CIELLE JANSEN-VAN VUURENAn exploratory mixed-methods case study of a closed online art and eco therapy small group for mental health professionals for stress management and increased self-care and well-being

I grew up in beautiful Zimbabwe before moving to Brisbane with my partner and son. I have always loved creativity, however, studying fine art enhanced my experience of the healing qualities of artmaking. This facilitated my exploration of loss, belonging and memory cultivated from my experiences of migration. I engaged in art therapy studies to create a safe space to share with others the wonder, insight and alchemy of creative expression. I am also passionate about the potential for transnational connectivity and community engagement through therapeutic art making with groups.  Learning to settle into a new environment reignited my passion and concern for nature. This passion, a heritage from family camping trips in the Zimbabwean bush, has been amplified by my experiences of the amazing beaches and rainforests in Australia.

This research project interweaves my passion for creativity, nature, interconnectedness and well-being. The idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as the potential for connectivity through online platforms was highlighted as well as varying individual and community experiences and stressors within this context. This project explores how the combination of art therapy plus ecotherapy (nature-based therapy) in a 5-week online program could facilitate stress management and self-care and well-being for mental health professionals. Whilst data analysis is not complete, preliminary findings indicate that all participants consistently experienced reduced stress after sessions, there were mixed findings for professional self-care practices and some participants rated higher well-being. Thank you to the Australian Critical Incident Stress Association (ACISA) who granted me a scholarship in support of this project.

My artworks highlight key aspects of my experiences as a student- researcher and online group facilitator. This includes initial sorting through research ideas, through to hopes for the group as well as processing my fears around running the group and meeting deadlines. I also explore symbols and concepts that arose during the group sessions that resonated with my research journey. I utilised a combination of media in most of the artworks, including the use of natural elements such as paperbark or natural colours and processes such as eco dyeing. In this way I co-created with nature, portraying the synergistic relationship between art making and natural processes. This balance between experiencing natural elements and creating art was a crucial aspect of the online group. A common thread in most artworks is the use of gold, which for me speaks of the uniqueness and value of each participant.


Seeds
Seeds
Digitally enhanced photography of original work eco dye and pen
20.5 cm x 20 cm
This work explores various research ideas I had initially and the gradual process of refining these. I found this unclear and confusing at times but gradually ‘gold’ did emerge.

 

Community Hopes
Community Hopes
Digitally enhanced photography of original work eco dye and pen
32 cm x 32 cm
Prior to commencing the online eco art therapy sessions I created this work to express my hopes for the group to be safe space where each person could feel respected and supported.

 

Overwhelm
       Overwhelm
       Naturally dyed paper, watercolour and chalk pastels
 30 cm x 21 cm
This work explores my sense of overwhelm and uncertainty during the ethics application process. The artwork lacks defined figures however, gold tints speak of the encouragement and help provided by others.

 

Trust the Process I
      Trust the Process I
      Naturally dyed paper, watercolour and chalk pastels
I explore my anxiety and excitement around group facilitation. Creating this artwork mindfully and intuitively reminded me to breathe, be fully present and make a gentle space for artmaking, nature and group therapeutic processes to work.
30 cm x 21 cm

 

Heart Gift
      Heart Gift
Digitally enhanced photograph of original work - naturally dyed paper, watercolour and chalk pastels
33 cm x 33 cm
This symbol emerged during the group and highlighted the beauty of group sharing and caring for self and others. It is not a perfectly shaped heart and has many different facets.

 

Community of Trees
Community of Trees
Naturally dyed paper, watercolour, coffee, turmeric, paprika and blueberries
53 cm x 39 cm
When the group ended, I created this for some closure. I had learnt so much from facilitating this group and wished the participants well in their journey of self-care and well-being.

 

Trust the process II
Trust the process II
Digitally enhanced image of naturally dyed watercolour paper, coffee and iron water
63 cm x 55 cm
In this artwork natural processes and artmaking are combined highlighting the potential for these to be jointly utilised to co-create a space for exploration. This represents the essence of this research project and reiterates the beauty of trusting the process.

 

Self-care reminder
      Self-care reminder
Paperbark, glue, shell, gold ink
Approximately 45 cm x 15 cm
As we approach the end of semester and pressure is mounting, this assemblage of found natural elements reminds me to intentionally and mindfully take time out in nature or create art even if just for five minutes.