Art Therapy In Psychosis

From the work of art therapy in psychosis, it is observed that this type of therapeutic work can contribute to the strengthening of various functions. In addition, it improves the sense of competence and self-esteem. It is also a space that allows to contain psychotic anxiety and is a vehicle for interpersonal relationships (1). That is why we focus on art therapy as a possible psychotherapeutic intervention in psychosis.

But what is psychosis? It is defined as “a serious mental disorder, with or without organic damage, characterized by the loss of contact with reality and by causing the deterioration of normal social functioning”. Thus, as it is a complicated disorder, there are a variety of possible treatments and therapies. The art therapy approach, in this sense, is oriented to the use of art materials for self-expression and reflection, in the presence of a trained art therapist (2).

Psychotherapist Katherine Killick argues that in psychotic people, art objects hold projected material until patients are able to relate to the mind of the therapist. The work is oriented to offer a structure with time and limits that favors notions of time and structure in your mind.

Thus, Killick explains that one of the functions of the therapist in this psychotherapy through art is to develop mediation routes between concrete and symbolic thought. In addition, in the words of the author, one of the central aspects in the therapeutic use of art in people with psychosis is that it addresses the problems with ego limits and the formation of symbols.

The interpersonal relationship in art therapy

In the field of art therapy, Killick identified three areas of communication within the art therapy relationship. These are relevant when working with people affected by schizophrenia. We talk about interpersonal, intermediary and intrapersonal communications. These are interrelated and exert a continuous influence on each other.

The intrapersonal area

It refers, according to Reyes, to the potential for creating images. The therapist keeps it with the person. In this area, the person develops a unique interaction with artistic materials that can cure the formation of symbols.

The intermediate area

In this area a play space is created in which the person can experiment with objects in a symbolic activity.

The interpersonal area

In this area is the part of the relationship between the patient and the therapist that includes the images.

The expression of creativity in psychosis

Creating something new is doing, doing is producing, and production has –not from a utilitarian perspective but from a psychosocial perspective– a great social, affective, and cognitive value for the subject involved in the task. The word create derives from the Latin creare and de criar, which means that a thing begins to exist where it was not. The word is also etymologically associated with growing (4).

The relevance of the study of creativity in psychosis is related to a change of perspective on mental illness. Although it is a serious disease that produces considerable cognitive, affective, emotional and social deterioration; It must also be recognized that all people have potential. This can be promoted and developed, giving another place, another social role to the individual within the community (5).

Art therapy in psychosis

We know that psychosis is mostly treated through individual and pharmacological psychotherapy. However, many times this type of treatment does not reach the objectives of an interdisciplinary treatment. That is why art therapy can be very useful in the treatment of patients with severe problems such as psychosis (5).

Art therapy is considered as an intervention modality that is located within the group of support psychotherapies. Supportive therapy is a “long-term directed therapy, to maximize the strengths of the patient: restoring his psychological balance and recognizing it, but trying to minimize dependence on the therapist” (6).

The characteristic of self-expression and reflection

Art is a flexible and plastic language. It is a way of communication between the patient and his internal world. In psychosis, the relationship with the external world is altered. That is why art can serve the subject to communicate their feelings, fantasies and fears. On the other hand, they can serve the health professional to empathize with some of the patient’s experiences (5).

Psychotherapeutic effects of art therapy

According to the authors María Aranguren and Tania Elizabeth León, the effects that art can provide as psychotherapy are:

• Connect subjective experience with external reality.
• Promote order, harmony, rhythm and proportion.
• Produce catharsis and favor emotional clarification, allowing to shape and integrate contradictory feelings.

• Guide and give meaning to personal reality and the world through the use of symbols and metaphors.
• Stimulate imagery and creative potential.

Thus, it seems clear that art therapy in psychosis can promote the development of abilities and psychological states that can induce some psychic change (6). With therapies of this type it is intended to improve the quality of life of those affected by psychosis. It seems important to take them into account, at least as complementary treatments.