Abstract

The aim of this phenomenological study was to discover if and how art therapists utilise the creative process as a means of self-care. Art therapists have an intimate understanding of the creative process as a means of healing and transformation. Yet, recognising how art therapists specifically utilize the creative process for themselves has not been researched, and therefore requires inquiry. The creative process as a means of self-care has implications for increasing the sustainability of art therapists. In order to answer the research questions, a brief survey was sent out, via the internet, to art therapists across Canada. The survey consisted of 8 multiple choice questions regarding art therapists' use of creativity and self-care. From the 133 surveys sent out, 25 surveys were received, and used as the initial research data. In-depth interviews with 3 art therapists, who use the creative process as a means of self-care, provided rich detail in understanding the personal ways in which art therapists use creativity. The findings indicate that yes, to some extent, art therapists do use the creative process as a means of self-care. The findings of this study have provided an art therapy continuum which illustrates the many ways in which creativity is utilized for self-care.