Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.63614/t.3.3.13
Contemporary Clinical Art Therapy Practices in Psychiatric Institutions
Mia Janković Shentser
Jasmina Lesić
Vesna Matić
Jasmina Pacek
Andreja Rom
Krunislav Stojanovski
Abstract
The focus of this paper is exclusively on clinical art therapy practice within
psychiatric settings. This review presents selected practice examples from
interns and alumni of the University Specialist Program in Creative Therapies,
Art Therapy Track, conducted in Croatia and North Macedonia. Exceptionally,
and considering the regional and setting context, one example is included from
an alumna whose practice was conducted prior to enrollment at the Creative
Therapies Program. Clinical art therapy practice was carried out in psychiatric clinics in Zagreb, Osijek, and Rab (Croatia), as well as in Skopje (North Macedonia). The
implemented art therapy processes included work with art therapy protocols
(Mask, Bridge), a structured psychoeducational program for war veterans,
a short-term individual art therapy process, and an illustration of resonance
within a group context.
The outcomes of these practices indicate the effectiveness of art therapy in
reducing anxiety, strengthening resilience, enhancing self-understanding,
affirming personal identity, supporting emotional stabilization, and shifting
focus from illness toward growth and recovery.
Although this paper presents a collection of short-term therapeutic processes, it
offers a valuable and illustrative overview of the diversity of applications and
the richness of processes that art therapy provides.
Keywords
art therapy; clinical practice; art therapy in psychiatric institutions
Hrčak ID:
346796
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
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