| If you are suffering from depression there has been | | | | pleasant activities scheduling, identifying and reviewing |
| a tremendous amount of research that suggests that | | | | success experiences, mood monitoring, relaxation |
| Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an effective | | | | training, and problem-solving. The authors suggest |
| form of treatment. The recent research on positive | | | | that positive psychology can provide CBT with the |
| psychology that suggests it may be complementary | | | | opportunities to move beyond removing negative |
| to CBT interventions as it relates to depression. | | | | affect, consequently moving the client towards |
| Moreover, how can we use art therapy to reinforce | | | | positive affect, influencing quality of life. The positive |
| these theories and interventions? | | | | psychology constructs that could blend with CBT to |
| Garratt, Ilardi, and Karwoski (2006) offer a compelling | | | | reduce depression and enhance over all well-being |
| article on the integration of cognitive behavioral and | | | | include: capitalizing on strengths, instilling hope, flow |
| positive psychology for the treatment of depression. | | | | (being absorbed in the moment while engaged in an |
| The authors present the two primary goals of | | | | activity), mindfulness (being fully present), addressing |
| cognitive behavioral therapy, modifying dysfunctional | | | | unsolvable problems, optimism training, meaning, |
| thoughts and creating long-term cognitive skills to | | | | physical exercise, and humor. |
| reduce relapse. The meteoric popularity of CBT as a | | | | The aforementioned interventions blend well with art |
| treatment modality arose with Beck's research of | | | | therapy. Using art the art therapist can capitalize on |
| CBT and depression. However, studies suggest that | | | | the inherent creative strengths of the individual. |
| long-term recovery is sustained in less than half of | | | | Creating a picture of what the individual can imagine |
| the clients who receive CBT for treatment of | | | | as a possible positive outcome can instill a sense of |
| depression. It is the implication of long term success | | | | hope and provide a tangible road map to achieve |
| with clients that leads the authors to explore the | | | | their goals. Flow and mindfulness occurs when the |
| principles of positive psychology as it relates to | | | | individual is fully present in the creative process and is |
| cognitive behavioral therapy. | | | | often accomplished in an art therapy session. The art |
| The article suggests the conceptual overlap between | | | | making process can be used to explore choices for |
| CBT interventions and positive psychology approach, | | | | problems that appear unsolvable, and create meaning |
| including a strong therapeutic alliance, focus on distinct | | | | and purpose for the individual. Therefore, art therapy |
| goals, here-and-now focus, cognitive reappraisal, and | | | | offers a bridge to CBT and positive psychology by |
| client collaboration. Moreover, the authors suggest | | | | the process of using therapeutic art interventions |
| there is an overlap in techniques that are congruent | | | | that reinforce the tenants of these two theories. |
| in both CBT and positive psychology. Both encourage | | | | |