by moving mental focus away from the painful stimulus.

Do you have to be good at art?

You don’t have to be an artist or even “artsy” to make art. Everyone is creative – and we all remember making art as children.

In art therapy sessions, your art therapist may encourage you to try different art media such as color pencils, paints, clay, and collage. Sometimes non-traditional art materials (e.g. tree branches and leaves) are intentionally introduced to you in order to expand your creative expression. You may also explore different styles of expression, using doodling, abstract designs, and contour drawing. Art therapists are trained to facilitate a type of art making for your specific needs.

However, to experience the process of art therapy, it’s important to work with a trained and credentialed art thereapist.

Key Principles of Art Therapy

• Expression: Art therapy encourages individuals to express their feelings in a non-verbal manner, which can be especially helpful for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy.

• Process Over Product: The focus is on the creative process rather than the final artwork. This approach helps individuals engage with their emotions without the pressure of creating something "perfect."

• Safe Environment: Art therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings and experiences without judgment.

  
  

The Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy offers numerous benefits, particularly for individuals dealing with mental health issues, trauma, or stress. Here are some of the key advantages:

Emotional Release

Creating art can serve as a powerful outlet for emotions. Many individuals find that expressing themselves through art helps them release pent-up feelings, leading to a sense of relief and clarity.

Improved Self-Esteem

Engaging in creative activities can boost self-esteem and confidence. As individuals create and share their artwork, they often experience a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities.

Enhanced Communication Skills

For those who struggle with verbal communication, art therapy can provide an alternative means of expression. This can help individuals articulate their feelings and thoughts more effectively, both in therapy and in their daily lives.

Stress Reduction

Art therapy can be a calming and meditative practice. The act of creating art can help individuals relax and reduce anxiety, making it an effective tool for stress management.

Art Therapy in Vermont: A Growing Community

Vermont has embraced art therapy as a valuable resource for mental health support. Various organizations and practitioners across the state offer art therapy services, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.

Techniques Used in Art Therapy

Art therapists employ various techniques to facilitate healing and self-discovery. Here are some common methods used in Vermont:

Drawing and Painting

These traditional forms of art are often used to help individuals express their feelings. Participants may be encouraged to create images that represent their emotions or experiences.

Collage

Collage-making involves assembling various materials, such as magazine cutouts, photographs, and fabric. This technique allows individuals to explore their identities and experiences in a tactile way.

Sculpture

Working with three-dimensional materials can be a powerful way to express emotions. Sculpture allows individuals to engage with their feelings physically, often leading to deeper insights.

Guided Imagery

In this technique, therapists guide individuals through visualizations that can help them explore their emotions and experiences. This method can be particularly effective for those who find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

The Role of Art Therapists

Art therapists play a crucial role in facilitating the therapeutic process. They are trained professionals who understand both art and psychology, allowing them to guide individuals through their creative journeys effectively.

Qualifications and Training

Art therapists typically hold a master's degree in art therapy or a related field. They undergo extensive training in both art techniques and psychological principles, ensuring they can provide effective support to their clients. Art Therapists receive supervision post training. Art therapists can then apply to be Registered (ATR) through the independent organization called the Art Therapy Credentialing Board (ATCB). The ATCB is certified by the NCCA (National Committee for Certifying Agencies) After obtaining their ATR credential, art therapists can apply to become board certified by successfully completing an examination by the ATCB and obtain the credential: ATR-BC.

Creating a Supportive Environment

A key aspect of an art therapist's role is to create a safe and supportive environment. This allows individuals to explore their feelings without fear of judgment, fostering a sense of trust and openness.

Challenges and Considerations

While art therapy can be incredibly beneficial, it is essential to recognize some challenges and considerations:

Accessibility

Access to art therapy services can vary across Vermont. While some areas have numerous resources, others may lack availability. Efforts are ongoing to improve access to these vital services for all individuals in need.

Individual Differences

Not everyone may respond to art therapy in the same way. Some individuals may find it challenging to engage in creative activities, while others may thrive. It is crucial for therapists to tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of each client.

Future of Art Therapy in Vermont

The future of art therapy in Vermont looks promising. As awareness of mental health issues continues to grow, more individuals are seeking alternative therapies like art therapy. This trend is likely to lead to increased funding and support for art therapy programs across the state.

Community Initiatives

Local initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and art therapy are gaining momentum. Community events, workshops, and collaborations between art therapists and mental health organizations are helping to raise awareness and provide resources to those in need.

Research and Development

Ongoing research into the effectiveness of art therapy will continue to shape its future. As more studies highlight its benefits, art therapy may become an integral part of mental health treatment in Vermont and beyond.

