Art Therapy for Major Depression: Positive Psychology and the Therapeutic Alliance

This research set out to answer the following research question: How is the therapeutic alliance built and maintained using a positive psychology model applied to art therapy with a client diagnosed with major depression? Research in positive psychology shows hope for the treatment of individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Some critiques, however, suggest that individuals with major depressive disorder may feel invalidated by therapists using a positive psychology approach. A bibliographical qualitative research design was used to collect data, synthesize, and answer the research question. The research suggested that the therapeutic alliance can be built and maintained between a positive psychology informed art therapist and a client with major depression. A list of recommendations for positive art therapists working with this population is provided. The findings of this paper can be used to further research the application of positive psychology model in art therapy for clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder.