Conversion Disorder: A Case Study Using Art Therapy

This paper is both an exploration of the clinical entity known as Conversion Disorder and the presentation of a case study in which art therapy was used as a therapeutic intervention. Conversion Disorder is described and characteristics mentioned in the literature are discussed. Theories of its etiology are described, beginning with historical accounts and ending with current theories. Therapeutic interventions are discussed with an emphasis on insight oriented psychotherapy. A brief description of art therapy procedures is given with emphasis on the advantages of this particular mode. The case study is presented as an example of art therapy methods used as an intervention for Conversion Disorder. Analyses and critiques are included in the description of the sessions. The paper ends with a discussion of this particular case in light of the research cited in the first part of the paper