Art Therapy
Art therapists are becoming increasingly involved in palliative care across the country. Using creative arts interventions, art therapists support patients and families living with serious illness. This toolkit provides resources to support the integration of art therapists within the interdisciplinary care team. Artwork created by patients is also included to exemplify the healing power of art therapy in palliative care settings.
What’s in the Toolkit
Foundational Research on Art Therapy in Palliative Care
Art therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits for patients with serious illness. This is a sampling of the research.
Creative Arts Therapist and Child Life Specialist, Sarah Yazdian Rubin, LCAT, ATR-BC, CCLS, introduces the Art Therapy Toolkit she created in collaboration with CAPC. Find out more and contact Sarah - https://www.syrarttherapy.com/contact
Foundational Research on Art Therapy in Palliative Care
This article describes how portrait therapy benefits patients with serious illness, as well as the portrait viewers, by raising awareness of suffering and facilitating bereavement.
A multi-case study of art therapy with couples affected by Alzheimer's disease, demonstrating that art therapy fulfills five specific functions: play, appease, stimulate, express, and transform.
An interview-based study showing the benefits of an art therapy group on medical decision-making among oncology patients.
An article addressing art therapy for homebound people, giving special attention to the set of needs for this environment.
A report of a mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) intervention, which integrates mindful walks outside with use of digital photography for people with cancer and their care partners.
This case study illustrates ghow art therapy assists a hospice patient with confronting existential issues at the end of life.
This article describes the therapeutic benefits of scrapbooking in an art therapy bereavement group for grieving adults and their family members.
A randomized controlled clinical trial showing the feasibility and impact of a fast-acting mandala intervention to reduce physical pain and psychological anxiety during needle sticks in pediatric patients.
Brief videos from the American Art Therapy Association, featuring experts on the benefits of art therapy for a diverse range of patients from pediatric cancer care to memory care.
A viewpoint article outlining art therapy for a pediatric cancer patient in response to the changing needs of the child and family from diagnosis to end of life.
Art Therapy Implementation and Management
Guidance for implementing and managing art therapy and arts-based work within the health care setting.
A report on protocols art therapists can enact during pandemics.
American Art Therapy Association blog outlining best practices for material management during COVID-19.
An example authorization form for use of artwork for such purposes as education, exhibition, research, and publication.
Ethical principles to guide art therapists and safeguard the families and communities with whom they work.
An analysis of the similarities and differences between art therapists and artists working in the health care setting and the implications for patients, providers, and the general public.
A self-care checklist for any person working in difficult settings.
Support for Children through Art Therapy
Art therapists are uniquely positioned to support children of palliative care patients.
A case study describing an effective art therapy technique of creating a book to address feelings related to impending loss.
Patient Gallery
Examples of artwork created by patients, and their stories.
An online gallery of consented patient artworks from The Loom flipbooks and the stories behind them.
The StoryCorps Legacy Program gives people with serious illness and their families the opportunity to record, preserve, and share their stories.
A portrait gallery and example of a completed art therapy project.
Resource Library
Further reading about art therapy and bereavement resources for use with children and families.
Arts and Health blog of Psychology Today.
A list of books, workbooks, and websites to support children as they experience the death of a loved one. Some resources are interactive and should be facilitated by a parent or professional counselor.
Faculty
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Sarah Yazdian Rubin, LCAT, ATR-BC, CCLS
