Foraged Materials in Art Therapy: An Arts-Based Experiential Study

Abstract

This arts-based experiential study was established to study the specific therapeutic benefits of foraged materials when implemented into art therapy practice and identify material properties that may be more or less therapeutically effective for individual clients. Fourteen Likert rating scales were used to measure the properties of 34 foraged materials during eight artmaking sessions. Each session included a group of three to seven foraged materials and consisted of artmaking, the photographic documentation of artwork, material property rating on the Likert scales, and a narrative documentation of the entire session. After all the material properties were rated, the results were grouped according to the rank they received within each property rating scale and each property was assessed to determine how it would affect therapeutic efficacy with different populations. Recommendations for foraged material application in art therapy practice were offered. Overall, the study resulted in a set of scales and criteria for measuring foraged material properties and how they affect an individual, as well as guidelines for incorporating foraged materials into art therapy practice with respect to material properties and population needs. Among other benefits, the application of these results will offer an opportunity to create a stronger connection between the client and the therapeutic process and make art therapy more approachable to those who are resistant to working with conventional art materials.