How does your garden grow? : Art therapy activities for people with acquired brain injuries

by Rebecca Harrison

This manual is an informative tool, providing art therapy students and professionals in the field with 8 art therapy activities that are documented as beneficial in addressing the issues, needs and goals of the acquired brain injury population through practical and theoretical research. The activities explore self-identity, help participants discover their resources, socialize with peers, and have the potential to induce a flow state, resulting in feelings of relaxation, pleasure and an overall increase in positive mood. This manual outlines specific terminology pertaining to the topics of brain injury and art therapy. It provides a review of relevant literature on theory that highlights potential treatment issues and the client population, and treatment interventions for people with brain injuries. It contributes to the field of art therapy by expanding upon the current research for art therapy and the acquired brain injury population, emphasizing the importance of a person-centred approach and positive, strengths-based way of working, group art therapy and how the common art therapy activities presented are beneficial to people with acquired brain injuries, contributing to a holistic rehabilitation. The hope is that this manual inspires more work and research around art therapy with people who have acquired and traumatic brain injuries, and that the resources fort his population and the benefits of art therapy continue to be expanded upon.