Through the Lens of an Anxious Art Therapist: An Art-Based Heuristic Inquiry

Anxiety is often misunderstood and stigmatized, including for mental health professionals who experience anxiety or other mental health challenges. Although there is research on art therapy for anxiety symptoms, little is known about the lived experiences of art therapists with anxiety. This art-based heuristic inquiry explores the first author’s lived experience as an art therapy student with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Following Moustakas’ six phases of heuristic inquiry and Allen’s Open Studio Process, she created a series of ten art images and witness writings about her experiences with GAD and analyzed them qualitatively. Themes identified include fight, flight, or freeze; reoccurring sensations; the unknown and developing an understanding; and the lack of control versus wanting control. The first author created a digital art show to share her insights and foster dialogue. Findings highlight the potential of art-based heuristic inquiry for self-awareness, public awareness and stigma reduction, and for art therapist well-being. While not generalizable, this study contributes to research on therapists’ mental health experiences and may encourage therapists to explore and share their own experiences through art. Building on the inquiry, this article also considers ethics of sharing art about lived experiences.