‘An Exploration of Chronic Pain Using Active Imagination’
(An Arts-Based Heuristic Enquiry)
by HalCamplin (2023)
ABSTRACT:
Background: Art therapy using Carl Jung’s active imagination technique could benefit people with chronic pain.
Aims: This paper is based on research exploring art therapy using active imagination to address the deeper psychological effects of chronic pain.
Method: An arts-based heuristic study by a researcher with lived experience of chronic pain. It applies an active imagination technique developed whilst training.
Results: The data showed that an arts-based active imagination practice can develop self-compassion to meet the psychological needs of a person with chronic pain.
Conclusions: Active imagination has the potential to benefit people with chronic pain.
Implications for practice/policy/future research: It could be integrated into other areas of practice such as mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT), compassion focused therapy and expressive art therapy.
Summary of Findings Including Response Artwork and Active Imagination Transcripts
An Arts-based Heuristic Enquiry: An Exploration of Chronic Pain Using Active Imagination
Hal Camplin
Bristol, UK
Ethical approval for this project was granted by University of South Wales -Faculty of Life Sciences and Education on 16/11/21.
Biographical note
Hal Camplin qualified as an art therapist in 2022. He previously worked within the social care and community arts sectors. He is currently working with adults in a community art therapy studio organisation, schools and for people in alcohol and addiction recovery in Bristol (where he lives).