A qualitative study on the experience of participating in a workshop to strengthen the digital art therapy ethics capacity of prospective art therapists

Abstract

This study aims to explore the meaning of the experiences of prospective art therapists during their participation in a workshop designed to strengthen their competency in digital art therapy ethics. For this purpose, a workshop based on the DO ART model was provided to master’s students majoring in art therapy. The workshop consisted of two four-hour sessions held over two consecutive weeks. The data collection process involved focus group interviews, consisting of a primary language-based group interview, a secondary art-based group interview, and supplementary individual interviews for in-depth exploration. Analysis of the prospective art therapists’ experiences in the workshop aimed at enhancing their ethical competence in digital art therapy yielded three main themes and seven subthemes, leading to the following conclusions. First, the prospective art therapists acknowledged ethical issues, developed an awareness of diverse perspectives, and recognized the need for balanced thinking. Second, they engaged in a process of reflecting on various ethical dilemmas, exploring response strategies, and implementing them. Third, in the process of resolving ethical problems in the digital art therapy environment, the prospective art therapists re-examined the role of the art therapist and solidified their professional identity. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.