WRITING AND LITERATURE IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: A NEW PERSPECTIVE THROUGH THE ART THERAPY APPROACH

Abstract

Art therapy manifests itself as an innovative and multifaceted psychotherapeutic approach, based on the contributions of its precursor Margaret Naumberg, an American psychologist, professor, artist, and writer, and is recognized as an integrative tool capable of fusing art, symbolism, creativity, and clinical care. This study aims to present and contextualize, in a comprehensive manner, the use of writing and literature as therapeutic resources within psychotherapy, from the perspective of the art therapy approach. This is a qualitative literature review on the theme: "Writing and Literature in Psychotherapy," conducted and grounded in searches in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Portal de Periódicos Eletrônicos em Psicologia (PEPSIC) databases, using the descriptors: "Art Therapy," "Psychotherapy," "Clinical Psychology," "Therapeutic Writing," and "Bibliotherapy." The research indicates that this practice has notable relevance in certain population profiles, namely: children and adolescents, adults experiencing psychological distress, and the elderly or chronically ill patients. In these groups, art therapy has significantly contributed to emotional development, the construction and strengthening of identity, the processing of painful experiences, and the promotion of well-being. However, it is noted that there is a need for greater methodological systematization and a solid and extensive body of scientific research that reiterates its clinical use and expands its incorporation into formal therapeutic contexts, reinforcing its relevance as a consolidated practice in mental health.