Towards desistance : art therapy with an adolescent serving probation within an approved institution

Through a practitioner-based single case study, this dissertation examines the potential of art therapy in supporting an adolescent on probation within an institution in desisting from offending. This research seeks to resolve two questions. How does an art therapy service, rendered in a forensic setting, work towards the rehabilitative goals of a client? What therapeutic benefits are experienced from participating in an art therapy service provided within a forensic setting? A discussion of a client’s participation across the formats of open art studio, group art therapy, and individual art therapy, is presented in conjunction with client artwork, and results from a client-reported pre and post test. Findings suggest that art therapy rendered within an approved institution compliments case management initiatives, providing psychological and emotional containment to facilitate self-exploration, thereby supporting the client in identifying personal goals, and re-establishing a pro-social identity. A range of therapeutic benefits from participation in art therapy within the forensic institution were garnered by the client. Recommendations are made to establish an art therapy service within young offender institutions to support in-care, and to augment aftercare efforts to support reintegration into the community.