Psychedelic Art Therapy: The Intersection of Psychedelics, Creativity, and Art Therapy

SPECIAL ISSUE: Do Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, and Neuromeditation Have a Role in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies?

Psychedelic-assisted therapies hold early promise for treating multiple psychiatric conditions. However, absent standards for the care, teams providing psychedelic-assisted therapy pose a major roadblock to safe administration. Psychedelics often produce spiritually and existentially meaningful experiences, and spiritual health practitioners have been involved in administering psychedelic-assisted therapies in multiple settings, suggesting important qualifications for delivering these therapies. However, the roles and competencies of spiritual health practitioners in psychedelic-assisted therapies have not been described in research. This study examined interviews with 15 spiritual health practitioners who have facilitated psychedelic-assisted therapy. Thematic analyses focused on their contributions, application of expertise and professional background, and roles in administering these therapies. Seven themes emerged, comprising two domains: unique and general contributions. Unique contributions included: competency to work with spiritual material, awareness of power dynamics, familiarity with non-ordinary states of consciousness, holding space, and offer a counterbalance to biomedical perspectives. General contributions included use of generalizable therapeutic repertoire when conducting PAT, and contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration. Spiritual health practitioners bring unique and specific expertise to psychedelic-assisted therapy based on their training and professional experience. They are skilled at interprofessional collaboration in a way that complements other clinical team members. Psychedelic-assisted therapy teams may benefit from including spiritual health practitioners. In order to ensure rigorous standards and quality care, further efforts to delineate the roles and necessary qualifications and training of spiritual health clinicians for psychedelic-assisted therapy are needed.

The field of psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT) is growing at an unprecedented pace. The immense pressures this places on those working in this burgeoning field have already begun to raise important questions about risk and responsibility. It is imperative that the development of an ethical and equitable infrastructure for psychedelic care is prioritized to support this rapid expansion of PAT in research and clinical settings. Here we present Access, Reciprocity and Conduct (ARC); a framework for a culturally informed ethical infrastructure for ARC in psychedelic therapies. These three parallel yet interdependent pillars of ARC provide the bedrock for a sustainable psychedelic infrastructure which prioritized equal access to PAT for those in need of mental health treatment (Access), promotes the safety of those delivering and receiving PAT in clinical contexts (Conduct), and respects the traditional and spiritual uses of psychedelic medicines which often precede their clinical use (Reciprocity). In the development of ARC, we are taking a novel dual-phase co-design approach. The first phase involves co-development of an ethics statement for each arm with stakeholders from research, industry, therapy, community, and indigenous settings. A second phase will further disseminate the statements for collaborative review to a wider audience from these different stakeholder communities within the psychedelic therapy field to invite feedback and further refinement. By presenting ARC at this early stage, we hope to draw upon the collective wisdom of the wider psychedelic community and inspire the open dialogue and collaboration upon which the process of co-design depends. We aim to offer a framework through which psychedelic researchers, therapists and other stakeholders, may begin tackling the complex ethical questions arising within their own organizations and individual practice of PAT.

BackgroundPsychedelic therapies for treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and PTSD garner high interest (e.g. New England Journal, Cochrane, Nature Medicine). Research and use is current people living with the existential...

Background The creative arts therapies (CATs) enhance mental health and support cognitive functioning in older age. However, there remains a gap in research regarding their utilisation and older adults’ attitudes towards participation. Aims This study explored older Israeli adults’ perceived barriers and facilitators to engaging in CATs, among individuals with and without prior experience. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 older adults: 10 who had participated in CATs, mostly in art therapy, and 10 who had not. This design enabled a deeper exploration of engagement, with non-participants providing insights into barriers. Results A thematic analysis yielded five themes: (1) Preconceptions about mental health services and CATs can act as barriers to utilisation; (2) Referrals and prior familiarity facilitate utilisation; (3) CATs are perceived as less threatening than other forms of mental health services; (4) CATs provide an opportunity to rectify past experiences of self-criticism and oppression related to artistic expression; (5) CATs facilitate a process of self-discovery. Cultural, gender, and migration influences may also shape attitudes toward CATs. Conclusions The barriers include mental health stigma, self-stigmatisation of artistic abilities, lack of awareness of CATs, and inadequate referrals. Facilitators include previous art experience, the less intimidating nature of CATs, and the increased self-confidence and personal growth resulting from participation. Cultural sensitivity is essential, since norms and values may shape engagement with CATs. Implications for practice Identifying barriers and facilitators to CATs is crucial, for promoting their utilization among older adults. These findings are primarily applicable to art therapy, and further research is needed to explore their relevance to other CATs modalities. Plain-language summary The creative arts therapies (CATs), which cover art, drama, music, and dance movement therapies, have been shown to improve mental health and well-being in older adults. However, little is known about older adults′ attitudes towards CATs and the barriers and facilitators influencing their engagement. This study explored these attitudes and identified ways to increase older Israeli adults’ participation in CATs. We interviewed 20 older adults, 10 of whom had participated in CATs, mostly in visual art therapy, and 10 who had not, to provide insights into the barriers to participation. Five key findings were identified. Preconceptions about mental health services and misconceptions about CATs, such as the belief that they require artistic skill, discourage participation. Previous exposure to CATs or personal recommendations encourage engagement. CATs are seen as less intimidating than traditional talk therapy, making them more approachable. CATs help older adults overcome struggles with self-criticism and develop confidence in their creative abilities. CATs provide opportunities for self-expression and personal growth. Cultural, gender, and migration influences may also shape attitudes toward CATs. These findings highlight the need to reduce stigma, increase awareness of CATs, and make them more accessible. By addressing these barriers and building on factors that encourage participation, CATs can become a powerful tool to support mental health and enhance well-being in older adults.

