Can art therapy support the process of treating depressive disorders? – case study Case report

Abstract

Art therapy is the therapeutic influence of various arts on the process of active or passive creative activity. It can be used as the individual or group therapies of the therapy of mental disorders, i.e. psychoses, affective disorders, addictions, problems in family relationships, social and emotional difficulties. While working with a patient suffering from depression, his own artistic creations may be the first step to learning self-observation and insight. The article describes the case of a patient at the age of 60, hospitalized due to depression in the Mazovian Specialist Health Center. The patient participated in the original cycle of individual workshops “With art for health”. During the classes conducted with the patient, stimulation of the cognitive and emotional processes of the patient was assumed. We focused on self-esteem, understanding and acceptance of the disease, reducing anxiety, building positive relationships with others. The negative tension was reduced, self-reflection and the patient’s motivation to work on her own goals increased.