Rest, Restore, Rejuvenate: Using Expressive Arts to Support Teachers’ Well-Being

by Gayle Nanninga

This capstone project explores the benefits of group art therapy for supporting the mental health of educators. Since little art therapy research exists on this population, I want to add to the field by learning what other education professionals have been discovering about teachers’ mental health. Due to demanding work conditions, the ever-changing classroom environment, and the emotional labour required to perform in this profession, burnout and compassion fatigue significantly impact the well-being of educators. Four participants were invited to take part in five weekly sessions, which took place in a small art therapy studio. Themes and art activities were purposefully not pre-planned before the group started to encourage teachers to identify what they each needed to address. Participant’s artwork, comments, and feedback were used as data. This data was examined for common themes and five significant benefits were revealed, which included: time and space, the freedom to create, self-reflection, group connection, and the feeling of appreciation. The findings showed that art therapy is an impactful intervention that supports teachers’ mental health. A set space and the creative process allowed for participants to access a relaxed state and self-reflect on aspects of their lives. These discoveries suggest that art therapy could be incorporated into a school calendar or professional development opportunities to foster and support the mental health of education professionals.