Clients’ Perceptions of Helping and Hindering Processes in Art Therapy: A Qualitative Synthesis

Art therapists have become increasingly interested in studying the mechanisms of change in art therapy processes. However, few researchers have focused specifically on studying clients’ perspectives and qualitative descriptions of experiences that can aid or hinder art therapeutic change. This qualitative evidence synthesis offers a preliminary theoretical perspective on the quality of clients’ experiences related to the helping and hindering processes in art therapy. In this research, the author inductively analyzes the content of nine qualitative art therapy studies focusing on clients’ experiences. The purpose is to better understand the experiences that clients find helpful and hindering during art therapy. Participants’ experiences from the included studies are synthetized and contextualized into relational, art-related, and group-related processes. Interestingly, diverse individuals perceived similar experiences as both helping and hindering. Participants’ preferences and experiences of the therapeutic relationship and art-making methods influence the outcome of the therapy. Understanding what clients experience as helping or hindering their art therapy process can enhance the development of more ethical and mutual clinical practices. Such an understanding can aid therapist awareness and sensitivity in tailoring art therapy to match different clients.