Challenging professional confidence arts therapies and psychiatric rehabilitation

Abstract

This article evolves from a study undertaken by the author within an arts therapies department, based in a large psychiatric hospital, which provides art therapy, music therapy and dance movement therapy. The study aims to assess the need for the provision of arts therapies to the Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Service (RCCS). The method used for the study is not given prominence here but instead its most significant themes are discussed. A review of the relevant literature highlights issues which are also found in the study. One of these concerns the need for providing specialist training and supervision for arts therapists who work with a client group experienced as very challenging. Another regards the resulting adaptation made to arts therapies practice in order to meet the clients needs and to help them engage in the therapeutic process. A third theme stems from institutional issues where problematic communication and different attitudes to rehabilitation work create potential conflicts among professionals.