Creative arts in occupational therapy: Ancient history or contemporary practice?

Abstract

This paper is primarily concerned with the use of creative arts by occupational therapists in adult mental health rehabilitation. A review of relevant literature within and beyond occupational therapy suggests that creative arts have therapeutic value. The first section considers the more traditional, psychodynamic framework for creative arts in mental health. This underpinned much therapeutic creative art work between the 1960s and 1980s. The second section draws on a broader, more eclectic framework of theorizing and research. This offers a rationale for the use of creative arts in their own therapeutic right. It is hoped that this will stimulate thinking among occupational therapists about retaining and promoting creative arts within their practice. © Whim Publishers Ltd.