The Compassionate Arts Psychotherapy Program: Benefits of a Compassionate Arts Media Continuum

Abstract The Compassionate Arts Psychotherapy (CAP) program integrates self-compassion and arts psychotherapy practices, which are informed by a compassionate arts media (CAM) continuum. A mixed methods pilot program evaluation with a pretest-posttest single group design, followed by an open-ended survey, was conducted. Participants included 18 graduate students who engaged in ten 2.5-hour meetings, over the course of two weekends. Results showed statistically significant increases in self-compassion, and cognitive and affective mindfulness over time and at two-week follow-up. Qualitatively, participants reported positive gains, specifically: openness to new experiences, here-and-now mindful awareness, and self-compassion. These results suggest the clinical utility of CAP and provide novel perspectives on the directionality of the traditional art therapy media continuum.