Abstract

Psychotic experience affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves, which may cause difficulties in the therapeutic approach. Art therapy can help these individuals express their feelings and understand themselves better. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the use of art therapy at the Day Hospital for Psychotic Disorders and Early Intervention of the University Psychiatric Hospital Sveti Ivan in Zagreb, its theoretical background and therapeutic outcomes. Art therapy intervention was structured as a cycle of 12 interconnected art therapy sessions of a semi-open group, where each session had its own theme. The cycle formed an integrated whole. The artworks created were analyzed in a group setting and used for reflection, whereby group members could elaborate and associate on their own artwork and the artwork of their colleagues, offering understanding and compassion, and having corrective experiences on a symbolic level while developing cognitive and emotional insights.