Suitability for Art Therapy: Individual, Group, and Open Studio

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Source: Gilroy, A., Tipple, R., & Brown, C. (Eds.). (2011). Assessment in Art Therapy. Routledge.

At Art Therapy Insights, we often refer to established guidelines for assessing which art therapy approach may best suit a client. Gilroy et al. (2011) outline general suitability criteria:

Individual Art Therapy – Indicated for:

• Internalized problems, difficulty articulating feelings, speech/language difficulties, depression, confusion, withdrawal, or vulnerability for a group (Case & Dalley, 1992/2006; Edwards, 2004).

• Particularly vulnerable or seriously at risk (Brooker et al., 2007).

• Disruptive or hostile behavior making group participation unsuitable (Brooker et al., 2007).

Contraindicated for:

• Problems with intimacy in one-to-one settings (Edwards, 2004).

Group Art Therapy – Indicated for:

• Interpersonal problems, relationship difficulties, developmental or neurotic/character challenges; anxieties or inhibitions; clients with ego strength and awareness of vulnerabilities (Case & Dalley, 1992/2006).

• People who are isolated or lack confidence (Brooker et al., 2007).

• Desire to explore interpersonal relationships (Dudley, 2004).

• Social challenges or intimacy issues (Edwards, 2004).

Contraindicated for:

• Severe or complex problems, psychopathy, hyperactivity/mania, severe learning difficulties, low tolerance for others, or inability to share therapist attention (Case & Dalley, 1992/2006).

• Narcissistic personality, severe personality disorders, low self-esteem, history of childhood abuse, or severe trauma (McNeilly, 2000).

Open Studio – Indicated for:

• Highly disturbed clients, especially in acute settings (Edwards, 2004; Brooker et al., 2007).

• Clients focusing on art-making, needing support and encouragement (Case & Dalley, 1992/2006; Dudley, 2004).