Here is sample of the over published 150 outcome studies that have shown the positive effect of art therapy. Research in art therapy is published in many peer reviewed journals.

Alders, A., & Levine-Madori, L. (2010). The effect of art therapy on cognitive performance of Hispanic/Latino older adults. Art Therapy:

Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 27(3), 127-135.

Abstract: This article presents the results of a pilot study investigating the efficacy of art therapy to enhance cognitive performance in a sample of 24 elderly Hispanic/Latino members of a community center who participated in a weekly structured thematic therapeutic arts program. A 12-week, quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest, nonrandomized, controlled design evaluated outcomes using the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Participants who attended the art therapy sessions outperformed those who did not on both cognitive evaluation tests. The findings suggest that the combination of self-initiated art making with art therapy session attendance may be most beneficial for enhancing a person’s perception of cognitive ability, which in turn may positively affect overall cognitive performance.

Keywords: Art therapy, Cognitive functioning, TTAP method, Clock Drawing Test, Older persons, Hispanic/Latino personsSubcategory: Cognitive FunctioningTopic: The effect of 10 weeks of Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming for Older Adults (TTAP) upon the cognitive functioning of older adults Sample size (n): 28 participants (13 experimental and 15 control)doi: dx.doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2010.10129661

Doric-Henry, L. (1997). Pottery as art therapy with elderly nursing home residents. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 14(3), 163-171.

Abstract: An art therapy intervention using an eight-session pottery class based on the Eastern Method throwing technique was implemented with 20 elderly nursing home residents, with the aim of improving their psychological well-being. Quantitative evaluation was based on Hebl and Enright (1993) and employed aquasi-experimental design measuring the participants’ self-esteem, depression, and anxiety compared with 20 nonparticipating elderly residents of the nursing home. Qualitative evaluation included client self-evaluations, case progress notes, journal notes, and photographs. Following the intervention, the participating group showed significantly improved measures of self-esteem, and reduced depression and anxiety at posttest relative to the comparison group. Implications for art therapy intervention with institutionalized elderly and further research are discussed.

Key Words: Eastern Method clay throwing; art therapy; depression, anxiety, and self-esteem in older persons.Subcategory: Nursing home residentsTopic: Effect of eight sessions of art therapy involving pottery upon psychological wellbeing of elderly nursing home residentsSample size (n): 40 participants (20 experimental and 20 control)doi: dx.doi.org/10.1080/07421656.1987.10759277

Schweizer, C., Knorth, E. J., Van Yperen, T. A., & Spreen, M. (2022). Exploring change in children’s and art therapists’ behavior during ‘Images of Self’, an art therapy program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A repeated case study design. Children, 9 (7), 1036.

Abstract: (1) Background: ‘Images of Self’ (IOS) is a recently developed and evaluated art therapy program of 15 sessions to reduce difficulties in‘sense of self’, ‘emotion regulation’, ‘flexibility’, and ‘social behavior’ of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this paper, it is explored whether change in the child’s behaviors corresponds to the therapist’s actions during IOS and 15 weeks later. (2) Method: In a repeated case study design, twelve children and seven therapists participated. Art therapists monitored their own and the children’s behavior by applying two observation instruments: the OAT (Observation of a child with autism in Art Therapy) and EAT (Evaluation of Art Therapist’s behavior when working with a child with autism). Child behaviors during art making were—individually and as a group—compared with therapist’s actions at three moments during the program. (3) Results: Ten of twelve children showed a substantial or moderate positive behavior change considering all OAT subscales at the end of the program and 15 weeks after treatment. Improvement of ‘social behavior’ stood out. Halfway treatment art therapists most prominently showed support of ‘emotion regulation’, ‘flexibility’, and ‘social behavior’. Clear one-on-one relationships between changes in children’s behavior and actions of therapists could not be identified. (4) Conclusion: The study provides new insights in the AT treatment process by monitoring children’s and therapists’ behavior. The art making itself and the art therapy triangle (child, art making, therapist) offer opportunities to improve verbal and nonverbal communication skills of the child.

Keywords: Art therapy, children, Autism Spectrum Disorders, change processes, OAT, EATSubcategory: Autism spectrum disorder; childrenTopic: To develop a program for art therapy practitioners to develop and evaluate behaviorswithin children diagnosed with ASD Sample size (n): 12 child participants, 7 art therapistsdoi:10.3390/children9071036

Comments: This study yielded positive results with 10 out of 12 children showing a moderate change in positive behavior in response to art therapy. There was also an emphasis made towards the importance of art therapy triangle (child, art making, therapist) and how non-verbal modalities can improve the communication skills of a child diagnosed with ASD.

