Citation

Gerge A, Pedersen IN. Arts Psychoth. 2017; 54: 56-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aip.2017.02.001

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

When analysing artwork conducted in therapy, theories of interconnectedness, stress and trauma, including neuroception, and re-regulation-processes are considered important building-blocks of trauma and change-informed assessment processes. A process-based approach is presented to provide further understanding of what arts and psychotherapists can usefully observe and interpret in clients' pictorial artifacts, particularly related to overcoming traumatization and dissociation. The usefulness of a multi-dimensional tool for analysis of pictorial artifacts, utilized in therapy, is investigated. The initial approach is to examine the need for assessment tools, and then provide a preliminary understanding of what should be analysed. Following an introduction to psychotraumatology and its adaptations within the creative arts therapy, a literature review on assessment processes in art therapy is presented. Finally the article discusses the value of pictorial artifacts made by clients in psycho-social interventions as valid opportunities for transparency about implicit change-processes.

Language: en