Arts for the Blues: Model

Arts for the Blues is an evidence-based psychotherapy for depression, anxiety and mental wellbeing. The therapy is delivered in groups facilitated by Arts for the Blues trained practitioners. Sessions may include mark-making, gentle movement, writing, and music-making, and participants are supported to engage at their own pace.

Ingredients overview

Arts for the Blues is delivered in four stages, informed by cognitive behavioural, person-centred, psychodynamic, and group therapy Arts for the Blues is delivered in four stages, informed by cognitive behavioural, person-centred, psychodynamic, and group therapy approaches. The therapy includes eight key ingredients that are informed by the evidence of helpful factors in therapy. Each section of the therapy focuses on two specific ingredients and provides a framework under which therapeutic change is supported.

Diagram of a 12‑session group therapy process showing four stages—Introduction, Building strengths, Addressing challenges, and Closure—with key ingredients progressing from engagement and relationships to deeper understanding and integration.

What do the key ingredients look like?

1.

Encouraging active engagement

2.

Learning skills & developing relationships

3.

Expressing emotions

4.

Processing at a deeper level & gaining understanding

5.

Experimenting with different ways of being

6.

Integrating useful material

Arts for the Bluse circular blue logo with four pointed diamond in middle, text reading MIND - Tameside Case Study

Get in Touch

For more information on how you can get involved with Arts for the Blues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team.