Bildterapi i socialt arbete? Fyra yrkesverksamma bildterapeuter intervjuas om metodens möjligheter och hinder i en svensk kontext

Sammanfattning

Social work is largely characterised by verbal approaches, while many clients who come into contact with social services may have limited opportunities to express their experiences in words. This highlights the need for alternative and complementary methods, particularly for individuals with traumatic experiences, mental health problems, neurodevelopmental disabilities, or long-term social vulnerability. Internationally, image-based and art therapy are used in different areas of social work, whereas in Sweden, the method is mainly established within psychiatry, healthcare, and educational settings. This study aims to explore how professional art therapists describe the possibilities, areas of use, and barriers of art therapy in relation to social work in Sweden. The study adopts a qualitative approach and is based on semi-structured interviews with four art therapists working in different sectors. The results show that image-based and art therapy are perceived as particularly meaningful in work with clients who have difficulties expressing themselves verbally, as image-making can support alternative forms of communication, processing, and understanding. At the same time, the use of the method within social services is described as being limited by organisational requirements, unclear professional boundaries, and a strong emphasis on documentation and evidence-based practice. The study concludes that image-based and art therapy have the potential to function as a complementary approach within social work, but that their use requires increased knowledge, clearer organisational structures, and continued dialogue between professional groups. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the conditions that influence the use of non verbal methods within Swedish social work.