Whilst I was researching more into CBT (which can be found here), I found that there were multiple different therapeutic techniques that people could use. Journaling was the one that I took most interest in, but the others suggested are cognitive restructuring/reframing, exposure therapy, role playing and meditation. This led me to study art therapy (more information can be found here), where I then found multiple links back to CBT. That's when I discovered cognitive behavioural art therapy (CBAT).
They are both proven to successfully treat similar mental health disorders.
"CBAT was developed using the theories and techniques from behavior therapy, cognitive psychology, cognitive-behavioral theory and therapy, and personal construct psychology, as well as theories from the art-therapy professionals. The ideas put forth by Roth, Carnes, and Rhyne made it possible to conceptualize and advance CBAT. Integration of this information into a CBAT program was carefully crafted into a therapy protocol for children with behavioral difficulties. The program selected the most efficacious treatment concepts from the information garnered from two meta-analyses. The integration of art therapy with CBT proved to be valuable for children and teens with various behavior disorders."
https://chaminajjan.com/cognitive-behavioral-art-therapy/
"In addition to the reality-shaping work by Roth (1987, 2001), art therapists also used the following techniques: cognitive mapping, problem-solving therapy, modeling, systematic desensitization, relaxation techniques, personal constructs, mental messages, implosion and stress inoculation, reinforcement, and prompts (see Table 5.1). For example, Packard (1977) used a technique she called cognitive mapping for the acquisition of new concepts for children with learning disabilities (LD), for whom new ideas or concepts can get lost or tangled in disorganized pathways. Using drawn or visual images, Packard found that new information can be reorganized, or as she termed it repaved, and cleaned up. These reconfigured mental layouts can lead to increased abilities to make novel connections and innovative learning. Similar to Roth’s reality shaping, several art therapists had children create difficult personal and social situations to increase problem-solving. The depiction of complex events is then followed by the generation of alternative solutions, in graphic form, which increases choices. De Francisco (1983), Gerber (1994), and Rosal (1985, 1992) advocated four CBT techniques in art therapy, namely relaxation, systematic desensitization, implosion, and stress inoculation. Stress relief and lowered states of anxiety are the goals of these techniques. The basic idea behind these techniques is the induction of relaxed states."
"The overriding goal of CBT is for the client to gain self-control and self-efficacy in order to achieve adaptability (Bandura, 1997). For adults, CBAT alleviates the power of traumatic images, re-examines erroneous and problematic cognitions, decreases behavioral problems, increases awareness of triggers that lead to self harm or socially inappropriate behaviors, and improves locus of control. CBAT also aids in achieving focus and mindfulness to alter the meaning of irrational thoughts. Finally, CBAT can improve coping strategies and lead to the adoption of rational solutions for improving one’s life choices. CBAT for children increases behavioral self-control, reduces the impact of abuse, mitigates the effects of bullying, and builds self-efficacy—all of which are essential for development. Rather than always needing an adult or a system to be in charge, children in CBAT can learn to understand and manage aspects of their own behavior. For people of all ages, increased self-control can lead to more personal choice and freedom, and personal power can in turn lead to a richer and more meaningful life."
Below are three case studies that I found most interesting in the papers I found during my research. I think they clearly demonstrate realistic scenarios of CBAT and the successful outcomes that it can produce. I can also better understand the mindset and thinking process of the participants, who seem to be more equipped at expressing them using these artistic methods.
Name: Maggie Age: 14-year-old Condition: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Note: Felt like she had little ability to affect her own life CBAT approach taken:
