Healing Through Art: The Power of Evidence-Based Art Therapy in Ukraine

Art therapy has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits, from improving respiratory issues through singing to enhancing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease with dance, and even boosting memory in dementia patients through museum tours. These findings, backed by annual research from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlight the positive impact of art therapy on socialization, resilience, and overall well-being. In Ukraine, these practices have been implemented for years and have become particularly valuable during the war. One notable project, ART THERAPY FORCE, focuses on institutionalizing art therapy and restoring the psycho-emotional state of Ukrainians using contemporary academic methodologies.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Art Therapy

The WHO has long recognized art therapy as evidence-based, continually validating its effectiveness. Their website features a comprehensive section titled “Arts and Health,” spanning 600 pages dedicated to the evidence supporting art therapy. In Ukraine, however, the art therapy sector is often deprofessionalized, with individuals without medical backgrounds claiming to be sound therapists. This has led to skepticism about the validity of art therapy. Fortunately, a new law is expected to be passed, ensuring that only individuals with medical training can practice therapy, thereby preventing potential harm and malpractice.

Art therapy operates on a biopsychosocial model, influencing psycho-emotional states and health. The evidence-based approach involves a clear evaluation structure. For example, one of the projects includes recreational art camps in the Carpathians for children and adolescents from war-affected regions. The evaluation process involves multiple stages, including pre-camp, mid-camp, and post-camp assessments of the children’s well-being. Follow-ups are conducted three weeks after the camp to monitor changes in social behavior, cognitive functions, anxiety levels, sleep, and appetite. These assessments are carried out by professional psychologists and psychotherapists, ensuring a methodical and non-intuitive approach.

Differences in Approaches: Adolescents vs. Veterans

Working with adolescents involves a comprehensive 24/7 approach, where the entire daily schedule is planned to include walks, relaxation time, and personal time. In contrast, sessions with military personnel are integrated into their hospital routines, typically involving group sessions lasting one or two hours per week.

The primary goal is to meet individuals at their current psycho-emotional state and guide them towards stability through various practices. For military personnel, documentary filmmaking can be particularly effective, helping them regain a sense of subjectivity and self-respect. While the biological mechanisms of art therapy are similar for both adolescents and military personnel, the methodological approaches may differ slightly.

Attitudes Towards Art Therapy Among Military Personnel and Veterans

Initially, there was an unspoken self-prohibition on joy among military personnel, seen as a manifestation of moral trauma. Many soldiers, even those who had lost limbs, struggled with their trauma and expressed a desire to return to the front lines. This mindset is understandable, as the focused state of being on the front lines can suppress cognitive processes and anxiety that surface more intensely in the rear.

Overcoming the stigma associated with art therapy, particularly from the Soviet era where art was seen purely as entertainment, is challenging but achievable. The seriousness with which doctors approach art therapy plays a crucial role. Additionally, peer support among military personnel can significantly enhance the acceptance of art therapy. Providing choices, such as working with aggression through music or improving cognitive functions through weaving, can also be beneficial.

For instance, some soldiers who were initially skeptical about weaving found themselves independently attending sessions within three months because they enjoyed it. The key is to create a safe space for creativity and flow. A scientific approach to art therapy is exemplified by Oleh Bereziuk, the head of psychological and psychosocial rehabilitation at the Unbroken Center. Techniques like neurofeedback allow for the comparison of brain impulses before and after art therapy, demonstrating visible changes in brain activity.

Life-Changing Impacts of Art Therapy

Some of the most profound experiences involve military personnel, particularly those who have been in captivity. Many of these individuals stop speaking due to their traumas. For example, a soldier at the Unbroken Center participated in a drawing workshop through a collaboration with the Lviv National Academy of Arts. Initially, he did not speak and spent entire days drawing endless circles. Gradually, he began to communicate with his instructor about everyday things, and his artwork became more figurative, depicting people who had overcome their struggles. Such stories are truly inspiring.

While the evidence supporting art therapy may not be widely accessible, its effects are undeniable. For instance, children undergoing dialysis or recovering from mine-blast injuries and burns begin to smile and experience muscle relaxation within three months. Although any artistic activity can have therapeutic effects, not all artistic activities qualify as therapy.

Long-Term Effects of Art Therapy

Art therapy has long-lasting effects, restoring brain function and a sense of safety. This is particularly evident in children, who often return to stressful home environments. Practices of self-help and emotional recovery equip them with tools to manage their well-being. However, the long-term impact can be unpredictable, as seen in cases where children return to areas affected by further conflicts, such as the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station. In such cases, individual psychological support from specialists is offered.

Adults, especially those who are self-aware, can learn to manage their states through breathing exercises or drawing. However, it is important to understand that art therapy is not a pill or a medical intervention. Traumas from captivity cannot be completely cured, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent among Ukrainians.

For further reading on the scientific backing of art therapy, you can visit the WHO’s Arts and Health section.