Padala Olga, Krupa Adrianna, Putowski Maciej, Konopelko Michal, Piasek Ewa. The efficacy of art therapy in psychiatric patients. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2019;9(8):377-383. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3376782 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/7324 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 1223 (26/01/2017). 1223 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Authors 2019; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 05.08.2019. Revised: 15.08.2019. Accepted: 23.08.2019. The efficacy of art therapy in psychiatric patients Padala Olga, olga.padala@gmail.com ORCID:0000-0003-1469-0877 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland Krupa Adrianna, adriannakrp@gmail.com ORCID:0000-0003-0866-3952 Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland Putowski Maciej, putowski.maciek@gmail.com ORCID:0000-0002-7575-2456 Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1 Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland Konopelko Michal, mm.konopelko@gmail.com ORCID:0000-0003-4103-7400 Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20 954, Lublin, Poland Piasek Ewa, ewa.piasekk@gmail.com, ORCID:0000-0003-3344-4022 I Clinic of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20 954, Lublin, Poland Abstract: Introduction: Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication and enables individuals to use art to creatively express themselves. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress. Purpose: The purpose of the review is to present the different uses of art therapy in psychiatric patients. State of knowledge: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence identifies that arts therapies, including art therapy or art psychotherapy, dance movement therapy, body psychotherapy, drama therapy and music therapy, are considered to improve negative symptoms of psychosis. Improved social skills are likely to be associated with increases in prosocial behaviours. Art therapy interventions are effective in reducing trauma symptom severity and anxiety in traumatized adults. Art and music therapy programs were effective in reducing the degree of depression. Summary: Art therapy is a part of therapy in many psychiatric diseases, including depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychotic disorders. Although the effectiveness of art therapy has been confirmed by some studies, this topic should still be investigated so that art therapy can become more effective and available for bigger group of patients. Key words: art therapy, PTSD, depression, psychotic disorder, schizophrenia

109 - Novel Treatments for Resistant Depression: Comparison of Older and Younger Patients

Art therapy has often been applied in the treatment of traumatized adults, and good results in clinical practice have been reported. However, although art therapy experts underline these benefits, the effectiveness of art therapy in trauma treatment has not been established by systematic review. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and evaluate empirical evidence of the effectiveness of art therapy for trauma treatment. As a result of the systematic review, six controlled, comparative studies on art therapy for trauma in adult patients were found. In half of the included studies, a significant decrease in psychological trauma symptoms was found in the treatment groups, and one study reported a significant decrease in depression. Although there are limitations in the number of included studies, the number of participants, the heterogeneity of included studies, and their methodological quality, the results contribute to insight into the effectiveness of art therapy in trauma treatment and form an evidence base for the urgent need for further research on art therapy and trauma treatment.

Applying Developmental Art Theory in Art Therapy Treatment and Interventions: Illustrative Examples through the Life Cycle weaves clinical applications of object relations-based art therapy with the Kestenberg Art Profile to understand art from a developmental perspective with the intent of applying this knowledge to support best art therapy practice. The book starts by defining object relations-based art therapy and introducing the Kestenberg Art Profile. Chapters blend psychological theory (Freud, Erikson, Piaget) and developmental art theory (DiLeo, Gardner, Kellogg, Levick, Lowenfeld and Brittain, and Rubin) with case illustrations that offer a focus on applying typical developmental theory and art therapy with children, adolescents, and adults who have varying needs. Examples include art from people throughout the life cycle with histories of trauma in the following areas: sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, terrorism, grief and medical illness, war, natural disasters, and substance abuse. There is further discussion on neurological indicators, family issues, and the use of materials and techniques viewed through a developmental lens. Ideal for creative arts therapists, educators, and students, the book will also stand out as a supplementary text for developmental theorists and educators, art educators, and a range of mental health professionals.

