Art Therapists' Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences of Participation in Research

The study examined art therapists' subjective experiences, attitudes, and perceptions when participating in a longitudinal study in the Israeli public education system. Seventy-six reflections written by 38 art therapists on their participation in art therapy research were analyzed. Sixteen therapists also took part in focus groups, 5-7 years after the original study. Findings indicated that despite the time and energy required to take part in the study, the therapists were proud to have made a contribution to research, learned a great deal from participating, and felt that taking part had a positive effect on the course of treatment. They viewed their participation in the research as an empowering and valuable experience for them and for their clients.