ArTA
ArTA (Art Therapy Assessment) is an evidence-based assessment to gain an understanding of how someone deals with challenging situations, and what the potential is in increasing adaptability. It can be used in mental health care and in the private sector. This method was developed based on the findings of my PhD research. I write about it and have developed training for it.
Seven features of ArTA
Evidence-based
ArTA is based on rigorous scientific doctoral research. Four studies and seven sub-studies examined the relationship between the visual art form and mental health. The results show that the art-making process and the art product are significantly related to the balance between thinking and feeling and the client's adaptability, also referred as resilience or psychological flexibility.
Art-focused
The visual art form is at the core of art therapy and plays a central role in observation using ArTA. Rather than focusing on the substantive or symbolic meaning of an image, the emphasis lies on HOW a person uses the artistic materials, experiences the process, and how this becomes visible in the art product, as these aspects provide insight into their mental health.
Focus on health
In ArTA, mental health is not considered in terms of disorders and diseases, but in terms of the (dis)balance between thinking and feeling and the ability to adapt. Complaints are taken seriously, but the primary focus is on gaining insight into the client’s strengths, capabilities, potential, and opportunities for development as a starting point for treatment.
Neuro-informed
Neuroscientific insights help explain why ArTA specifically provides insight into balance and adaptability. In addition, they offer a foundation for clinical reasoning: the methodical use of art materials, techniques, and instructions. Within ArTA, these are referred to as neuro-analogous processes.
Systematic and efficient
Once trained, ArTA can be integrated into regular clinical practice and helps art therapists to observe in a focused, systematic, and efficient manner. An ArTA assessment helps the art therapist to formulate treatment goals and choose evidence-based interventions. This increases the quality of treatment for the client.
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Versatile
ArTA is based on research conducted among a large group of art therapists with diverse backgrounds, as well as clients with a wide range of mental health concerns. By emphasizing similarities rather than differences, ArTA transcends the various approaches within art therapy as well as different forms of psychological distress.
Clear vocabulary
Clear, direct, and accessible language that does justice to the essence of art therapy, while also being understandable to others, contributes to effective communication with clients, parents/caregivers, professional colleagues, and other stakeholders. At the same time, it strengthens the profiling and positioning of art therapy within organizations and the broader professional field.