This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to uncover how art therapy interventions can be useful in enhancing the quality of life of children and adolescents. In this study, 31 papers are included from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases from the year 2020 to 2024 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The findings are organized into three main themes: (1) the art therapy’s effectiveness in managing emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues, (2) the application of art therapy for specific populations and settings, and (3) the multiple art therapy approaches, strategies, and assessments that were incorporated in the most recent research. The findings also indicate that art therapy interventions enhance the regulation of emotions, lessen aggression and disruptive conduct, and promote self-esteem and life in clients in different settings. The review also shows case and context specificity in the implementation of art therapy interventions for children with particular conditions and disorders. In addition, the creation and calibration of the measurement instruments also support the growth of evidence-based practice in art therapy. However, the review also points out some research limitations that need to be addressed in future studies, such as small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and comparison with other evidence-based treatments. Thus, the SLR concludes with specific recommendations for future research and practice, marked by the necessity for more methodologically sound studies, defining the processes that contribute to art therapy effectiveness, and enhancing the accessibility of evidence-based art therapy practices.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) trials have high levels of functional unblinding, which biases results when comparing PAT with blinded interventions. Because PAT is effectively always open label, treatment results should be compared with those of open-label traditional antidepressants (TADs), so potential benefits associated with patients knowing their treatment is equal between the interventions. To investigate the comparative effectiveness of PAT vs open-label traditional antidepressants (TADs; such as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) for the treatment of major depression. PubMed was systematically searched in March 2024 for trials of PAT and open-label TADs for the treatment of major depression without comorbidity in adults without psychosis in the outpatient setting. Extraction was supplemented with data from a review and meta-analysis of antidepressant drugs to assess the open-label vs blinded TAD difference. Depression scores were extracted by 2 independent reviewers; estimates were pooled with both bayesian and frequentist mixed-effects models. Reporting follows the PRISMA guideline. Following predefined hypotheses, the mean within-arm effect from baseline to primary end point (ie, patient improvement between PAT and open-label TAD trials on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) was compared. To assess the potential role of blinding, the within-arm effect of blinded vs open-label trials in both PAT and TADs was also compared. Of the initially retrieved PubMed 619 records, 24 met inclusion criteria. Contrary to the first of 3 hypotheses, PAT (8 trials; 249 patients) was no more effective than open-label TAD treatment (16 open-label TAD trials; 7921 patients), with an estimated difference of 0.3 favoring open-label TADs (95% CI, -1.39 to 1.98; P = .73). Open-label TADs were associated with better outcomes than blinded treatment (144 blinded TAD trials; 31 792 patients), with an estimated difference of 1.3 (95% CI, 0.07-2.51; P = .04;), but the same difference was not observed for PAT (0.67; 95% CI, -3.08 to 1.73; P = .58). In trials of depression, PAT was not more effective than open-label TADs. Blinding made a difference for TADs, but not for PAT, confirming that PAT trials are effectively always open label. These results argue against highly optimistic narratives surrounding PAT and highlight the importance of blinding integrity.

Debra Kalmanowitz, Bobby Lloyd, With Art, Without Illusion: Art Therapy and Political Violence. Anna Kalin, Julie Murphy, 'The Moment In and Out of Time': Reflections on Context and Timing in Art Therapy Interventions in Kosovo. Miriam Nabarro, Feast of Colour: Creating Something Out of Very Little: Art Making as Psycho-social Intervention with Children of a Forgotten War, Sudan. Siobhan McElroy, A Soldier's Story: Art Therapy Intervention in Sri Lanka. Tamar Hazut, From Dark Black to Bright Pink: The Power of Art Expression and Creation in Coping with Life Under Threat, Israel 2001-2002. Imelda McGeehan, Creativity from Chaos: An Art Therapist's Account of Art Work Produced in the Aftermath of a Bombing in her Community, Omagh, Northern Ireland. Stephanie Wise, A Time for Healing: Art Therapy for Children, Post-September 11, New York. Rajia Abusway, Rana Nashashibi, Remal Salah, Reema Shweiki, Expressive Arts Therapy: Healing the Traumatised: The Palestinian Experience. Hayley Berman, Transforming Objects in a Transforming South Africa. Debra Kalmanowitz, Bobby Lloyd, Portable Studio: Towards Relocating Home in the Mind, Former Yugoslavia. Diana Brandeburger, Silence in Exile: A Case Study of an Adolescent Asylum Seeker in London. Geertuida Helena Wertheim-Cahen, Art Therapy and Trauma, a Different Context, a Different Approach: Interventions in the Netherlands and Former Yugoslavia.

