Community adult mental health: mitigating the impact of Covid-19 through online art therapy

ABSTRACT Background The Covid-19 pandemic transformed the practices of many Art Therapists, and online work became commonplace. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicted elevated rates of stress and anxiety among other mental health issues to develop as a result of the pandemic. It is vital to intervene early to prevent potential long-term psychological effects. Context The article describes an online art therapy group for adult mental health service users in the community in a suburban area of a large city in England. The practice description includes six adult mental health service users who have participated in the online art therapy group and provided feedback. Approach The online art therapy group emerged from our universal experience of the pandemic and the need for social connection through art-making to mitigate the psychological effects. The approach to the work is underpinned by an understanding of Polyvagal and Trauma Theories, mentalisation in groups and mechanisms of group art therapy. Outcomes The service users feedback that they found the online art therapy group helpful for managing a variety of mental health difficulties. Conclusion The paper describes the art therapy approach along with some pros and cons of providing the service online. Implications for research The pandemic highlighted the importance of developing our knowledge of online art therapy practice and research. We need further collaborative work with service users as their input is paramount in the process of practice development. Plain-language summary The Covid-19 pandemic changed how Art Therapists provide their services, many offering online therapy. The pandemic affects people's mental health negatively. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts a higher level of stress and anxiety, among other mental health issues, to develop as a result of the pandemic. It is essential to provide services early that help prevent a long-term negative effect on people's mental health. In this article, I describe an online art therapy group for adult mental health service users in the community in a suburban area of a large city in England. The practice description includes six adult mental health service users who have participated in the online art therapy group and provided feedback. The online art therapy group emerged from our common experience of the pandemic and the need for social connection through art-making to lessen the negative effects. I draw on research to understand the impact of Covid-19 and how Polyvagal and Trauma Theories and mentalisation in art therapy group work can inform the approach to therapeutic work. The service users feedback that they found the online art therapy group helpful for managing a variety of mental health difficulties. The paper describes the art therapy approach along with some pros and cons of providing the service online. The pandemic showed how important it is to develop our knowledge of online art therapy practice and research. We need further collaborative research with service users as their input is paramount in the process of practice development.