Blended online and face-to-face art therapy

Abstract

This article focuses on a blended art-based practice that uses a combination of face-to-face, online, mobile and e-mail text-based methods. Blended art therapy alternates between digital and face-to-face formats complementing each other allowing clients to become autonomous and adapt to changing life circumstances. The approach encourages clients to take an active role in the distant treatment while undertaking continuous home art engagement tasks in between sessions. Switching between different digital, virtual and terrestrial formats will be described in this article. The outcomes discussed indicate certain client groups may benefit from a blended method approach. Attention will be given to the experiences of sensory perception, intimacy and relational proximity, during the virtual phases of the work. This article will also highlight observations in relation to the ways in which attachment dynamics have been identified and worked with in the face-to-face phase of therapy.