Practitioner perspectives on art therapy with couples in relational crisis : a qualitative exploration

Background: Art therapy could benefit couples. Aims: This article explores art therapy used by couples in relational crisis from a professional perspective. Methods: Seven art therapists working in family counselling participated in the qualitative study. Results: The results showed that, through non-verbal communication, art making facilitated clarification of situations, handling non-talkable concerns, and added playfulness to the relationship. Three crucial dimensions were identified in the family counselling context: (1) outer frames, i.e. room and material; (2) some special conditions, i.e. that they trusted each other and both wanted to repair their relationship, and the therapist’s ability to assess this; and (3) art work techniques that all couples could master. Conclusions: Art therapy could benefit couples in relational crisis, given appropriate prerequisites were ensured. Implications for practice: suitable rooms and appropriate materials have to be arranged if the social services want to offer couples in relational crisis art therapy as a tool in their work to reduce marital distress and prevent separations