Where is the art therapist? A systems approach to positioning the art therapist

This document provides guidelines for mapping and positioning the art therapist within various systems. It uses a research study that mapped the structure and dynamics of the palliative care unit at a public hospital as an example to illustrate the steps in the mapping process. It examined the optimal placement of art therapists within the palliative care system. The heuristic inquiry included reflections on observations embedded in the system during placement, as well as conversations and interviews with multidisciplinary team members and other art therapists. The various visual methods for mapping the system were valuable because they could be simplified to provide a more general understanding of the system. The art-based activities enabled the manual development of the maps and allowed participants to feel the three-dimensional textile map while integrating information about the system’s structure, dynamics, and functionality. The client type, stage of illness, and treatment plan or task determine the optimal placement of the art therapist. The primary contribution of the art therapist lies in the ability to work in a client-focused way and to employ a creative approach to meet the client’s changing needs. The process of mapping the system and considering key aspects, such as the stage of care, client type, and task of the art therapist, enabled me to understand my role in various systems. It facilitates advocacy for art therapy within systems, enabling art therapy to be applied more meaningfully.