Collins, B., Darewych, O. H., & Chiacchia, D. (2023). The efficacy of art therapy on hope and resilience in youth within a secure care centre. International Journal of Art Therapy, 28(3), 97-105.

Abstract: Background: Art therapy is one rehabilitation treatment which enables youth in secure care to express unresolved conflicts, increase self- esteem, and gain insight to personal experiences in a creative and supportive therapeutic space. Aims: This study investigated hope and resilience outcomes following art therapy for youth residing in a secure care centre located in Canada. Methods: In this pre–post experimental design study, thirteen (N = 13) youth, ages 12–19, received 12 weekly individual art therapy sessions. Hope, resilience, and goals were measured using the Children’s Hope Scale (CHS), the Resilience Scale (RS-25), and the Bridge Drawing with Path (BDP) art-based assessment. Results: Results indicated that the 12 weekly individual art therapy sessions enhanced hope and resilience in youth residing in secure care by 29% and 16%, respectively. Conclusions: Secure care environments may benefit from incorporating art therapy as a rehabilitation treatment to improve youths’ levels of hope, resilience, self-determination, and future pathways. Implication for Future Research: Future studies should utilize a group design with a control group to evaluate the effects of art therapy on youth residing in secure care environments.

Keywords: Art therapy; bridge drawing with path; hope; resilience; secure care; youth Subcategory: AdolescentsTopic: Hope and resilience treatment outcomeSample size (n): 13

Green, D., Karafa, K., & Wilson, S. (2021). Art therapy with grieving children: Effect on affect in the Dual-Process Model. Art Therapy,

38(4), 211-215.

Abstract: The Dual-Process Model of grieving suggests that oscillation between negative and positive emotions occurs throughout the grieving process. If either negative or positive emotions are overly emphasized the grieving process could be stymied. To determine how art therapy can support this model, this study evaluated changes in positive and negative affect of 13 grieving children after six sessions of individual art therapy. The findings showed an increase in positive affect and significant decrease in negative affect. The implication of this study is that art therapy can assist the bereaved because of its ability to promote exploration and expression of feelings that occurs in the grieving process.

Keywords: Grief; children; art therapy; Dual-Process Model of grief Subcategory: Grieving childrenTopic: Dual-Process Model and Art TherapySample size (n): 13 participants

doi: 10.1080/07421656.2020.1823197Comments: The “dual process model” (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) refers to “oscillation that occurs between positive and negative affect appraisal”, a normal grieving process. Art therapy was used to “assist children in recognizing changes that result from grief and learning coping strategies” through creating images (p. 211). Results indicate significant differences between pre-posttests of negative affect, but not for positive affect. Intervention topics are provided, rendering this study accessible for replication.

Park, S-R., & Cha, Y-J. (2023). Effects of online group art therapy on psychological distress and quality of life after family bereavement: In

COVID-19 pandemic. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 82, 101972.Abstract: This study examined the effects of online group art therapy on adults who lost family members using three instruments to measure

depression, grief, and quality of life in a randomized controlled trial. Of the thirty-six participants who experienced the death of a family member, 20 35

were assigned to the experimental group participating in online group art therapy over eight sessions, 1-hour once a week, and 16 were assigned to the control group with no intervention. In the experimental group, online group art therapy reduced depression and grief while improving the quality of life. The findings show the promise of online group art therapy in helping adults who have lost family members by relieving psychological distress and enhancing their quality of life.

Keywords: Non-face-to-face art therapy; depression; grief; quality of life Subcategory: Online group art therapyTopic: Grieving Korean family members’ deathsSample siz Harpazi, S., Regev, D., & Snir, S. (2022). What does the literature teach us about research, theory, and the practice of art therapy for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities? A scoping review. 101988.

that exist and areas for future work. The 39 articles reviewed here present the state of therapeutic practice, theoretical approaches and research conducted in the field of art therapy for the IDD population.

Keywords: Art therapy; art psychotherapy; intellectual disability; special needs; scoping review Subcategory: Intellectual DisabilitiesTopic: Review of literature to determine the effects of art therapy with intellectual disabilities Sample size (n): 39 articles

doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2022.101988Comments: Review of 39 articles pertaining to art therapy and intellectual disabilities to determine the use and effectiveness of this treatment

modality. This paper determined a need for research in this area to better understand the outcomes and approaches.

e (n): 36 participants

Collette, N., Güell, E., Fariñas, O., & Pascual, A. (2021). Art therapy in a palliative care unit: Symptom relief and perceived helpfulness in patients and their relatives. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 61(1), 103-111.

