Case report on clay sculpting of Platonic solids for anxiety: Exploration of effects and mechanisms of change

Abstract

Touch is an essential component of the human experience, especially evident in art therapy where activities like clay work serve as powerful tools for sensory expression. While art therapy is often associated with free expression and creativity, structured interventions prove most effective in addressing negative moods. A structured art intervention, used in anthroposophic art therapy, is clay modeling of Platonic solids. The idea is that sculpting these abstract geometric forms helps individuals to regain or strengthen a sense of stability. In this specific case study, the therapeutic effects of Platonic solids were explored concerning anxiety reduction. The patient suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, severe distress and somatization. After three months art therapy, her anxiety and somatization were significantly reduced. It was found that patient’s ability to accept her emotions and responses to distress improved. This case report sheds light on the mechanisms underlying art therapy, particularly the role of tactile engagement in facilitating emotional integration across different levels of consciousness, increasing patient’s self-awareness. This case report contributes to the ongoing exploration of art therapy's transformative potential, emphasizing the significance of tactile experiences and combining a body-oriented approach with a cognitive challenge (Platonic solids) in the therapeutic process.