The Impact of the Art Therapy Large Group on post-qualification professional practice.

This paper presents the results of research funded by the British Academy which asked 'What is the impact of the Art Therapy Large Group (ATLG) on learning about clinical practice, work with staff teams and organizational dynamics in post-qualification practice?' The ATLG, modelled on large group theory, performance art and art psychotherapy group theory, is an experiential learning forum involving all students and staff (100 +) on an MA Art Psychotherapy training (Skaife & Jones 2009). The research asks past students over a 6 year period, about their learning in the ATLG useful in their practice as art therapists, or in another capacity, in the institutions in which they work. We asked respondents to rate on a five point scale the impact of the ATLG on their learning, for demographic and employment information, and for comments. 187 students were contacted, 57 replies received, of which 28 were fully completed. Results reveal that the ATLG was most effective for increasing understanding of: interactions within and between different groups of professionals, how political and social issues impact on organisations; how organisational change impacts team work, issues of equality and diversity. The results, the limitations of the research and its implications will be discussed. Skaife, S. and Jones, K. 2009 'The art therapy large group as a teaching method for the institutional and political aspects of professional training' Learning in Health and Social Care. Wiley-Blackwell Keywords Large Group, Research, Art Psychotherapy, organisations, teams, equality and diversity, politic