Mākslas terapeita kā psiholoģiskās palīdzības sniedzēja intervenču mērķu un funkciju specifika

The aim of the master thesis is to investigate the specificity of the aims and functions of art therapists' interventions as providers of psychological support. Due to the world events of recent years, society is experiencing rapid and unforeseen changes that affect both the physical and psychosocial well-being of people. It is important that psychological support is available and that the aims and functions of the interventions of each psychological support profession are clearly understood. The following research questions were raised: What are the specific aims of the interventions of art therapists as psychological support providers? What are the specific functions of the art therapist as a psychological support worker? What are the functions of the art therapist in common with other psychological therapists? Research method: The research consists of two phases. In order to answer the research questions, a qualitative research design has been chosen - qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Phase 1: Data analysis was conducted on three open-ended questions for psychologists, art therapists and psychotherapists that were included in the 2020 "Survey to Measure the Professional Identity of Psychological Helpers" (Kolmane, 2021, Drunka, 2021,). The participants of the study were psychological helpers - art therapists (n=45) psychologists (n=55), psychotherapy specialists (n=28), psychotherapy doctors (n=8). Categorical contingency analysis was used to process the data obtained at this stage of the study. Phase 2: Focus groups were conducted to gain a broader and deeper perspective on the first three research questions as a form of triangulation. Three focus groups were organised, separately for art therapists (n=4) psychologists (n=4) and psychotherapists (n=3). A thematic analysis was carried out, the results of which were integrated into the description of the results obtained in Phase 1. Results and conclusions: Art therapists' responses on the aims of the interventions indicated that general aims were most frequently mentioned. Art therapists' responses on the aims of the interventions overlap with the aims stated by other psychological support providers. The specificity of the art therapist's function, which is characterised by the use of art and the creative process, is clearly evident. Some of the functions performed by art therapists may also be performed by other professionals. The professional boundaries of the art therapist need to be further explored and clarified.