Art Therapy: Psychological Creativity in the healing of mild depression

Abstract
Based on a Jungian approach, this article will introduce an integrative
model to therapeutic change using art therapy methods as practical
tools, with the aim of improving quality of life and in the prevention
of depression.
In a research study involving six participants, painting, clay work
and drumming were used together with imagination and personal
dialogues linked to the artwork. These art therapy processes attempted
to combine the participant’s experience of inner and outer
reality. The effect of gaining more knowledge about their inner reality
using dreams and symbols, was that participants gained a new
understanding about their personal life. In addition, some participants
were able to continue to use art therapy experiences as selfdevelopmental
tools after the research study terminated.
Jung’s description of the interactive relationship between the two
living parts of the psyche: the conscious ego and the unconscious
self; was used as a condition for and a core understanding of a good
quality of life experience.
We applied a bricolage research methodology consisting of a phenomenological,
a hermeneutic and a heuristic approach.
To reduce the collection of data about therapeutic change, four
different perspectives/ attitudes were used: a) description of the
therapeutic processes, b) therapeutic developments c) theoretical triangulation
and d) therapeutic changes.
An integrative art therapy model emerged from the experimental
part of the study as a suggestion for a future clinical model of Art
Therapy with this population.
This article focuses on the psychological aspect of creativity related
to mild depression with an emphasis on the interaction between
the conscious and the unconscious part of the psyche.