Loss, adaptation and growth: The experiences of creative arts therapists during the Covid-19 pandemic. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keisari, Shoshi; Feniger-Schaal, Rinat; Butler, Jason D.; Sajnani, Nisha; Golan, Naama; Orkibi, Hod
• Is Part Of: Arts in psychotherapy. Volume 82(2022)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Creative arts therapies -- COVID-19 -- Creativity -- Telehealth -- Online; Art therapy -- Periodicals; Dance therapy -- Periodicals; Music therapy -- Periodicals; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 616.891656
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2022.101983
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-4556

Abstract

Abstract: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, mental health professionals have been called upon to cope with various challenges, including the shift to telehealth without prior training, overload in the workplace, increased risk of infection, and personal stressors relating to the pandemic. This article presents the qualitative findings of a larger international mixed-method study that explored the experiences of creative arts therapists around the globe during the first year of the pandemic (Feniger-Schaal et al., 2022). Twenty creative arts therapists were interviewed between July 2020 and March 2021. Transcriptions of the interviews were qualitatively analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified: an experience of processing the losses caused by the pandemic, a restorative orientation that focused on adaptations the therapists made, and innovations that lead to personal and professional growth. Artistic engagement and creativity were found to be a resource when coping with losses and helped therapists adapt to the shift to tele-creative arts therapies (tele-CAT). Although this shift can lead to advances in the field of creative arts therapies, it requires further consideration, including the need for ethical guidelines, specific training, the development of digital methods that support the creative process, and dedicated supervision for therapists. The findings also point to the importance of psychological support to mitigate the burden therapists experience during stressful events. Highlights: We explored the experiences of CA therapists during the first year of the pandemic. Therapists described significant experiences of loss as a result of the pandemic. Losses and changes also led to an experience of personal and professional growth. This dual experience corresponds to the Dual-Process Model of Coping with Bereavement. CA therapists need appropriate support during periods of health crises.