Developing an online art therapy group for learning disabled young adults using WhatsApp

IF 2.3 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape Pub Date : 2020-10-01 DOI:10.1080/17454832.2020.1845758
Gillian W. Datlen, Chiara Pandolfi
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引用次数: 29

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Learning Disabled (LD) adults commonly experience barriers accessing the same services as non-disabled adults. Communication issues may also contribute to difficulties forming relationships, leading to increased loneliness and isolation. Art therapy groups can help to counter social isolation, providing opportunities to creatively explore challenges within a therapeutic relationship. Context: This paper describes the development of online art therapy during the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using social media, an online group was developed from an existing studio group for LD clients at risk of isolation. Participants continue to take part and have consented to their images and viewpoints being used. Approach: Primarily influenced by studio models of art therapy, the original approach used is an enabling, art-based approach. After transitioning into online art therapy, art making remains central to the process and intersectionality and the role of touch are explored. Outcomes: Participants of the online group consistently engage, sharing creative responses via the social media platform, WhatsApp. Ongoing participation is perceived as a positive sign and members predominantly agree the adaptation is helpful, however, challenges gathering feedback have arisen. Conclusions: The use of online art therapy in an accessible format enables the group to continue accessing support during the pandemic. The variety of communication methods available on WhatsApp allows participants to remain included. Implications for research: Further research is required to establish whether this approach could be used as a template for other LD services and other client groups. Plain-language summary This paper describes the introduction of an online art therapy group to support young Learning Disabled adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online sessions were adapted from an existing studio art therapy group, in which five members met fortnightly in an artist community, with sessions facilitated by two art therapists and a support worker. Prior to the pandemic, Learning Disabled adults likely already had fewer opportunities to socialise. As a result, they may experience greater loneliness and social isolation. Communication issues and difficulties using technology also contribute to their widespread digital exclusion. In an ever-increasing digital era resulting from the pandemic, Learning Disabled adults are at higher risk of mental health issues. Hosting online sessions using the familiar and accessible social media platform, WhatsApp, allows our existing structure and aims to remain largely the same. This creates some sense of consistency in surreal and challenging circumstances. We describe the theoretical approaches which influenced our original model before outlining perspectives which inform and shape our online work. The practicalities of setting up the online group are summarised and online sessions are described with reference to artworks, emerging themes and the benefits and challenges which have arisen. Participants’ views are included, with our observations around the challenges of obtaining feedback with this client group. In conclusion, this paper describes how our approach and the creation of a virtual art therapy studio in absence of an actual studio environment may allow Learning Disabled clients to remain included, connected and supported during a global crisis. More accessible evaluation strategies are needed to establish how effective this model is and further projects may suggest whether this online approach could be replicated with other groups, both LD and other client groups. Video Abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo
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为使用WhatsApp的有学习障碍的年轻人建立一个在线艺术治疗小组
背景:学习障碍(LD)成年人在获得与非残疾成年人相同的服务方面普遍存在障碍。沟通问题也可能造成建立关系的困难,导致孤独感和孤立感增加。艺术治疗小组可以帮助对抗社会孤立,在治疗关系中提供创造性探索挑战的机会。背景:本文描述了新型冠状病毒2019 (COVID-19)大流行期间在线艺术治疗的发展。利用社会媒体,在现有工作室小组的基础上开发了一个在线小组,供面临孤立风险的LD客户使用。参与者继续参与并同意使用他们的图像和观点。方法:主要受工作室艺术治疗模式的影响,最初使用的方法是一种基于艺术的方法。在过渡到在线艺术治疗后,艺术创作仍然是这个过程的核心,并探讨了交叉性和触摸的作用。结果:在线小组的参与者持续参与,通过社交媒体平台WhatsApp分享创造性的回应。持续的参与被认为是一个积极的信号,大多数成员都同意适应是有帮助的,然而,收集反馈的挑战已经出现。结论:使用无障碍格式的在线艺术治疗使该群体能够在大流行期间继续获得支持。WhatsApp上提供的各种交流方式使参与者保持参与。对研究的影响:需要进一步的研究来确定这种方法是否可以作为其他LD服务和其他客户群体的模板。本文介绍了在2019冠状病毒病大流行期间为年轻学习障碍成年人提供支持的在线艺术治疗小组的介绍。在线课程改编自现有的工作室艺术治疗小组,其中五名成员每两周在艺术家社区会面,由两名艺术治疗师和一名支持人员协助。在大流行之前,有学习障碍的成年人可能已经没有多少社交机会了。因此,他们可能会经历更大的孤独和社会孤立。通信问题和使用技术的困难也助长了他们普遍的数字排斥。在疫情导致的数字化时代,有学习障碍的成年人出现心理健康问题的风险更高。使用熟悉且易于访问的社交媒体平台WhatsApp举办在线会议,使我们现有的结构和目标基本保持不变。这在超现实和具有挑战性的环境中创造了某种一致性。在概述影响和塑造我们在线工作的观点之前,我们描述了影响我们原始模型的理论方法。总结了建立在线小组的实用性,并根据艺术品,新兴主题以及已经出现的好处和挑战描述了在线会议。参与者的观点包括在内,以及我们对获得客户群体反馈的挑战的观察。总之,本文描述了我们的方法和虚拟艺术治疗工作室的创建,在没有实际工作室环境的情况下,如何让学习障碍客户在全球危机期间保持包容、联系和支持。需要更容易获得的评价战略来确定这种模式的有效性,进一步的项目可能建议是否可以将这种联机方法复制到其他群体,包括LD和其他客户群体。视频摘要阅读文本在Vimeo上观看视频
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来源期刊
CiteScore
5.40
自引率
0.00%
发文量
19
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