Thermodynamic Art In Catharsis And Therapy: A Case Study

THE USES OF PSYCHIATRIC ART IN DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY Whenever a patient is referred to art sessions, the referring therapist usually has one of two purposes in mind: One is to get more insight into the patient through his drawings and paintings; that is the analytic or diagnostic function. The other purpose is the use of art and creativity as a therapeutic helping hand in the treatment of the patient; that is the synthetic or therapeutic function. The analytic or diagnostic function was well described by a patient in the mental clinic; as he put it, “Art is useful in saving a lot of unnecessary talking…a picture is worth a thousand words.” This remark holds true only within the limits imposed by the subjective

These are usually new admissions to the hospital considered to have a fair prognosis, or those already present who show a promise of recovery or of arrest of their symptoms at a relatively healthy level. The principle behind the therapeutic effect of artistic expression has already been discussed at length early in this paper as one of catharsis or cathexis. This is accomplished in one of the following ways: (1) by giving the patient opportunity to release accumulated inner tensions through the expressive medium of the art being used. This is basically a special form of the mechanic of sublimation. (2) By building the patient’s self-confidence. This occurs when the patient’s artistic activities lead to a visible increase in his skill in handling the media. The patient then views his drawings as evidence of his successful creative powers, or simply his ability to achieve something worthwhile. And, (3) by providing the interviewer and the patient with a common denominator, or “a stake in reality,” as Gianacol 6 puts it. In the case of some patients this may be the only means left which can be used to induce them back to objective