Keywords: art therapy, palliative care, cancer, suffering, well-being, comprehensive careAbstract: Creative arts therapies aim to expand conventional palliative care interventions by making clinical care more holistic. The object of the present study was to evaluate the benefits of an art therapy intervention in a tertiary hospital palliative care unit, directly in adult cancer patients and indirectly in their relatives. We evaluated the intensity of pain, anxiety, depression, and well-being using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale before and after the first, third, and fifth art therapy sessions. After the third and fifth sessions, perceived helpfulness was assessed via a questionnaire. We observed a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and pain as well as a significant increase in well-being at each of the time points evaluated. Ninety-eight percent of the patients considered the art therapy helpful, which could be categorized as generally helpful in 54.8%, related to the triadic relationship in 32.9%, and to a dyadic relationship in 12.3%. Relatives gave similar opinions regarding the effects on patients and, in addition, reported an indirect helpful effect for themselves. The most frequently selected experiences from the checklist were feeling calm, being entertained, and expressing and communicating emotions.This art therapy intervention was beneficial in reducing symptom intensity. Almost all the participants directly or indirectly involved in the creative art process considered it helpful. They reported a wide variety of sensory, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual experiences.Subtopic: Art therapy and patients with cancerTopic: Art therapy for symptom reduction and increase in well-being in palliative careSample size (n): unknowndoi: doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.027

Svensk, A. C., Oster, L., Thyme, L. E., Magnusson, E., Sjodin, M., Astrom, S., & Lindh, J. (2009). Art therapy improves experienced quality of life among women undergoing treatment for breast cancer: A randomized controlled study. European Journal of Cancer Care, 18, 69-77.

Abstract: Objective: Recent research shows that almost every second woman with breast cancer is depressed or has anxiety; the risk for younger women is even higher. Moreover, research shows that women are at risk for developing depression, also a threat for women with breast cancer. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to study the outcome of five sessions of art therapy given at a 5-week period of postoperative radiotherapy. Methods: The participants were between 37 and 69 years old; six participants in each group were below 50 years of age. Half of the participants (n = 20) received art therapy and the other half (n = 21) were assigned to a control group. At the first measurement, at least 17% (n = 7) of the participants [were] medicated with antidepressants. Data were collected before and after art therapy and at a 4-month follow-up using self-rating scales that measure self-image (the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior) and psychiatric symptoms (the Symptom Checklist – 90).

Results: At follow-up, significantly lower ratings of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms and less general symptoms were reported for the art therapy group compared to the control group. The regression analysis showed that art therapy relates to lower ratings of depression, anxiety, and general symptoms; chemotherapeutic treatment predicts lower depressive symptoms; in contrast to axillary surgery and hormonal treatment as well as being a parent predicts higher ratings of anxiety and general symptoms.

Significance of results: The conclusion suggests that art therapy has a long-term effect on the crisis following breast cancer and its consequences. Keywords: Art therapy, breast cancer, Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90), Structural analyses of Social Behavior (SASB), oncology Subcategory: Women with breast cancerTopic: Simultaneous art therapy and radiotherapy treatmentsSample size (n): 41 participants (21 experimental and 20 controls)

Blomdahl, C, et al. Recovery from Depression-A 6-month Follow-up of a RandomizedControl Study of Manual Based Phenomenological Art Therapy for Persons with Depression. (2022). Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 39,(1)

Abstract: Manual-based phenomenological art therapy (PATd) was developed to facilitate recovery from depression. The study’s aim was to investigate whether improvements were maintained 6 months after PATd was completed. In a randomized controlled study design, persons diagnosed with moderate or severe depression (n = 85) were invited to take part; n = 79 participated and were allocated either to intervention (n = 43) or control (n = 36). The control group received treatment as usual, while the intervention received PATd in addition to treatment as usual. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests, t-tests, and regression models were employed. Reduced depression, improvements in self-esteem, suicide ideation, and returning to work were sustained in the 6-month follow-up. This study indicates that PATd supports more rapid recovery, while improvement is sustained over time.

Keywords: Art therapy; mental health; major depression; evaluation; RCTSubcategory: Outpatient treatmentTopic: Determined if improvements were made with phenomenological art therapy sessions within clinics and outpatient Sample size (n): 79 participantsdoi: 10.1080/07421656.2021.1922328

Conclusion

Art therapy is a valuable resource for individuals seeking healing and self-discovery in Vermont. By providing a unique means of expression, art therapy fosters emotional release, improves self-esteem, and enhances communication skills. As the community continues to embrace this therapeutic approach, the impact of art therapy will undoubtedly grow, offering hope and healing to many.

If you or someone you know could benefit from art therapy, consider reaching out to local organizations or practitioners. The journey to healing can begin with a single brushstroke.