ArTA
ArTA (Art Therapy Assessment) is an evidence-based assessment to gain an understanding of how someone deals with challenging situations, and what the potential is in increasing adaptability. It can be used in mental health care and in the private sector. This method was developed based on the findings of my PhD research. I write about it and have developed training for it.
Five aspects of ArTA
Evidence-based
ArTA is based on rigorous scientific doctoral research. Four studies and seven sub-studies examined the relationship between the visual art form and mental health. The results show that the art-making process and the art product are significantly related to the balance between thinking and feeling and the client's adaptability, also referred as resilience or psychological flexibility.
Versatile
The results of the study were based on a large number of art therapists with different points of view. And an even larger number of clients with diverse needs and health issues in adult mental health care. ArTA transcends different approaches and mental health problems. ArTA is therefore widely applicable.
Focus on clients health &
Tailor made
In ArTA, mental health is not considered in terms of disorders and diseases, but in terms of the (dis)balance between thinking and feeling and the ability to adapt. The client's strengths, possibilities, potential and space for change to increase health are central. These are expressed not so much in what someone makes in art therapy, but HOW someone does it.
Systematic, concrete and efficient
Once trained, ArTA can be integrated into regular clinical practice and helps art therapists to observe in a focused, systematic, and efficient manner. An ArTA assessment helps the art therapist to formulate treatment goals and choose evidence-based interventions. This increases the quality of treatment for the client.
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Clear vocabulary
The imbalance and the adaptability become tangible and visible in the art-making process and the art product. Not only for the therapist, but also understandable and very concrete for other practitioners and people involved. And certainly for the client. This helps to tune in and actively involve the client in the treatment process.