59-05-032 Proceeding

331 Proceedings of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Congress THE PRACTICE OF ART THERAPY IN HANOI, VIETNAM Bùi Th ị Thanh Mai Vi ệ t Nam University of Fine Arts Abstract : Art therapy is becoming increasingly common in some countries around the world. Based on the signals, images and colors of the patient’s paintings or his or her singing or dancing, the psychologist canmake a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment. Studies into art therapy show that painting, sculpture, and music, with their special abilities, can have a positive impact on people by reducing their stress and making them feel happier and more optimistic. Since the Vietnamese government launched the doi moi (renewal) cause in 1986, there have been opportunities for development and international integration for every area including medicine. Through different channels, art therapy has been introduced into Vietnam. To date, it has been used at certain hospitals. Nevertheless, it is not yet on the agenda of organizations or universities in the country. In order to make use of art in their diagnosis and treatment of diseases, some doctors have taught themselves art and art therapy. Others have tried to get a glimpse of this issue through magazines and books or international conferences and exchange programs concerning medicine and art held in Vietnam. Some others have gained access to information and knowledge of art therapy through lectures on psychology or medicine at universities or health organizations during their overseas psychological or medical courses. In addition, a number of artists, sculptors, musicians and singers have used art, music or handicrafts in various projects as a way to help children with disabilities or sight or hearing impairments. Knowledge of the current practice of art therapy inHanoi, Vietnamwill help psychologists, counselors, educators, art instructors and therapists to promote awareness of the need to design school subjects, curriculum and research on art therapy as well as the interconnection between art and medicine. Thus, this article is aimed at looking at the ongoing practice of art therapy in the city with focus on three following issues: the practice of art therapy in Hanoi, Vietnamese doctors’ views on art therapy, and recommendations for a professional art therapy program in Vietnam. Keywords : art therapy in Hanoi, art therapy in Vietnam, practice of art treatment, use of art therapy, views of art therapy Art therapy provides an alternative for psychology in explaining, understanding and meeting people’s psychology through signals, images, colors, lyrics and melodies. Research in the world has proven that art therapy enables successful treatment of psychological disorders or traumas [1], [2], [3]. While art therapy has been recognized and has become a profession in Western countries, it is a relatively new subject in developing countries including Vietnam. To date, the therapy has been mainly used in examinations, diagnoses and treatments at a few health care establishments such as Mai Huong DaytimeMental Hospital, 1 Central Pediatrics Hospital, 2 National Institute of Mental Health 3 and some art projects which provide support for disabled children or those with hearing impairment in Hanoi.