Background: The first 1000 days (conception to 2 years postnatal) are crucial for parent and infant health. Visual art-based interventions are used to promote positive parental mental health, but currently, there are no comprehensive insights into how these interventions can support new parents during this critical perinatal period. Aims: To synthesise research on visual art-based interventions designed to promote parents’ mental well-being during the first 1000 days to understand if and how these interventions made a difference and to identify any barriers or facilitators to parents’ engagement. Method: A keyword search of five databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsychInfo and Scopus), searches via Google Scholar and backward and forward chaining were undertaken. Quality appraisal was conducted using design appropriate tools, and a narrative thematic approach was used. Results: 4417 hits were identified, and 10 studies met eligibility criteria and were included. Interventions were classified as art therapy (n = 8) or creative arts (n = 2), and overall, a lack of robust evidence was highlighted. Six themes were constructed that describe the psychosocial impacts and experiences of the interventions and relational and contextual factors that influenced parents’ engagement. While both types of interventions had benefits, art therapy had the most profound impacts. Challenges regarding sustainability of impacts and facilitator skills were noted for creative arts, rather than art therapy interventions. Conclusion: While art therapy interventions promote positive parental mental health and well-being, high-quality evidence is needed. Implications for future research: More robust evaluation designs to identify mechanisms of effectiveness in art therapy interventions are needed.

Introduction This review explores the benefits of incorporating personal experience(s) with non-ordinary states of consciousness as a core component of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PaT) training.The program incorporates an optional experiential training component. We collaborate with professionals affiliated with a Canadian non-profit organization specializing in PaT experiential training. As do other stakeholders in this field– including program developers, educators, and researchers–we navigate a rapidly evolving and often ambiguous landscape, where infrastructure and regulations are lagging scientific data and best practices. Given the potential for differing perspectives, the authors acknowledge that their personal experiences could be a potential source of bias, influencing objectivity.ObjectivesConversely, these lived experiences could be seen as valuable contributions, enriching perspectives on the role of experiential training. In that context, our intention is to provide a comprehensive review, presenting arguments both in favour of and against the integration of experiential training in PaT.MethodsThere is an urgent need for establishing legal training and practice options, bridging the underground with best practices, with all practitioners operating within a regulated and ethically accountable framework. Such a proactive strategy would mitigate the risks associated with unregulated training in a field with relatively few guidelines on how to develop competency.ResultsAn in-training PaT experience supports personal comfort, self-assuredness, and confidence supporting others in non-ordinary states of consciousness, with contemporary researchers/experts highlighting the specific challenges among therapists who lack lived experience. These might include holding unrealistic expectations, being unaware of the impacts of set and setting, and misunderstandingConclusions Whether or not therapists engage in experiential training - serving a dual in one’s own healing process, it is imperative that they maintain their own wellness practices. This proactive/primary prevention strategy would improve well-being and resilience, reducing secondary mental health consequences for patients and providers. Cultivating a culture of self-care within the mental health field should be an overarching priority for training programs and professional organizations, without which we are left with broken people in support of broken people. Current rates of burnout, absenteeism and early retirement suggest that we are already on that trajectory and should serve as a call to action.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for treating psychiatric disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety has led to an increasing demand for specialized training. In Switzerland, MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD are applied in the framework of limited medical use as exceptional treatment options since 2014. The Swiss Medical Association for Psychedelic Therapy (SÄPT) has been a key player in addressing the need for education, offering a comprehensive, three-year training program for physicians and psychologists. This curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship, ethical considerations, and the management of altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics. This article gives an overview of the structure and framework of the training and addresses topics covered by the program through theoretical teaching and retreats focusing on practical learning. However, the demand for these programs far exceeds supply. This gap is expected to widen as psychedelics potentially become regulated prescription medications. In response, several organizations have expanded their educational offerings, including further education trainings, workshops, conferences, and symposia. Overall, there is a need for more comprehensive and accessible training programs to meet the growing demand. The evolving landscape of psychedelic research, regulatory changes, and diverse patient populations require flexible and adaptive training models. As the field progresses, it is essential to establish certification standards and ensure the continued quality of training programs to ensure the safe and effective use of PAT in clinical trials and practice.