Confusion and containment: Art therapy with an adolescent hospitalised with paediatric neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

There is a dearth of information regarding art therapy with people diagnosed with neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (npSLE). Art therapy was an individual component of a broader consultation-liaison treatment intervention of a female adolescent who had ongoing and severe symptoms of refractory npSLE, including confusion, agitation, flat affect, echolalia, psychosis, and Parkinsonian features. She also displayed limited non-verbal and verbal communication, with her presentation differing from week to week and often fluctuating during each art therapy session. Due to the symptom manifestations of npSLE it was necessary for me to help her engage with art therapy. Each session provided freedom for expression in a safe containing space, which assisted her to manage some difficult feelings and for themes to emerge. The article reflects on some of the engagement strategies I adopted, as well as examples of containment and recurring themes. In summary, art therapy assisted to provide a space where engagement and containment were enabled, themes emerged, and a meaningful therapeutic relationship developed.