[Experienced active elements of art therapy for persistent physical symptoms]

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) are symptoms that persist for several months and restrict functioning or cause significant distress. When initial treatment steps provide insufficient relief, referral to specialized care is indicated. A specialized mental health treatment for severe PPS is dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT), in which art therapy (AT) forms a significant component. The experienced active elements of this approach have barely been investigated.

To identify the experienced active elements of AT within a DIT day treatment for severe PPS.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven patients with severe PPS regarding their experiences with AT within DIT. Data were analysed thematically, and COREQ guidelines were followed.

The analysis resulted in 31 subthemes categorized under nine main themes, which were clustered into three overarching themes. These encompassed the therapeutic framework, the process of art-making, and the concrete artwork itself. The artwork offered opportunities for exploration, expression, and insight during sessions; additionally, it functioned as a lasting reminder and a tool for maintaining changes outside of therapy.

AT can contribute to making internal processes tangible, promoting emotional expression and self-insight, practicing behavioural change, and supporting mentalizing capacity. This study offers a foundation for more targeted interventions and further evaluation of AT for severe PPS.