Mural art therapy for young offenders hospitalised with a mental illness

Abstract

Objective: To describe a mural art therapy project completed within an adolescent unit of a secure forensic psychiatric hospital.

Method: The planning, implementation and consecutive stages of the mural art therapy project are described. Pertinent themes are identified.

Results: A cohort of adolescent forensic inpatients was engaged in a group therapeutic process involving collaboration, design and the completion of an art mural. The participants generally approved of the project and identified themes of gaining a sense of achievement, empowerment, teamwork, involvement and ownership. The art mural transformed and improved the visual and spatial environment of the Adolescent unit courtyard.

Conclusions: Mural art therapy was acceptable to young offenders hospitalised with mental illness, which has relevance for adolescent psychiatric units and youth detention centres.

Keywords: adolescent unit; art therapy; mental illness; mural; young offenders.