The value of art activities in therapy for young people with psychological difficulties

Abstract

This research project includes a literature review on the relationship between art, the creative process and its therapeutic aspects. The primary aims of the study were:- (1) to establish the importance of the encouragement and development of creativity in the individual. (2) to examine the ·visual arts media in therapy for young people. The investigation has been concerned in particular with young people with psychological difficulties in a residential therapeutic milieu. A case study is outlined as illustration for the benefits of creative expression in the visual arts media. Interviews with professionals were also conducted. The resulting evidence established the value of visual art activities as a valuable tool in such rehabilitation programmes and suggests that there is a case for the specialization of art therapy. It is speculated that my findings will be confirmed by further research in this area.