It's all about the journey! An online museum-based recovery-oriented art psychotherapy group

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Whilst there is evidence of the value of museums for art psychotherapy, evidence about online groups to improve mental health recovery is still scarce. The aim was to assess the impact on mental health recovery of an online museum-based recovery-oriented art psychotherapy group. Context: The group was designed to help adults under the care of a UK community mental health team with their journey of mental health recovery. Approach: The group consisted of six, weekly online sessions and used the collections of two local museums. Quantitative outcome measures and qualitative feedback were used to evaluate the group. Outcomes: Five women participated in the group, and four in the evaluation. Generic wellbeing after each session was rated 4 out of 5. Participants scored higher in the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (33.25 vs. 42) and a Visual Numerical Recovery Scale (3 vs. 3.25) after participating in the group. Feeling supported was what participants liked most and found most helpful, and they liked the short duration of the group least. Half found the online setting preferable to face-to-face, and all felt that the museum focus was inspirational, and enjoyed the artmaking. Participants gained a better understanding of their recovery journey and were able to express their emotions better. Conclusions: This group contributed towards participants’ mental health recovery and the museum focus was valued by them. Implications for research: The evaluation findings encourage further exploration of this way of working.