Art therapy after stroke: Evidence and a need for further research

1 Art therapy after stroke: evidence and a need for further research Frances Reynolds Introduction Long-term disabling conditions threaten a person’s identity and well-being in many ways, through loss of function and discomforting symptoms, changes in roles and occupations, altered social relationships, and a disquietening sense of liminality (Hammel, 2006). There is limited but increasing research into the benefits of creative arts therapies (including art, music, dance and movement, and drama) for people living with various long-term physical conditions, but stroke has largely been neglected (Michaels, 2007) . This paper explores evidence regarding the contribution of visual art therapy to the rehabilitation of stroke survivors.