On the Therapeutic Action of the Creative Arts Therapies: The Psychodynamic Model

Abstract

Diverse theoretical models have been proposed to explain the therapeutic action of the creative arts therapies. The psychodynamic model, derived from psychoanalytic theory, development psychology, and object relations theory, proposes that inner states are externalized or projected into the arts media, transformed in health-promoting ways and then re-internalized by the client. A thorough reading of creative arts therapy theory, across all modalities, reveals wide use of this model, even among nonpsychodynamic practitioners. This model contrasts with a behavioral model, which posits therapeutic effects from the client’s accessing and then practicing new behaviors (e.g., assertive, relational) through the arts media, expanding their personal repertoire of imagery, movement or roles. The psychodynamic model is also distinct from other creative arts therapy models, including humanistic, spiritual, narrative and aesthetic approaches (Blatner, 1991). If an integrated psychodynamic theory of the creative arts therapies is possible, then clear articulation of its model of therapeutic action will be essential. This article will attempt to explicate this psychodynamic model by identifying its basic assumptions, critiquing its inconsistencies and proposing clarifications that hopefully strengthen its explanatory power. This theoretical discourse will suffer from the limitations inherent in the reductive process of modelbuilding, and in the boundaries set by psychodynamic theory. The Psychodynamic Model