Mental Health Nursing and Art Therapy Approaches
Introduction
Art therapy is a powerful tool in mental health care. It uses creative
expression to help individuals explore emotions, improve self-awareness, and
cope with trauma or stress. Mental health nurses increasingly incorporate art
therapy into care plans or work alongside art therapists. This essay explains
how art therapy works, its benefits, and the nurse’s role in supporting
creative healing.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses visual arts—such as drawing,
painting, collage, or sculpture—as a way to communicate thoughts and
feelings. It's guided by a trained art therapist but can also be supported
informally by nurses.
Art therapy is not about artistic skill. The focus is on the process, not the
result. It’s often used with:
Children and adolescents
People with trauma histories
Patients with psychosis or mood disorders
Individuals who have difficulty with verbal expression
Mental Health Conditions Supported by Art Therapy
Art therapy can benefit individuals experiencing:
Depression
Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Schizophrenia
Eating disorders
Substance use disorders
Dementia or cognitive decline
It is also widely used in group settings, inpatient units, schools, and trauma
recovery programs.
Benefits of Art Therapy in Mental Health
Art therapy helps patients:
Express difficult emotions safely
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve mood and focus
Increase self-esteem and self-understanding
Process trauma or grief
Develop coping skills
Improve communication (especially for non-verbal individuals)
It also offers structure and routine in inpatient or community programs.
The Role of Mental Health Nurses
While nurses do not lead formal art therapy unless specially trained, they
can:
Introduce art-making as a calming activity
Facilitate access to art supplies and safe creative space
Support patients during art therapy sessions
Encourage expression without judgment
Observe themes or emotions in artwork that may inform care
Collaborate with licensed art therapists on care goals
Their presence helps patients feel safe while exploring emotions through art.
Creating a Supportive Creative Environment
Mental health nurses can set up:
Quiet spaces with basic supplies (paper, markers, collage materials)
Group sessions with optional participation
Art corners in day rooms or therapy units
Journals or sketchbooks for self-expression
Safety precautions include using non-toxic, non-breakable materials and
allowing patients to work at their own pace.
Using Art in Therapeutic Relationships
Art helps build rapport between nurse and patient, especially when words
are hard to find. Nurses may:
Join in simple drawing or coloring
Ask open questions about the artwork:
“What does this image represent to you?”
Use art as a grounding tool during stress or panic
Encourage use of art journals to track emotional patterns
This can deepen understanding and connection.
Challenges and Considerations
Nurses should be aware of:
Patients who may find art triggering or frustrating
Cultural or personal preferences for expression
Respecting privacy—some may not want to discuss their work
Not analyzing or interpreting artwork without training
Providing nonjudgmental support and affirming creativity
Art therapy should always be voluntary and patient-led.
Training and Collaboration
Mental health nurses interested in integrating art therapy more formally can:
Receive basic training or workshops in creative interventions
Partner with licensed art therapists in hospitals or clinics
Participate in interdisciplinary care teams
Advocate for funding and space for art-based programs
Even small creative opportunities can have a big impact.
Conclusion
Art therapy is a valuable, flexible tool in mental health nursing. By
supporting creativity, nurses help patients process emotions, build self-
awareness, and find healing beyond words. In both formal and informal ways,
art can transform care environments and empower recovery.
References
American Art Therapy Association. (2023). About art therapy.
https://arttherapy.org
Malchiodi, C. A. (2007). The art therapy sourcebook. McGraw-Hill.
Slayton, S. C., D'Archer, J., & Kaplan, F. (2010). Outcome studies on the
efficacy of art therapy. Art Therapy, 27(3), 108–118.
Gussak, D. E. (2009). The effects of art therapy on male and female
inmates. Arts in Psychotherapy, 36(1), 5–12.
Hinz, L. D. (2020). Expressive therapies continuum: A framework for
using art in therapy (2nd ed.). Routledge.
