Integrative painting therapy - A therapeutic concept for in-patients at the psychiatric clinic of the University of Graz

Integrative painting therapy is a therapeutic concept for the treatment of psychiatric patients. It combines medical and therapeutic treatment strateg ies. The painting group is the main component of this type of therapy. Its focus is to capture psychodynamic processes by means of "inner pictures". The cr eative pro cess of painting causes these pictures to become visible; the pi ctures are then worked upon. Interpreted in accordance with specific rules, the pictures reflect the psychopathology of different psychiatric disorder s as well as their development throughout the therapeutic process. The pict ures also serve as a starting point for group, single or family therapy. The patients quickly gain access to their emotions and become aware of conf licts which form the basis of their psychodynamics. Their progress through therapy becomes apparent and can be documented by me ans of the pictures. The structured course of the painting sessions provide s additional information. The integration of various aspects, e.g, the phen omenology of the pictures, statements of patients about their pictures, or the behaviour of the patients within the group, serve to increase our fund of diagnostic information. Major aspects of this therapeutic concept are the development of teamwork a nd the establishment of close contact within the team. This makes it possib le to apply different concepts within the program, in accordance with the n eeds of each patient. The integration of different approaches of treatment promotes the developme nt of a therapeutic environment that supports forces of self-healing and gr owth in specific stages of therapy.